CYIL 2010

MARTIN FAIX CYIL 1 ȍ2010Ȏ operational commanders, which delineate the parameters within which force may be used by designated international peace operations personnel” . 8 Even though arriving at a generally accurate definition is not the purpose of this contribution, one of the aspects of the aforementioned definition needs to be stated more precisely: ROE are being issued and implemented in a wide spectrum of operations, comprising not only cases of international armed conflict but also non international armed conflicts and an entire spectrum of other types of operations involving the potential use of force, operations described by the summary term of Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW). This has a decisive impact on their content. 9 In the case of an international armed conflict, the use of military force is generally allowed; exceptions and certain explicit prohibitions are embodied in international humanitarian law. In MOOTW, the use of military force is allowed only if explicitly authorised by the ROE, observing two important principles – restraint and legitimacy, 10 which means that international legal principles of proportionality, the minimum use of force and the requirement to minimise the potential of collateral damage have to be followed. 11 The authorisation for the use of force depends on conditions reflecting the international law parameters of the operation, as stipulated, for example, in the mandate for the operation, or in the agreement with the host country. These parameters evidently define the framework and the scope of ROE and thus have to be distinguished from them. In addition to the mandate for the operation and the agreements with host states, the Operation Plan and Standard Operating Procedures should also be mentioned as important documents forming the basis of military operations and possibly containing provisions on the use of force as the main aspect of ROE. The operation’s mandate is the legal basis not only for the deployment and actions of forces, but also serves as the legal basis for ROE. While it is desirable that mandates be issued by the UN Security Council, since this is the body that has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, mandates established on another international legal basis, e.g. host state content, 12 8 B. F. Klappe, International Peace Operations , 2008, op. cit. Footnote No 2, p. 655; compare, e.g. the EU’s definition of ROE: “ROE are directives to military commanders and forces (including individuals) that define the circumstances, conditions, degree, and manner in which force, or other actions which might be construed as provocative, may, or may not, be applied. ROE are not used to assign tasks or give tactical instructions.” (European Union Military Committee: Use of Force Concept for EU-led Military Crisis Management Operations – 1st revision, Part III: Use of Force/H/50), information taken from and definition printed in: Österreichs Bundesheer, Truppendienst, Ausgabe 4/2008. 9 P. Dreist, Rules of Engagement in multinationalen Operationen – ausgewählte Grundsatzfragen, NZWehrR . 2007, 2, p. 51. 10 T. Finlay, The Use of Force in UN Peace Operations . Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002. p. 486 [14] (in the following only, T. Finlay, The Use of Force in UN Peace Operations ). 11 Benn F. Klappe, International Peace Operations, 2008, op. cit. Footnote No. 2, p. 659. 12 Benn F. Klappe, International Peace Operations, op. cit. Footnote No. 2, p. 648.

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