Dynamism of Rules of International Law and Measuring Possibility of Using Drones

Making of drones and their development in recent decades have brought about legal challenges regarding their transboundary uses, particularly for military purposes. Following the events of September 11, 2001, drones have been used as a mean for targeted killing of suspects during operations called “war on terrorism” and such usage is still continuing. Today, drones are even used outside of battlefields and armed conflict zones. This transformation in using drones, is a major threat to application of the principle of prevention of use of force and also respect for rules of human rights and International humanitarian laws. Based on accepted principles and rules of international law, the uses of drones, in peace or war times, are subject to rules and limitations. The main purpose of this article is analysing rules of international law governing the uses of drones, particularly for military purposes. Results of this study reveals that lack of consensus among states and absence of a comprehensive and binding international convention are among the main obstacles in regulating the use of drones. Accordingly, it is necessary to resolve these obstacles through the United Nations (UN) decisions and actions.