United Nations’ Policy on Weapons of Warfare and the Implication on Global Peace and Security

Abstract

Armed conflict is a part of evolution of man and international relations. It is a transitional era which must be conducted in such a manner that would not make a return to peace impossible. The earth’s environment is usually battered by the preparation, conduct and consequences of war. According to the World Charter on Nature of 1982, “nature shall be secured against degradation caused by warfare or other hostile activities, and that military activity damaging to nature shall be avoided”. Armed warfare (international and non-international) are waged differently across the globe today with a resultant widespread impacts on the members of the society and the environment. Although, armed conflict is inevitable, dedicated sections of this study discussed the concept of warfare, typologies, causes of warfare, categories of weapons of warfare, its effect on the environment and the implication of United Nations’ restriction policy on global peace and security. The study probed into existing literatures and consider the related Treaties, Conventions and Protocols set-forth to restrict and prohibit the exploitation of violence and diverse methods of warfare in all armed conflict whether domestic or international. The study have observed that the activities of combating parties have had negative impact on the environment, civilian objects and animals. Their engagement has led to loss of lives, destruction of public properties, basic social amenities and superfluous injury and unnecessary suffering on non-combatant. Despite United Nation establishing ‘rules of engagement’ to mitigate the suffering caused by warfare, it is pitiful to note that nations around the world have continued to engage in the deployment of prohibited weapons in warfare. Hence, the study concluded and feature recommendations for all levels of weapon policy apparatus as well as solutions to ensure global peace and stability.