Force applied shall be proportionate to lawful law enforcement objectives.111 Every effort shall be made to limit damage and injury. 112 A range of means for the differentiated use of force shall be available.113 No unnecessary limitations on the rights to free speech, assembly, association or movement shall be imposed.114 No limitations shall be imposed on freedom of opinion.115 The independent functioning of the judiciary shall be maintained.116 All wounded and traumatized persons shall be immediately cared for. 117 Practice All police officials Adopt community policing strategies and monitor levels of social tension among various groups in society and between those groups and the authorities. Be alert to any preparations for unlawful demonstrations. Be tolerant of unlawful but peaceful non-threatening assemblies, so as not to escalate the situation unnecessarily. Establish contact with representatives and with individuals in the crowd. Where it is necessary to disperse a crowd, always leave a clear and obvious corridor of escape. Deal with a crowd as a group of independently thinking individuals, not as a singleminded mass. Avoid unnecessarily provocative tactics. Develop crowd control techniques that minimize the need for the use of force. Enrol in training programmes to improve your skills in first aid; self-defence; the use of defensive equipment; the use of non-lethal instruments; the use of firearms; crowd behaviour; conflict resolution; and personal stress management. Acquire and practise the use of shields, defensive vests, helmets and non-lethal instruments. Acquire, practise and utilise a range of means for the differentiated use of force, including non-lethal incapacitating weapons. Study and employ techniques for persuasion, mediation and negotiation. Plan in advance for the gradual progressive use of force, beginning with non-violent means. Command and supervisory officials Issue clear standing orders on respect for peaceful free assembly. Introduce community policing strategies and monitor levels of social tension among various groups in society, and between those groups and the authorities. 111 Principles on Force and Firearms, principles 2 and 5(a). Principles on Force and Firearms, principle 5(b). 113 Principles on Force and Firearms, principle 2. 114 UDHR, articles 13, 18, 19, 20 and 29(2); ICCPR, articles 4, 12, 18, 19, 21 and 22; Principles on Force and Firearms, principles 12-14. 115 UDHR, articles 19 and 29(2); ICCPR, articles 4 and 19. 116 Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary, principles 1-7; United Nations Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities, “Guidelines for the development of legislation on states of emergency”, The Administration of Justice and the Human Rights of Detainees: Question of Human Rights and States of Emergency, United Nations document E/CN.4/Sub.2/1991/28. 117 Principles on Force and Firearms, principle 5(c). 112 114

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