Based on research in ten countries, an international meeting and consultations in a number of countries, this report looks at human rights abuses committed by armed groups. In particular, it focuses on the following questions:

- Means to influence the behaviour of armed groups
- Obstacles faced by those who undertake such means
- Factors influencing the respect for human rights and humanitarian norms by armed groups

The report is aimed at human rights organisations, humanitarian workers and staff with UN and other international organisations who are attempting to ensure compliance by armed goups to international human rights standards.