Regional Approaches to International Humanitarian Law

Abstract

Violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) are a global concern. The enforcement of IHL has traditionally focused on the State level. As States have shown an unwillingness or inability to address violations, attention has moved to the international level primarily through universal approaches such as the International Criminal Court. However, experience has demonstrated that universal approaches also have their limitations. This article argues that regional arrangements offer the possibility of strengthening the enforcement of IHL. As regional arrangements occupy a distinct space between particular local conditions and the universalising tendencies of the global system, they are well placed to handle the various concerns and considerations surrounding the enforcement of IHL.