Abstract

RUSHBY, Rachel Sïmon. Armed drones and the use of lethal force: New technologies and known challenges. rev.ces derecho [online]. 2017, vol.8, n.1, pp.22-47. ISSN 2145-7719.

The use of armed drones has increased exponentially over the past 15 years; this article considers the legality of armed drones in international law. The legal framework governing the use of armed drones depends on the context in which they are deployed. In armed conflicts the rules governing their use are found in international humanitarian law, if drones are used for law enforcement their use is governed by relevant domestic and international human rights law. We will explore the compatibility of the use of armed drones with both these legal frameworks. There are no reported cases of Colombia using armed drones but, given their proliferation globally, it is likely that the technology will be adopted. Regardless of when and whether that happens, this article considers the legal challenges presented by drones and applies them to the situation in Colombia.

Keywords : Armed Drones; Articles 35 and 36 of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions; Armed Conflicts; Colombia; International Humanitarian Law; International Human Rigths Law.

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