Chapter

Ensuring human security in armed conflicts : the role of non-state actors and its reflection in current international humanitarian law

Veronika Bílková

Human security and international law : the challenge of non-state actors

Cambridge [etc.] : Intersentia, 2014

p. 29-51

English

This chapter examines the interface between international humanitarian law and human security. More specifically, she examines whether, and tho what extent, relevant NSAs in armed conflict interact with the three normative components of IHL - "rescue", "rights" and "responsibility" - and how these components, and non-State actor (NSA) activities relate to the concept of human security. The author avers that IHL is not ignorant of NSA human security threats and opportunities ; IHL has indeed conferred rights and obligations on such NSAs such as the ICRC, armed opposition groups and national liberation movements. A dialogue has even been established with some armed groups about the protection of civilians. The author problematises, however, how IHL has equally afforded insufficient regulatory justice to the roles of other NSAs that are increasingly active in situations of violent conflict, in particular NGOs, transnational corporations and the mass media.

• Human security and international law : the challenge of non-state actors / Cedric Ryngaert, Math Noortmann (eds.)