A lot of weapons especially WMD have very cruel ways to kill or injure people during a war. However I was really suprised to learn that there was UN issue on banning Blinding Lasers.
the sample of Protocol 4 to the UN 1980 Convention signed on 13 Oct 1995.
Article 1
It is prohibited to employ laser weapons specifically designed, as their sole combat function or as one of their combat functions, to cause permanent blindness to unenhanced vision, that is to the naked eye or to the eye with corrective eyesight devices. The High Contracting Parties shall not transfer such weapons to any State or non-State entity.
Article 2
In the employment of laser systems, the High Contracting Parties shall take all feasible precautions to avoid the incidence of permanent blindness to unenhanced vision. Such precautions shall include training of their armed forces and other practical measures.
Article 3
Blinding as an incidental or collateral effect of the legitimate military employment of laser systems, including laser systems used against optical equipment, is not covered by the prohibition of this Protocol.
Article 4
For the purpose of this protocol "permanent blindness" means irreversible and uncorrectable loss of vision which is seriously disabling with no prospect of recovery. Serious disability is equivalent to visual acuity of less than 20/200 Snellen measured using both eyes.
One thing that confuses my mind is that, why there was a specific interest at blinding lasers? It is horrible to blind people, but it also horrible to shoot them with bullets as well, or use many other types of weapons. Do you guys know the reasons behind this UN Protocol?
the sample of Protocol 4 to the UN 1980 Convention signed on 13 Oct 1995.
Article 1
It is prohibited to employ laser weapons specifically designed, as their sole combat function or as one of their combat functions, to cause permanent blindness to unenhanced vision, that is to the naked eye or to the eye with corrective eyesight devices. The High Contracting Parties shall not transfer such weapons to any State or non-State entity.
Article 2
In the employment of laser systems, the High Contracting Parties shall take all feasible precautions to avoid the incidence of permanent blindness to unenhanced vision. Such precautions shall include training of their armed forces and other practical measures.
Article 3
Blinding as an incidental or collateral effect of the legitimate military employment of laser systems, including laser systems used against optical equipment, is not covered by the prohibition of this Protocol.
Article 4
For the purpose of this protocol "permanent blindness" means irreversible and uncorrectable loss of vision which is seriously disabling with no prospect of recovery. Serious disability is equivalent to visual acuity of less than 20/200 Snellen measured using both eyes.
One thing that confuses my mind is that, why there was a specific interest at blinding lasers? It is horrible to blind people, but it also horrible to shoot them with bullets as well, or use many other types of weapons. Do you guys know the reasons behind this UN Protocol?