The new study from the ICRC, entitled “Obligations of non-State armed groups towards separated family members, missing or deceased: what international humanitarian law says and examples of implementation” (in English), relies on law and real-life practices to provide NSAGs with concrete guidance on how they can preserve family life, prevent disappearances, protect missing persons, and ensure that the deceased receive dignified treatment, regardless of the side they belonged to.
This report reaffirms the rules of IHL applicable to non-international armed conflicts and, with concrete examples to support, shows how NSAGs can fulfill their obligations. Drawing from its operational experience, the ICRC accounts for observed or reported practices as well as the doctrines of 64 groups currently involved in non-international armed conflicts or having participated in such conflicts since the 1960s.
Furthermore, the document describes real-life situations where the law has been respected and demonstrates how simple and realistic measures can make a significant difference for families who have been separated by war and are searching for a missing loved one.
