Towards the accountability of state-like entities under international human rights law

Linda Hamid

Chapter 4 in Human Rights Accountability of Non-Universally Recognised States and State-Like Entities, 2026, pp 60-85 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This chapter examines whether, and to what extent, state-like entities can be held accountable under the current international human rights law framework. The chapter first situates state-like entities within the state-centric foundations of the international legal order and outlines the resulting international human rights protection gap. It then reviews existing state-centric approaches aimed at addressing this vacuum, while highlighting the often-independent authority exercised by these entities and the relevance of examining their international legal status. Against this background, the chapter considers whether state-like entities may possess limited international legal personality and be bound by international human rights law, on the premise that accountability presupposes some degree of international legal status. Drawing on international practice, jurisprudence, and scholarship, the chapter identifies indicia of emerging human rights obligations and limited forms of accountability, before offering some reflections on the prospects for holding state-like entities accountable under international human rights law.

Keywords: Human rights; Accountability; State-centrism; International human rights protection gap; De facto control; International legal personality (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035365128
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