The general theme of this volume of the Yearbook of International Humanitarian Law

is armed groups and the challenges arising from the participation of such groups in

contemporary armed conflicts. It is elaborated upon in several chapters, addressing

the organisation criterion, respect for and compliance with international humanitarian

law and international human rights law, targeted sanctions and accountability issues,

among other things. Besides these chapters that can be connected to the general theme,

the book also contains a chapter dedicated to the ‘knock on the roof ’ practice, a Year in

Review, describing the most important events and legal developments that took place in

2016, as well as the final report from the ILA Study Group ‘The Conduct of Hostilities

Under International Humanitarian Law - Challenges of 21st Century Warfare’.

The Yearbook of International Humanitarian Law is the world’s only annual publication

devoted to the study of the laws governing armed conflict. It provides a truly international

forum for high-quality, peer-reviewed academic articles focusing on this crucial

branch of international law. Distinguished by contemporary relevance, the Yearbook

of International Humanitarian Law bridges the gap between theory and practice and

serves as a useful reference tool for scholars, practitioners, military personnel, civil

servants, diplomats, human rights workers and students.