Syrian rebels on international humanitarian law (IHL): In their own words

Like Syrian regime forces, Syria’s multitude of rebel fighters have faced growing criticism in recent months over violations of international humanitarian law (IHL), including war crimes, with groups from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch to the UN Commission of Inquiry accusing them of killing opponents execution-style, torturing detainees, taking hostages, and possibly using chemical weapons. The capture and detention of 21 UN peacekeepers in March and another four last week also constituted a violation of IHL.

So how do the rebels view IHL principles? What guides their action? Who do they consider a civilian? And what do they think of aid workers?

IRIN interviewed rebel fighters of various leanings and levels of authority to better understand their mindset.



                                                                                         Quelle: George Kurian/IRIN
Children in Assas, Syria, playing with casings and unexploded RPG shells


http://www.irinnews.org/Report/98022/Syrian-rebels-on-IHL-In-their-own-words