RECOGNITION AND RESPONSIBILITY OF NON STATE ACTORS EXERCISING TERRITORIAL CONTROL UNDER INTERNATIONAL LAW

The traditional state-centric structure of international law is being seriously undermined by the increasing number of non-state actors with consistent territorial authority, like the Taliban in Afghanistan and the Houthis in Yemen. Even though they demonstrate elements of effective administration, their legal status is still questionable. This article examines three interrelated dimensions, the conditions under which non-state actors may be recognized and acknowledged as legitimate governments, the extent to which their actions are regulated according to international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL), the attribution of international accountability for violations that were committed within their jurisdiction.