Use of Force Standards

Key international use of force standards.

Omega works to promote the strengthening and implementation of international standards on the use of force and for the prevention of grave human rights violations. If you have questions or are interested in learning more about our work around these and other standards, please get in touch.

United Nations

  • United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
  • Human Rights Guidance on Less-Lethal Weapons in Law Enforcement (Brazilian Portuguese version)
  • Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials
  • Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules)
  • Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials
  • Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders (The Bangkok Rules)
  • Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (The Beijing Rules)
  • Rules for the Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty (The Havana Rules)
  • Istanbul Protocol: Manual on the Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
  • Minnesota Protocol on the Investigation of Potentially Unlawful Death

Inter-American Commission on Human Rights

Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe

  • OSCE - ODIHR & Omega Research Foundation Guide on Law Enforcement Equipment Most Commonly Used in the Policing of Assemblies
  • OSCE - ODIHR Handbook on Monitoring Freedom of Peaceful Assembly: Second Edition

African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights

  • The Robben Island Guidelines for the Prohibition and Prevention of Torture in Africa

Council of Europe