© Robin Ballantyne Chinese 38mm Multiple Grenade Launcher right: Chinese 64mm Multiple Grenade Launcher © Robin Ballantyne above: Problematic equipment whose use should be suspended pending further research Multiple launchers: Chinese companies produce different types of multiple launchers for the rapid or simultaneous discharge at one time of many projectiles such as rubber bullets or chemical irritants. These have no tactical necessity in law enforcement and are by nature indiscriminate. Amnesty International and Omega recommend that the use of such multiple launchers in law enforcement be suspended from use in law enforcement, pending further research by an independent expert, taking into account international human rights standards for the use of force. Chemical irritants and kinetic impact equipment with legitimate uses under strict regulation The kinetic impact rounds: These rounds produced by Chinese companies usually contain either a single rubber projectile or several smaller projectiles (often rubber balls). They are designed to deter individuals threatening serious violence in a stand-off situation through causing pain and by preventing normal movement. However such projectiles can be notoriously inaccurate, sometimes bouncing off surrounding surfaces, and are affected by weather conditions such as wind. Such projectiles can result in death or serious injury, especially if they hit a person’s head or upper body.47 Accordingly, law enforcement authorities should ensure that each type of projectile and launcher to be deployed has been rigorously and independently tested for accuracy and force of impact, and that officers using this equipment have received specialist training in correct use and targeting in accordance with the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms. The use of kinetic impact projectiles should be strictly limited to situations of violent disorder posing a risk of harm to persons, where the projectiles are used in order to contain and stop the violence and only when less extreme means are insufficient to achieve this objective. The projectiles must be carefully targeted and aimed only at persons directly involved in such violence and must never be aimed at the head, upper body or groin areas. They should not be intentionally rebounded off the ground before striking the target. Where possible, clear warnings should be given before firing 14 China’s Trade in Tools of Torture and Repression Amnesty International – Index: ASA 17/042/2014