The Legality of Depleted Uranium Munitions under International Humanitarian Law

Abstract

This paper examines the legality of the use of depleted uranium munitions under international humanitarian law. It will do so by first providing an overview of the substance ‘depleted uranium’ and explaining how and why this substance is used in munitions. It explores the proliferation of these munitions and the armed conflicts in which they have been used. Following the overview of depleted uranium munitions, this paper explores the environmental and health consequences of the use of depleted uranium munitions in armed conflicts. Utilising this information, this paper considers the legality of depleted uranium munitions under international humanitarian law. Ultimately, this paper argues that although it is becoming increasingly clear that the use of depleted uranium munitions in armed conflicts may have environmental and health implications, depleted uranium munitions are nonetheless legal under international humanitarian law. Their use may, however, be restricted by the ‘precautionary principle’. This paper argues that a regulatory treaty should be developed in order to minimise the environmental and health risks of depleted uranium munitions and clarify their legal position.