Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 April 2015
170. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the airstrikes by the United States of America in Pakistan on 15 January 2015 that killed two captives (details supplied). [17007/15]
View answerThe Government is concerned by instances where innocent civilians have been killed by drone attacks.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (commonly referred to as “drones”) are used for both civilian and military purposes. Under international law, there is no prohibition on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles as such. Their use in armed conflict is subject to international humanitarian law. This sets specific requirements in relation to the use of force in armed conflict, including the principles of necessity, proportionality and distinction.
Any indiscriminate use of drones would clearly be contrary to international law. Every effort must be made to avoid civilian casualties and I am deeply concerned by instances where civilians have been killed by attacks using drones.
Ireland has consistently taken the view that combating terrorism must be conducted in full respect of international law, in particular the law of armed conflict and human rights law. In line with the UN Global Strategy on Counter Terrorism, we believe that effective counter terrorism and the protection and promotion of human rights are mutually reinforcing and not competing goals.
