The line separating disturbances and tensions from armed conflict can sometimes be blurred and the only way to categorize specific situations is by examining each individual case. The intensity of violence is the key determining factor. This categorisation has direct consequences for the armed forces and civil authorities as it does for the victims of the violence. It determines which rules apply and the protection they provide is established in greater or lesser detail according to the legal situation.

This booklet draws together the lessons learned by the ICRC over the past few decades and aims to provide authorities and the most senior personnel among arms carriers with an overview of what we have come to call the “integration” process.

The phenomenon of war, the place it has in the culture of mankind and the behaviour of combatants in war are all closely examined in this study commissioned by the ICRC. Through this bibliographical overview of the historical, sociological and psychological investigations used in the study, we learn of the origins of the need for limits in war and gain an insight into the situations which give rise to violations of international humanitarian law.

Intended to challenge many pre-conceived ideas about the factors that influence the behaviour of combatants, the study examines the various strategies that the ICRC pursues, especially in the area of communication, to ensure that humanitarian law is better known, accepted and respected. Importantly, in this time of intense public debate about the behaviour of the military in contexts such as Iraq and Afghanistan, this study helps to define the future direction of preventive activities.

This brochure intended for audiences involved in law-enforcement functions summarizes the main points of the manual entitled To serve and to protect. It addresses the principles and rules of human rights and humanitarian law relevant to professional law enforcement in democratic contexts.

This pocket-sized booklet adopts a simple pictorial format and aims to raise awareness as to the duties, responsibilities and powers of police and security officials in their daily law-enforcement practices.

This manual describes the rules of human rights and humanitarian law relevant to professional law enforcement practice in situations ranging from peace to international armed conflict.

Combatants are often confronted with unforeseen situations in which they must nevertheless comply with the rules of international humanitarian law.

Senior officers can use this handbook as a code of conduct to instruct their troops and give orders in conformity with the law of war, thereby respecting the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols.

An offprint from the Handbook on the law of war for armed forces (see above), this brochure intended for officers contains a summary of the rules of conduct in action and a programme for military instruction.

These booklets are pocket-sized so that combatants can carry them along and consult the rules on the spot, thus enabling them to act advisedly and to avoid making mistakes which might have very serious consequences.

This manual has been written to act as the ICRC’s Institutional reference on mine action, as a basis for ICRC mine action training and to provide guidance for those working in delegations where weapon-contamination is an issue. The manual consists of three books and it outlines a broad and flexible approach which includes rapid response, multisectoral approach (the application of assistance and protection to reduce impact) and cooperation/capacity building.

Cluster munitions have been a persistent problem for decades. These weapons have killed or injured tens of thousands of civilians in war-affected countries. In May 2008, more than 100 States adopted the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which prohibits the use, development, production, stockpiling and transfer of such munitions. It also requires States Parties to destroy their stockpiles, clear remnants, and assist victims. This DVD provides an overview of the cluster munitions problem, the main provisions of the Convention and the steps required to meet its commitments.

In recent years, many states have committed themselves to taking the recipient's respect for international humanitarian law into account in their arms transfer decisions. However, the question of how to apply such humanitarian law criteria in practice has so far received limited attention.

The increased risk that civilians face due to the current inadequate controls on arms availability, combined with the frequent use of weapons in violation of international humanitarian law are presented in this leaflet. Complementing the more comprehensive study published in 1999 on Arms availability and the situation of civilians in arms conflicts, this concise leaflet outlines the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement's recommendations on this topic.