okupasjon

Okupasjon is the control and administration of a territory by a foreign power, typically established through military force and maintained for a period of time. It involves exercising authority over the territory and its population without transferring sovereignty to the occupying power. The occupation may be temporary or prolonged and differs from annexation, which would formally transfer jurisdiction.

International humanitarian law provides frameworks for occupiers, including the Hague Regulations and the Fourth Geneva Convention. These instruments assign duties to the occupying power to maintain public order and safety, ensure humanitarian access, protect civilians, and respect basic rights. The occupying authority may administer the territory through military or civilian officials, and may impose measures such as curfews, movement restrictions, or resource requisition, though these powers are limited by legal obligations and must aim to minimize harm to civilians.

Historically, the term is most closely associated with military occupations in World War II, such as those carried out by Nazi Germany in Norway, Poland, France, the Netherlands, and other territories. Occupation also appears in other contexts, including colonial occupations and post-war military administrations. The experience of occupation can have lasting political, social, and economic effects, including resistance movements, collaboration debates, and long-term changes in governance.

End of an occupation occurs through liberation, withdrawal of forces, or diplomatic settlement, after which sovereignty is restored or redefined. The concept remains relevant in discussions of military conflicts, humanitarian law, and state-building.