Vatican representative urges UN to discuss moral problems of drone strikes
November 18, 2014
The Vatican’s representative at UN offices in Geneva has questioned the growing use of drones in warfare and called for discussion of how drone strikes should be restricted by international law.
“The challenges are multiple and related to international humanitarian law, to human rights, and to international law,” said Archbishop Silvano Tomasi. He argued: “The automation of war and therefore the risk of its dehumanization should prompt states parties toward a deeper reflection and eventually to a decision to enact the indispensable measures that are necessary.”
Archbishop Tomasi also called for discussion on how civilians can be protected in conflicts within urban areas. “With growing urbanization of the world population, the tendency of urban wars will increase,” he said. At present, he observed, “civilian populations are the first victims of conflicts.”
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