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For several decades, transnational (multinational) corporations have been considered significant actors in international relations. It is also an undeniable fact that transnational corporations are economically stronger than many states. They are also increasingly present in situations of armed conflict. On one hand, companies operating in unstable environments are exposed to the violence and consequences of armed conflicts. On the other hand, some of their actions during armed conflicts may lead to violations, particularly of international human rights law. In this paper, however, the authors would like to focus more on the status of the protection of transnational corporations under international humanitarian law. It is possible to put forward the thesis that transnational corporations, having met certain requirements, can enjoy protection under international humanitarian law. Verification of this research thesis requires analysis of issues such as the relationship between international human rights law and international humanitarian law. It also requires the analysis of the legal basis on which the rights of transnational corporations may be founded and their scope.

The issue of the protection of national minorities is regulated by acts of international law, frequently arising from international agreements that have been concluded to end armed conflicts or to regulate directly their consequences. Peace treaties concluded between states are governed by the rules set out in the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. More and more peace agreements are, however, concluded by non-state actors. As indicated in Article 3 of the Convention, it cannot be excluded that these too would be international agreements, having effects in the sphere of international law. Such acts are concluded, inter alia, by insurgents or belligerents. In some cases, agreements ending non-international armed conflicts are concluded by domestic entities that are not subjects of international law. Such acts may reflect solutions that have been adopted as standards in international practice and in the provisions of international law. These do not necessarily have to be legally binding standards. They can also be framework solutions, including measures relating to the protection of national minorities, which are formulated and offered as proposals for specific regulations.