Publication

This report discusses state-sanctioned civil defense groups - groups established by governments to provide security to communities when state security forces are unwilling or unable to do so. Given the breaches of domestic and international law committed by some armed militias with grave consequences for communities, the author argues for the development of an international normative instrument that would enhance the accountability of both states and civil defense groups. This would involve restating the rules of international law, establishing a due diligence policy, and developing a code of conduct.