Combatants and their features in international humanitarian law

Combatants and their features in international humanitarian law

Authors

• S. Firuzi

Keywords:

combatant, international humanitarian law, guerilla fighters, spies, civilians, mercenaries, peacekeepers, legal status.

Abstract

This article deals with the term “combatant” in international humanitarian law. Basic features of the combatants are shown and analyzed. The author tries to find out whether the traditional and new combatants fit the official definition. In the article the legal status of spies and guerilla fighters is described, their features are compared to those the civilians have in order to demonstrate the difference between these groups. The author pays much attention to the UN peacekeepers and their status. It is concluded that old norms should be reviewed and reworked, so that the new legislation is to consider new groups of combatants.