In what situation is the use of a machine gun prohibited by international law?

The prohibition of using a machine gun against civilian populations is grounded in international humanitarian law, specifically in the context of armed conflict. This legal framework seeks to protect those who are not participating in hostilities, including civilians, and to establish limits on the means and methods of warfare. Attacking civilian populations is considered a violation of the principles of distinction and proportionality, key tenets that dictate that parties to a conflict must distinguish between combatants and non-combatants and must not cause excessive harm to civilians in relation to the anticipated military advantage.

In contrast, using machine guns against armored vehicles is generally accepted in combat scenarios where military objectives are concerned, and their use in training exercises is crucial for maintaining readiness and proficiency among troops. In self-defense, machine guns may also be employed to protect oneself or others against imminent threats. However, engaging civilians, regardless of the context, is unequivocally prohibited under international law, highlighting the importance of safeguarding human rights even in warfare.