Launchers 6.4 LAUNCHING CUPS Launching cups are a metal attachment that fit over the barrel of the shotgun or rifle. Key Technical Features A less lethal grenade is then inserted into the launching cup and a blank cartridge fired, which expels the grenade. The cups can be fitted to the barrels of conventional shotguns or assault rifles, turning them into less lethal weapons. Human Rights Concerns Statements and Standards from Human Rights Bodies Examples of Existing Controls These weapons can be inaccurate and affected by weather conditions, increasing the risk of head and upper body injury. If fired at close range, this weapon can cause severe injury or death. To the best of Omega’s knowledge, there are no statements or standards from human rights bodies on this specific type of equipment, but standards on the use of kinetic impact projectiles and chemical irritants more generally apply. Some national export control regimes include these weapons on their list of equipment that requires an export licence. As some states class these weapons as 'civilian' or 'policing' rather than 'military', they are not always adequately controlled and reported. The EU may prohibit the export of these weapons under its sanction regime when the objective of the sanctions is to prevent the export of weapons that might be used for internal repression in the destination state. Manufacture should be controlled. Proposed Control Trade and transfer should be controlled. Use should conform with international human rights standards. 111