Beyond the State of Play: Establishing a Duty of Non-State Armed Groups to Provide Reparations

It is generally recognized that non-state armed groups, such as rebel or terrorist organizations, have a responsibility to respect international humanitarian law and to refrain from committing atrocities and other violations of human rights. However, there is currently no established duty for such groups to provide reparations to victims of their actions.

Reparations are compensation or restitution for harm or damage suffered by individuals or communities as a result of violations of international law. They can take many forms, including monetary payments, apologies, and other forms of redress.

Establishing a duty for non-state armed groups to provide reparations would be a significant step towards ensuring accountability for their actions and providing justice for victims. However, it would also present significant challenges, as non-state armed groups are often not subject to the same level of control or oversight as state actors, and may not have the resources or ability to provide reparations.

Additionally, there are complex legal and political considerations involved in determining the scope and nature of such a duty, and in ensuring that reparations are provided in an equitable and effective manner. Further research and discussion is needed on this topic in order to develop a clear and comprehensive approach to the issue of non-state armed group reparations.