Other Crowd Control 7.8 DAZZLING LASERS Dazzling lasers are optical weapons or ocular disruption devices, which normally include a laser or LEDs. These weapons are intended to cause temporary loss of vision, but no long-term damage to the eyes. Key Technical Features Most contemporary dazzling systems operate in either the red or green areas of the electromagnetic spectrum. Some products can “dazzle” suspects from up to 1000m in daylight, and up to 3000m at night. Dazzling laser weapons can be rifle-shaped with bipods and picatinny rail, shaped like a baton, or designed to be attached as accessories to small arms or light weapons. Human Rights Concerns Use of dazzling lasers may cause permanent loss or damage to vision, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and headaches. Secondary injuries from falls, for example, may also occur as a result of the use of dazzling lasers to cause temporary loss of vision. As of 2021, there has either been a lack of testing done on dazzling lasers, or a lack of reporting on that testing. Statements and Standards from Human Rights Bodies OHCHR: dazzling weapons should not be used “with intent to blind or where permanent blindness is the likely outcome.” 129 Examples of Existing Controls To the best of Omega’s knowledge, there are no controls on the transfer of this equipment. Manufacture should be controlled. Proposed Control Trade and transfer should be controlled. Use should be in-line with international human rights norms. 129 OHCHR, UN human rights guidance on less-lethal weapons in law enforcement, para 7.6.4. 131