An Interpretive Search for Regulating the Practice of Internment in Internal Armed Conflicts

In the view of the deficiency of the IHL rules in the area of non-international armed conflicts, a number of interpretative methods have been suggested to regulate the conduct of adversaries in this realm. This article provides a critical examination of these methods with a particular reference to the practice of internment in internal armed conflicts. Accordingly, a brief overview of the strengths and ills of these methods will be analysed. The main premise of this article is to argue that unless the specifics of the practice of internment are clarified by these interpretative methods, their utility would not count for much. Finally, it will be concluded that in the light of the fragmented and contradicting views of regulating the practice of internment, much is left for a new authoritative document to commend with regard to internment in internal armed conflicts.