Contemporary Human Rights Issues in Conflict Zones, War Crimes, and Displacement

Abstract

This article discusses the critical challenges of human rights abuses in current conflict contexts; the harm to civilians and the failures of response. Some of the human rights issues that are of major concern include; the attack on innocent lives, the refusal or inability to provide aid to civilians, and the destruction of civilian property such as; schools and hospitals. The article also highlights the issues of interaction between IHL and human rights law stating that both of them are designed to protect individuals, but their application in the conflict zone is problematic, especially when non-state actors are involved and the modern warfare is characterized by asymmetry. In addition, the article highlights the accountability and justice, by trying to emphasize this by using some laws such as International Criminal Court (ICC) and Adhoc tribunal that deal with crimes of war and genocide. Still, justice for victims continues to be a complex issue, which is accompanied by political interferences, lack of funds, and problems with the implementation of international court decisions. The article also brings in the voices of different stakeholders such as humanitarian agencies, human rights activists and the victims themselves in order to get a holistic view of the current human rights violations in the conflict areas. To this end, it urges stepped up international commitment to these violations, which demands the reinforcement of legal measures, liability of the culprits, as well as the safeguarding of, and assistance to, the victims of conflict. This is the only effective strategy that can help avoid the continuation of violence and guarantee a sustainable security in the regions.

Keywords: Human Rights, International Law, Conflict Zones, War Crimes, Displacement