Non-State Actors

Is the protection afforded by international law during armed conflicts robust enough in light of the nature of today’s conflicts where armed groups often control large populations and territories? What is the role of armed groups in the creation and implementation of the rules they are expected to respect? What are the responsibilities of business enterprises operating in conflict zones? What about the commission of war crimes or crimes against humanity by their staff? 

‘Non-state actors’ – whether armed groups or large multinational business companies – are important actors in contemporary international relations. Most armed conflicts are today of a non-international character, involving numerous armed groups who can control a territory or a population, raising issues about the suitability of the existing protection framework afforded by international human rights law and international humanitarian law. Similar challenges arise in relation to the activities of businesses or transnational companies, notably when they operate in conflict zones or situations of armed violence. 

Our research in this domain explores the extent to which these actors are bound by international law, whether the existing legal framework provides adequate protection and proposes concrete solutions to address these contemporary challenges. 

OUR PROJECTS

Past projects

RESEARCH

From Words to Deeds: A Study of Armed Non-State Actors’ Practice and Interpretation of International Humanitarian and Human Rights Norms

Completed in 2022

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RESEARCH

Business, Human Rights and Conflict-Affected Regions

Completed in 2022

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RESEARCH

Business and Human Rights: Towards a Decade of Global Implementation

Completed in 2022

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RESEARCH

Human Rights Responsibilities and Armed Non-State Actors

Completed in 2021

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RESEARCH

Human Rights and Gender Equality in the Context of Business Activities

Completed in 2020

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RESEARCH

‘Foreign Fighters’ and Counter-Terrorism

Completed in 2018

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RESEARCH

Armed Non-State Actors and the Human Rights Council

Completed in 2016

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RESEARCH

Armed Non-State Actors and the Protection of Civilians

Completed in 2015

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RESEARCH

Rules of Engagement

Completed in 2011

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RESEARCH

The International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers

Completed in 2010

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Related News and Events

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Mexico: Declassification of the Three Armed Conflicts Involving Drug Cartels on RULAC

12 December 2022

While the armed violence between the government and the drug cartels, as well as between cartels themselves, remains high, it has become increasingly challenging to attribute these instances of violence and clashes to specific armed groups.

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Peru, Fruit processing plant in Chincha, south of Lima. News

Holding States Accountable for Implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights

25 March 2022

Our new Working Paper examines existing mechanisms at the national, regional and international levels for holding states accountable for their performance in implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

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Home page of the forum News

Our Director Professor Gaggioli Participated in the European Humanitarian Forum

24 March 2022

Our Director Professor Gloria Gaggioli participated in the European Humanitarian Forum that took place in Brussels from 21 to 23 March 2022.

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