 ISSN 2588-0497 |
THE ROLE OF THE ICRC IN PROMOTING COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW BY NON-STATE ARMED GROUPS IN CONTEMPORARY ARMED CONFLICTS
English
Year:
2024
Issue number:
2
Resume:
The article examines the outreach and awarness-raisingactivities of the ICRC with non-state armed groups in promoting IHL. Engagement with NSAGs is a crucial aspect of the ICRC’s work, as it helps to build confidence in the organization, ensureaccess to civilian population, and enhance the safety of personnel, as well as promote compliance by NSAGs with their obligations under IHL. The ICRC conducts workshops and training courses on IHL, adapting its approach to the ideological, cultural, structural, and other specific characteristics of each NSAG, and develops videomaterials and guidelines for compliance with the norms, taking into account their practical application by the armed groups. As a result, many NSAGs incorporate specific norms into their codes of conduct, adhere to declarations recognizing their obligations, and make unilateral statements of commitment to humanitarian principles. However, the ICRC cannot compel NSAGs to comply with IHL, and the great part of consistent engagement become possible due to the NSAGs’ willingness, motivated by the opportunities to enhance their legitimacy in the eyes of international and local communities. The principle of confidentiality of the ICRC is not absolute and can be breached in cases of systematic violations, and such unveilings often prompt NSAGs to make efforts to improve the discipline of their fighters.
Key words:
ICRC, non-state armed groups, international humanitarian law, humanitarian diplomacy
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