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1.6 In its resolution 25/38, the Human Rights Council encouraged States to make
non-lethal weapons available to their officials exercising law enforcement
duties, while pursuing international efforts to regulate and establish protocols
for training in and use of non-lethal weapons. In its resolution 38/11, the
Council further encouraged the establishment of protocols for training in and
use of non-lethal weapons, bearing in mind that even less-lethal weapons can
result in risk to life.
1.7 In line with international human rights law and principles on the use of
force, the present Guidance applies to acts of law enforcement at all times.
This includes the use of force both in counterterrorism operations outside
the conduct of hostilities during an armed conflict and during situations of
internal disturbance and tension, such as riots, isolated and sporadic acts of
violence, and other acts of a similar nature. The Guidance applies to acts of
law enforcement wherever they occur, including extraterritorially, and even
in exceptional cases where military personnel are acting as law enforcement
officials.
1.8 In this publication, the words “shall”, “should” and “may” are used to convey
the intended degree of compliance with the Guidance. This is consistent with
the use of such language in International Organization for Standardization
(ISO) standards and guidelines. “Shall” is used to indicate a requirement.
“Should” is used to indicate a preferred method or course of action. “May”
is used to indicate a possible method or course of action.
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