Launchers 6.5 SHOTGUNS Key Technical Features Human Rights Concerns Shotguns are usually 12 gauge, and can be single- or double-barrelled. Shotguns can fire both less lethal ammunition and lethal ammunition (See entry on ammunition containing multiple metal projectiles (lethal)). Shotguns can be inaccurate and affected by weather conditions, which increases the risk of head and upper body injury. If fired at close range, shotguns can cause severe injury or death. Statements and Standards from Human Rights Bodies Examples of Existing Controls To the best of Omega’s knowledge, there are no statements or standards from human rights bodies on this specific type of equipment, but standards on the use of kinetic impact projectiles and chemical irritants more generally apply. Some national export control regimes include these weapons on their list of equipment that requires an export licence. As some states class this equipment as 'civilian' or 'policing' rather than 'military', they are not always adequately controlled and reported. The EU may prohibit the export of these weapons under its sanction regime when the objective of the sanctions is to prevent the export of weapons that might be used for internal repression in the destination state. Manufacture should be controlled. Proposed Control Trade and transfer should be controlled. Use should be in line with international human rights standards. 113