In this article the author points out the similarity between military occupations and certain activities by international organizations. It therefore examines the question whether the international of law of occupation is applicable and if so, adequately, to these activities, and more specifically to international transitional civil administrations. The experiences in Kosovo and East-Timor serve as examples and may lead to some important lessons for dealing with the current situation in Iraq.

With journalists covering "wars" finding themselves confronted with ever more complicated, delicate and dangerous working conditions, it is important to recall their special protection under international humanitarian law. In this article, the author looks at the protection regime offered by IHL to journalists and the media in the context of armed conflicts, both under the general regime of civilians and civilian objects, as under the specific provisions concerning journalists.

Spiritual assistance plays an important and special role in times of hardship, and especially war. Stefan Lunze studies the historical background of the protection for religious personnel in times of armed conflict. He looks at the function of military chaplains and the legal protection regime under contemporary humanitarian law. Some concrete examples serve as a background to study the neutrality of religious personnel.

The author first studies the wearing and the functions of military uniforms throughout history to then shed light on the legal issues raised. Discussing the legal framework of the use of uniforms and its ramifications in more detail, he contributes to the debates on the consequences of the lack of wearing a military uniform in contemporary armed conflicts, and the link with the granting of prisoner of war status to members of the armed forces of a Party to a conflict failing to wear uniforms in combat.

Report on the Expert meeting on multinational peace operations
Organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross in cooperation with the University Centre for International Humanitarian Law, Geneva, 11-12 December 2003.

Excerpt of the Report prepared by the International Committee of the Red Cross for the 28th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent - Geneva, December 2003

Biannual update on national legislation and case law, July – December 2003

Recent acquisitions of the Library & Research Service, ICRC