actually, it was the UN that bestowed the power for us to go in-

3. Situations other than War in International Law:



There are a number of rights and freedoms, codified in instruments of international human rights law, which are applicable to assemblies, demonstrations, manifestations and similar events. These rights, to which every person is entitled, are:

the right to life (International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Article 6.1);
the right to liberty and security of person (ICCPR, Article 9);
the prohibition on the arbitrary taking of life (ICCPR, Article 6.1);
the prohibition on torture (ICCPR, Article 7);
the right to hold opinions without interference (ICCPR), article 19.1)
the right to freedom of expression (ICCPR, article 19.2)
the right of peaceful assembly (ICCPR, article 21)
the right to freedom of association (ICCPR, article 22.1)
The exercise of those rights is not without limits. Restrictions on their exercise can be imposed, provided that:

they are lawful; and

necessary:

for respect of the rights or reputation of others; or

for the protection of national security or of public order, or of public health or morals (ICCPR, article 19.3, 21 and 22.2)

Note: In addition to the above, the element of "public safety" can present a reason for restriction of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and the right to freedom of association. (see ICCPR, articles 21 and 22.2)

Here the dilemma of maintenance of public order is presented in strict legal terms. People are entitled to an opinion, entitled to express that opinion, entitled to assemble in peace, or to associate with others as long as they meet their responsibilities under the law. Respect for the rights and freedoms of others, or for their reputation, for public order and public safety, for national security, as well as for public health or morals can provide reasons that necessitate restrictions on the exercise of the aforementioned rights. Law enforcement officials will be called upon to enact any such restriction in any situation where such is deemed necessary by competent authorities. This task requires law enforcement officials to be knowledgeable as to peoples rights and freedoms as well as skilled in the technical aspects of maintaining public order.

The operations of police and security forces in the maintenance of public order are generally governed by the provisions of a UN instrument called Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials. This instrument elaborates several basic principles (BP) of particular importance for "policing" assemblies and demonstrations.

In dispersing UNLAWFUL but NON-VIOLENT assemblies police officials shall avoid the use of force or, where that is not practicable, shall restrict the use of force to the minimum extent necessary .(BP 13)

In dispersing VIOLENT Assemblies law enforcement officials may use firearms only when less dangerous means are not practicable;

AND only to the minimum extent necessary

AND ONLY under the conditions stipulated in B.P. 9 (5) (B.P. 14)

When studying B.P. 14 the initial conclusion might be drawn, that here an additional circumstance for the legal use of the firearms is being presented. This is however not true. This principle actually reiterates that only the conditions mentioned in B.P. 9 (an imminent threat to life or serious injury) warrant the use of the firearm. The additional risks posed by a violent assembly i.e. massive crowd appearances, confusion and disorganization, give rise to questions relating to the practicability of the use of the firearm at all in such situations. In view of the potential consequences of such use for not involved persons on the scene. Basic Principle 14 does not warrant the indiscriminate firing into a violent crowd as an acceptable tactic for dispersing that crowd.

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And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.

And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.