Protection of Civilians in Areas Under the Control of Armed Groups

Aim: The purpose of the study is to investigate the protection of civilians in areas under the control of armed groups. This is done through focusing on the protection challenges, violations of International Humanitarian Law, international efforts to protect civilians and the important issues from IHL Perspective. Background and Problem: Armed groups are increasingly becoming a threat as de facto they frequently maintain control over civilian populations. International humanitarian law stipulates that non-combatants in armed conflicts are subject to certain rights and protection. However, some armed organizations may break this law and cause suffering for residents in the regions they control. Methodology: The methodology applied entailed the extensive review of existing literature. Articles were explored in terms of their various approaches to the application of international law to the protection of civilians in areas controlled by armed groups. Results and Conclusions: In some cases, armed groups violate these regulations by targeting civilians through violent attacks, kidnapping, impeding civilians’ freedom of movement and other violent acts such as forced labor and sexual assault and abuse. They may also restrict their access to necessary services and aid. Consequently, the UN continues to advance efforts to protect civilians in areas controlled by armed groups. The IHL is against the displacement of civilians and ensuring access to civilians. Overall, the international community is consistently focused on ensuring that civilians in areas under the control of armed groups are adequately protected.