Civil defense groups : developing accountability / Bruce "Ossie" Oswald.

Format:

Book

Government document

Author/Creator:

Oswald, Bruce, author.

Contributor:

United States Institute of Peace, issuing body.

Series:

Special report (United States Institute of Peace) ; 350.

Special report ; 350

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Security sector--Law and legislation.

Security sector.

Civil defense.

War--Protection of civilians.

War.

Civil Defense.

Medical Subjects:

Civil Defense.

Physical Description:

1 online resource ([12] pages).

Place of Publication:

Washington, DC : U.S. Institute of Peace, 2014.

Summary:

More than three hundred defense groups provide security to local communities in states around the world. While it is true that such groups can be a resource-efficient means for states to provide law and order to their communities, it is also true that they can worsen security. In light of these realities and to develop more effective security-sector reform programs in conflict and postconflict situations, this report argues that the international community should create a nonbinding legal instrument to establish a framework that formalizes the normative values that should apply to the relationship between states and civil defense groups; a due diligence policy that requires states to take appropriate steps to deter and prevent civil defense groups from committing crimes; and a generic code of conduct applicable to civil defense groups that not only restates the relevant legal rules that such groups must adhere to but also reinforces good practice standards concerning matters like the command-and-control arrangements for the group.

Contents:

Engaging with civil defense groups in armed conflict

Relevance and application of existing law

Conclusion and recommendations.

Notes:

"August 2014."

Includes bibliographical references (pages 11-12).

Title from title screen (viewed August 8, 2014).

OCLC:

885782976