This means when such force is strictly necessary to protect themselves or others from the imminent threat of death or serious injury, and only when other options for de-escalation are insufficient. Under international law, police officers should only ever use lethal force as a last resort. The most important thing to remember is this: it is the utmost obligation of state authorities, including police, to respect and protect the right to life. The UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials (BPUFF) is the key international instrument that deals with police use of force. There are strict international laws and standards governing how and when police can use force – particularly lethal force.
Unlawful force by police can also violate the right to be free from discrimination, the right to liberty and security, and the right to equal protection under the law. If police force is unnecessary or excessive, it may also amount to torture or other ill-treatment. WHY IS POLICE BRUTALITY A HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUE?Īt its worst, unlawful use of force by police can result in people being deprived of their right to life. This might include beatings, racial abuse, unlawful killings, torture, or indiscriminate use of riot control agents at protests. The term “police brutality” is sometimes used to refer to various human rights violations by police.