A Study of Armed Non-State Actors’ Practice and
Interpretation of International Humanitarian and Human Rights Norms

Armed non-State actors (ANSAs) are key players in today’s armed conflict. In many countries, they directly impact civilian populations and pose increasing challenges for the humanitarian community.  While they are bound by the law of armed conflict, what ANSAs say about it and how they act upon its rules has yet remained insufficiently explored.

This website presents the ouputs of a two-year research project on the practice and interpretation of ANSAs with respect to ten key international humanitarian norms. It is hoped that the results of the project will advance our understanding of the dynamics of ANSAs and help to inform the strategies and interventions of humanitarian actors and other stakeholders to promote their compliance with IHL.