Armed groups

Switzerland supports initiatives that promote compliance with legal provisions by all parties to conflicts – including armed groups – and that foster humanitarian dialogue with these groups. It also supports organisations working for greater compliance with international humanitarian law. Switzerland is a credible partner for dialogue, both in its capacity as a contracting party to the Geneva Conventions, and in light of its many years of experience of humanitarian negotiations.

Non-state armed groups that are involved in armed conflicts are obliged to comply with international humanitarian law. They meet this obligation to varying degrees, as do states.