The use of drones in armed conflicts has increased significantly in recent years, raising humanitarian, legal and other concerns. ICRC President Peter Maurer addresses humanitarian, legal and other aspects of the use of armed drones.

Under international humanitarian law – the rules of war, i.e. the set of laws governing armed conflicts – drones are not expressly prohibited, nor are they considered to be inherently indiscriminate or perfidious. In this respect, they are no different from weapons launched from manned aircraft such as helicopters or other combat aircraft. It is important to emphasize, however, that while drones are not unlawful in themselves, their use is subject to international law.

The adoption of the Arms Trade Treaty on April 2nd - the first time that a majority of States agreed to establish controls on international transfers of conventional weapons and ammunition - was a historic moment.

Nathalie Weizmann, a legal advisor at our Arms Unit, was the ICRC's focal point for the negotiations that led to the treaty's adoption.

She explains the scope the treaty and its potential impact on persons affected by armed conflict and violence, the role played by the ICRC in the negotiations, and what now needs to be done for States to deliver on their promises.