international humanitarian law

Under international humanitarian law, the wilful killing of protected persons constitutes a grave breach of the Geneva Conventions and therefore constitutes a war crime, says the UN High Commissioner.

Campaign Against Arms Trade is considering all options for legal action to challenge the decision.

Warring parties in the ongoing battle for Tripoli have killed and injured scores of civilians in indiscriminate attacks using inaccurate weapons in populated urban areas, Amnesty International says.

Campaigners argued that the decision to grant export licences is unlawful as  there is a clear risk arms might be used in a serious violation of International Humanitarian Law.