Legality of the Self-Defence Action against the "Islamic State" in Syria

Legality of the Self-Defence Action against the "Islamic State" in Syria
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This is a past event

Speaker:  Dr Irène Couzigou

Abstract:

The use of armed force by a State on the territory of another State is prohibited under international law, unless the territorial State gave its consent to the resort to force. Iraq agreed with the military action against the ‘Islamic State’ on its territory. Contrary to Iraq, Syria has not given its consent to the American-led coalition against the ‘Islamic State’ on its territory. The main legal justification of those States militarily involved in Syria is their right to self-defence against the ‘Islamic State’. Traditionally, the right to self-defence allows the use of force by a State to react to an armed attack perpetrated by another State. This seminar will assess whether States have a right to self-defence against a non-State actor, the ‘Islamic State’. It will also analyse whether States that have not been attacked by the ‘Islamic State’ have a right to individual self-defence against it.

Hosted by
School of Law
Venue
New Kings NK3