Electronic Theses and Dissertation

rauzatul jannah, 2021 abstract analysis of the implementation of distinction principle related to the use of drones as military weapon by united states based on international humanitarian law: faculty of law syiah kuala university (vi. 72), pp.,bibl. (sophia listriani, s.h., ll.m) drones are one of the developments in war technology. drones are not explicitly forbidden and they are not thought to be inherently indiscriminate or malicious. however, in armed conflict situations, any weapon system, including armed drones are obviously subject to international humanitarian law. several drone attacks launched by the united states caused civilian casualties. the use of drones must comply with general principles of international humanitarian law. one of the principles is distinction principles which requires parties to armed conflicts must therefore direct their operations only towards military objectives and differentiate at all times between the civilian and combatants and between military objectives and civilian objects. this study aims to find out the implementation of the distinction principle during armed conflict according to international humanitarian law and how the implementation of the distinction principle regarding the use of drones as military weapons by united states. the research methodology used in this study is normative research. data collection techniques through literature study to obtain secondary data, theoretical reading material, legal history which relate to the material studied, and the judge's decision in several previous cases. this method aims to describe legal regulations and how it is implemented. the results of this study indicate that the distinction principle is basically to provide restrictions to combatants who are involved in armed conflict and protection for the civilian population and objects. the implementation of the distinction principle when the united states uses drones as military weapon is not properly implemented as required by international humanitarian law. this can be seen from the number of civilian casualties who fell during drone attacks and the destruction of civilian objects. it is recommended that states which use armed drones should abide by international humanitarian law, develop and commit to powerful standards for transparency, oversight, and accountability in the use of armed drones and produce regular reports tracking drone strikes and casualties. states must align their practices and policies with international standards.