Senegalese security forces using human shield - Violation of international law

The use of human shields is forbidden by Protocol I of the Geneva Conventions.

It is also a specific intent war crime as codified in the 1988 Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and customary international law

“International law is explicit and absolutely prohibits the use of children as human shields by armed forces or armed groups," said Ayed Abu Eqtaish, Accountability Program director at Defense for Children International... intentionally putting a child in grave danger in order to shield themselves constitutes a war crime.”

 

 An 8 year old child used as a human shield by Senegalese security forces

 

 

A detained young man, age unknown is used as a human shield by Senegalese security forces