Organized armed groups in the International Humanitarian Law

Abstract

States comply with international treaties because they have negotiated, signed and ratified them; however, organised armed groups are not part of these processes and still have an obligation to comply with basic rules of war. This document argues that the Internacional Humanitarian Law must be respected by all those involved in a conflict; besides, it provides arguments for organised armed groups to commit to a norm that they have not directly accepted. International Humanitarian Law as an erga omnes norm shows a specific nature and application, which is why it applies to all citizens, it is a customary norm for which it obliges respect for the norm by all individuals. Finally, an armed group regroups citizens of a country, so they must respect the norms established for the State.