Case study: The implications of recognition of rebel factions

Session 6: Handout 6.3

A militia commander, who until now, has operated hit and run attacks against other rebels from out of government areas, takes control of an area with an estimated population of about 10,000 people. He immediately demands the following:

• the provision of humanitarian assistance to the people under his control;

• the establishment of formal recognition by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs of his control of the area, to include the signing of a humanitarian access agreement with his movement and capacity building support for local organizations working on the ground.

Such agreements and support exist for other rebel movements in the country.

The rebel leader has, in the past, taken international relief workers hostage and has an appalling human rights record.

• Will "recognition" by the UN legitimize the rule of this leader?

 

• Is it likely to exacerbate the creation of new factions and thus intensify the war?

 

• If the UN refuses to provide the same recognition as has been provided to other rebel movements, will it be violating its code of neutrality?

 

• What, if any, criteria should be established for the provision of humanitarian assistance to the concerned populations, and the establishment of humanitarian agreements and capacity building support?