EVALUATING THE APPLICATION OF INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW IN INTERNAL ARMED CONFLICTS: SIERRA LEONE AND LIBERIA AS CASE STUDIES

Abstract

This research evaluates the application of International Humanitarian Law in internal armed conflicts in Sierra Leone and Liberia. The research work examines the provisions and scope of IHL in internal armed conflicts. It also examines the extent at which IHL has been applied to internal armed conflicts in Sierra Leone and Liberia. It shows that International Humanitarian Law is applicable to Internal Armed conflict situations as provided by Article 3 Common to the Four Geneva Conventions 1949 and their Additional Protocol II of 1977. The research work observes that the Armed Conflicts of Sierra Leone and Liberia have all the prerequisite conditions postulated by Common Articles 3 and Additional Protocol II to be applicable. It also shows that the Sierra Leonean and Liberian forces and rebels in their respective countries, during the internal armed conflict in both regions, did not abide with IHL as there were different situations and actions which were in violations with IHL. The research work therefore recommends the Domestication of Internal Armed Conflict The research also recommends that in situations where the parties in the armed conflict are unable to implement and comply with the rules of IHL, this research work recommends that there should be ceasefire from both parties as first attempt.

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urn:uuid:7507dbb9-bb69-4665-bf19-7bc7fa0fc4f5