Inhumane methods of riot control

Nature

Many riot control methods are detrimental to health; although there are weapons that cause no longlasting distress to able-bodied people, the elderly, the sick and young children can be affected quite seriously.

Background

The global concern over inhumane methods of riot control emerged prominently in the late 20th century, as media coverage exposed excessive force during civil unrest in countries such as South Africa, South Korea, and Brazil. International scrutiny intensified following documented injuries and fatalities from chemical agents, rubber bullets, and indiscriminate beatings. Human rights organizations began systematically tracking abuses, prompting United Nations reports and calls for stricter regulation and accountability in the deployment of crowd-control measures worldwide.

Incidence

Plastic and rubber bullets used by riot police as the first line of defence have killed 15 people in Northern Ireland between 1969 and 1986.

Claim

The use of riot control weapons seems to be dictated by the wish to discourage people from exercising their democratic rights of peaceful demonstration. The use of many weapons is indiscriminate and although theoretically safe, when used during a riot - a time of pressure - they can be mishandled.