Engaging with civil defense groups in armed conflict -- Relevance and application of existing law -- Conclusion and recommendations
Summary
More than three hundred defense groups provide security to local communities in states around the world. While it is true that such groups can be a resource-efficient means for states to provide law and order to their communities, it is also true that they can worsen security. In light of these realities and to develop more effective security-sector reform programs in conflict and postconflict situations, this report argues that the international community should create a nonbinding legal instrument to establish a framework that formalizes the normative values that should apply to the relationship between states and civil defense groups; a due diligence policy that requires states to take appropriate steps to deter and prevent civil defense groups from committing crimes; and a generic code of conduct applicable to civil defense groups that not only restates the relevant legal rules that such groups must adhere to but also reinforces good practice standards concerning matters like the command-and-control arrangements for the group