Dear :

I am writing to urge an immediate and total ban on the use of plastic bullets in Northern Ireland. The use of plastic bullets has been condemned by numerous international human rights organizations and the European Union. The continued use of plastic bullets by the security forces in Northern Ireland shows a disregard for the human rights of citizens of the United Kingdom.

The U.K. does not use plastic bullets in England, Scotland, or Wales because of the danger of serious injury and death. However, this does not prevent their use in Northern Ireland. Fourteen people, including seven children, have been killed by plastic bullets since 1974 in Northern Ireland. Hundreds more have suffered grievous and life-changing injuries, such as blindness and shattered bones. Furthermore, the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) deploys these weapons to protect property when there is no serious threat to police officers or others. The use of potentially lethal force to protect property contravenes the most basic international standards for the use of potentially lethal force.

Human rights organizations and well-respected international monitors have documented the misuse of plastic bullets by the security forces in Northern Ireland. According to the RUC's own guidelines, plastic bullets should not be fired at a range of less than twenty meters and should be aimed to strike the lower half of the body. However, the types of injuries regularly reported (head and chest) and their severity (fractured skulls and shattered bones) indicate the RUC routinely disregards its own guidelines. Further, I am seriously concerned about allegations that plastic bullets are used in a sectarian manner. The sectarian use of plastic bullets can only serve to heighten tensions in Northern Ireland and can lead to further violence.

I urge you to implement a total ban on the use of the use of plastic bullets now before the use of these weapons fuels tensions associated with 1998 marching season in Northern Ireland.

Sincerely,

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