Supporting Engagement with Armed Groups and De Facto Authorities for the Protection and Promotion of Humanitarian Space

This research paper analyses how armed groups and de facto authorities (AGDAs) behave and under what circumstances they may comply with international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL).

In doing so, it sheds light on the root causes of norms’ violations and on the factors that may be conducive to respect for such legal frameworks or restraint in conflict settings. It posits that understanding these phenomena serves two main reasons: (i) predicting future behaviours of AGDAs; and (ii) designing and implementing context-specific strategies aimed at improving respect for the law, and thus protecting and promoting the humanitarian space. The study concludes by proposing a series of practical recommendations for humanitarian actors to support engagement with AGDAs.