Armed non-state actors and International Norms
Towards a better protection of civilians in armed conflicts
The Academy has been commissioned by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs to conduct a study on the ownership of humanitarian norms by armed non-state actors (ANSAs). The study looks at the capacity and willingness of such entities to accept and take responsibility for the respect of norms intended to protect civilians. It addresses both the applicable legal regime and good practice in promoting greater ownership of humanitarian norms by ANSAs. The study is based on views of armed non-state actors themselves as well as experiences of those engaged in dialogue with ANSAs.
The Project has been conducted by Dr. Annyssa Bellal and Dr. Stuart Casey‐Maslen. Prof. Andrew Clapham also collaborated to this project. The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs sponsored and supported the project.
Process
The Academy organised a first workshop to discuss the preliminary findings of the study on the legal landscape and on policies and programmes regarding engagement with ANSAs. The workshop brought together selected academic and research institutions, intergovernmental, international and non-governmental organisations, and concerned governments. A further workshop was organised in October 2010 to discuss the protection of civilians in armed conflicts with a number of armed non-state actors and/or their representatives. A third workshop with state representatives was held in Geneva in May 2011.
Outcome
The Academy published a report which was launched on 29 November 2011 at the International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent.
Rules of Engagement - Protecting Civilians through Dialogue with Armed Non-State Actors
Règles d'Engagement - La protection des civils à travers un dialogue avec les acteurs armés non étatiques
Reglas del Juego - Cómo proteger a los civiles mediante el diálogo con los actores armados no estatales
Researchers and contact persons
Dr. Annyssa Bellal, Research Fellow
Dr. Stuart Maslen, Research Fellow and main contact person for this project
Related documents
Summary of initial research and discussions during an expert workshop in Geneva in March 2010
Summary of good practice discussed and elaborated during an expert workshop in October 2010
