This chapter explores the lawful contours of a growing phenomenon – the administration of criminal justice by non-state armed groups in territories under their control. It highlights a steadily... Show moreThis chapter explores the lawful contours of a growing phenomenon – the administration of criminal justice by non-state armed groups in territories under their control. It highlights a steadily mounting body of international practice recognizing the lawfulness of the ‘de facto’ processes as dependent on how – rather than by whom – justice is administered and considers the conditions that international law places on such justice. These include the core standards of independence and impartiality, fair trial guarantees, respect for the principle of legality and the nature of the crimes, which pose myriad challenges in practice in the context of de facto justice. Among others, the chapter flags the particular implications of increased resort by non-state actors (like states) to broad terrorism-related crimes as a basis for prosecution. Finally, as meeting the standards required of de facto justice will generally depend on external support, the chapter questions whether under international law states can – or in certain circumstances should – cooperate with or recognize such processes consistently with international law. In an area of dynamic legal and practical development, the chapter reveals a landscape that is evolving to meet the realities of the changing nature of non-state actors’ exercise of power and control, but where tensions, uncertainties and paradoxes remain. Show less
This study explores the duty to investigate potential violations of the law during armed conflict, and does so under international humanitarian law (IHL), international human rights law (IHRL), and... Show moreThis study explores the duty to investigate potential violations of the law during armed conflict, and does so under international humanitarian law (IHL), international human rights law (IHRL), and their interplay. Through a meticulous comparative legal analysis, it maps out the scope and contents of investigative obligations. On the basis of general international law, it also develops and applies a step-by-step methodology for resolving issues of interplay between both legal regimes. In doing so, this study clarifies the scope of application and contents of investigative obligations under both legal regimes, as well as for situations to which both apply. The study finds that the oft-heard narrative that to require States to conduct human rights investigations during armed conflict would impose inordinate burdens on them, and would be wholly unrealistic in light of the realities of hostilities, is unfounded and in need of revision.The methodology which this study develops for resolving issues of interplay lends itself to broader application than this research project alone, and can guide future research into issues of interplay. Show less
Naar deze uitspraak werd door velen uitgekeken. Dit was vooral omdat de feiten van de zaak naar verwachting het Hof zouden dwingen belangrijke uitspraken te doen over de extraterritoriale... Show moreNaar deze uitspraak werd door velen uitgekeken. Dit was vooral omdat de feiten van de zaak naar verwachting het Hof zouden dwingen belangrijke uitspraken te doen over de extraterritoriale toepassing van het EVRM en over de relatie tussen het EVRM en het humanitair oorlogsrecht (HOR). De uitspraak voldoet aan de verwachtingen, in die zin dat het Hof beide onderwerpen uitwerkt. Voor velen zal de inhoud van die uitwerking echter behoorlijk teleurstellend zijn. Het Hof brengt een belangrijke beperking aan op de extraterritoriale reikwijdte van het EVRM, op een manier die weer veel nieuwe vragen oproept. Het trekt zijn eerdere jurisprudentie over de relatie tussen het EVRM en het HOR door, maar maakt weinig woorden vuil aan de mogelijke conflicten die er tussen de twee rechtsgebieden kunnen spelen. Ook verruimt het de onderzoeksplicht onder art. 2 EVRM, zonder veel oog voor potentiële conflicten tussen het EVRM en het HOR op dit punt. Show less
