Assignment: Sources, systems and standards for human rights and humanitarian law You have just arrived in Exland as part of the first group of peacekeepers fielded under the agreements. You have been asked to serve, on behalf of CIVPOL, as a member of a joint United Nations/Exland commission charged with the drafting of standing orders on human rights for Exland National Law Enforcement Officials. On reviewing existing national police procedures in Exland, you discover that the national rules are significantly weaker than international standards require. The delegation from Exland argues that international standards are irrelevant, as Exland is a sovereign country and only national laws and regulations can be held to apply to its police. They further argue that Exland is faced with grave threats to national security and a near total breakdown in law and order. In that context, they insist, strong human rights safeguards will only serve to complicate the work of national law enforcement, rendering an already difficult job impossible. You must convince the Exland delegation that strengthening human rights protections in law enforcement practice is both an obligation and a positive step towards making law enforcement more – rather than less – effective, in practical terms. Task: Prepare a list of arguments based on your own experience and on the presentation and discussion held during this session. 24