MISSING PIECES - Inter-Parliamentary Union
MISSING PIECES - Inter-Parliamentary Union
MISSING PIECES - Inter-Parliamentary Union
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<strong>MISSING</strong> <strong>PIECES</strong><br />
quasi-militaristic approaches to policing’ that have their origins in previous<br />
colonial practices. It also highlighted the fact that some recent regional<br />
codes of conducts do not specifically refer to the use of firearms. Parliamentarians<br />
can lead a process of investigation into implementation of the<br />
standards at a national or local/state level, and strongly encourage respect<br />
and adherence to these principles.<br />
In 2003 the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Violations Committed<br />
with Small Arms noted that: “State practice regarding the training,<br />
planning of operations and investigation of arms-related violations by<br />
State agents falls woefully below the standards articulated by international<br />
human rights bodies.” 18 In response, she developed a set of Draft Principles<br />
that, among other things, address this issue, complementing and reinforcing<br />
existing norms. 19 These Principles were transmitted in September<br />
2006 to the Human Rights Council, which now has the possibility to<br />
adopt them.<br />
TRAINING<br />
“The 114 th Assembly of the <strong>Inter</strong>-<strong>Parliamentary</strong> <strong>Union</strong> . . . encourages<br />
parliaments to ensure also that national legislation is matched by the<br />
allocation of adequate means for the national authorities, including<br />
training and equipment, to ensure the strict enforcement of national<br />
laws.”<br />
—IPU resolution, 114th Assembly, 12 May 2006 , para. 10<br />
Training is an essential element of increasing police respect for international<br />
norms and standards. Indeed, Principles 18, 19, and 20 of the UN<br />
Basic Principles require governments and law enforcement agencies to provide<br />
continuous and thorough professional training, and that law enforcement<br />
officers are tested in accordance with standards in the use of force. 20<br />
Principle 19 stipulates that law enforcement officers who are required to<br />
carry a gun should only be authorised to do so after completing a special<br />
training course. 21 The fact is, however, that training is not a priority in many<br />
countries. Many police forces are taught how to fire a gun, but not how to<br />
assess whether it should be fired in the first place. 22 Technical proficiency<br />
is often more highly valued than adherence to norms governing the use<br />
of force. 23<br />
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