Publication

This paper examines the legality of transferring arms to opposition forces in Syria, particularly for the UK. The EU arms embargo was lifted at the end of May 2013, meaning that the transfer of arms could be legal under EU law. However, it has still yet to be determined whether this is also the case in British and international law. The authors argue that arming the rebels could be seen as an illegal use of force, and a breach of the principle of non-intervention. This could mean that the UK would be culpable for any human rights abuses committed by those who use UK-supplied weapons.