After six years of expert discussions and research, the ICRC has published the "Interpretive Guidance on the notion of direct participation in hostilities under IHL," which aims to clarify the meaning and consequences of direct participation in hostilities under international humanitarian law (IHL). This publication comes with a CD containing all the proceedings of the expert process.

This issue is a collection of articles taken out of three of the four issues (March, June and September) of the International Review of the Red Cross of the year 2007. The selection of articles of the December 2007 issue (conflict in Irak) will be published exceptionally in the "Sélection française 2008". The themes are the following: humanitarian actors, catastrophic events, torture.

The most widely prevalent type of armed conflict today is non-international in nature. It involves hostilities between government armed forces and organized non-State armed groups or is carried on among members of such groups themselves. A major challenge has always been how to make the rules of IHL known to the opposing sides and how to ensure they are applied.

This issue is a collection of articles drown from the four special issues of the year 2006, whose themes included: methods of warfare, private military companies, truth and reconciliation commissions, international criminal tribunals. The articles were selected based on their quality and originality.

A selection of more than two hundred and thirty cases provides university professors, practitioners and students with the most updated and comprehensive selection of documents on IHL available. A comprehensive outline of International Humanitarian Law puts the contents of these cases into their systematic context and theoretical perspective. In co-operation with Susan Carr, Lindsey Cameron and Thomas Maurice.

The guidelines concerning ICRC action in the event of violations of international humanitarian law have recently been reviewed and supplemented to take account of various developments that have affected the environment in which it works: the proliferation and increasing diversity of those involved in situations of violence, ad hoc international tribunals and the International Criminal Court, changes in the world of communications, etc.

The globilization of market economies offers new opportunities for business enterprises, and they also give rise to risks. As business enterprises explore these opportunities, they are increasingly operating in unstable environments or areas affected by armed conflict.

This issue is targeted to our francophone readers. It is a collection of articles taken out of the four yearly issues of 2005 (dealing with the themes of detention, religion, means of warfare and communication). The selection of the articles was based on their quality and originality.

What is international humanitarian law (IHL)? Why is it important? How and who does it protect? Simple and concise answers to these and other related questions are given in this leaflet, including a brief overview of the ICRC's role as the "guardian" of IHL. An ideal first introduction to IHL.

International humanitarian law is the focus of the Library and Research Service housed at the ICRC headquarters in Geneva. This leaflet provides an overview of the facilities and resources available to the public ranging from the collection of publications, videos and photos through to a multimedia area and resident qualified specialists to offer advice with research. View here in PDF format.

An expert meeting was organized in December 2003 by the ICRC and the Geneva-based University Centre for International Humanitarian Law. The discussions focused specifically on multinational forces acting on the basis of a UN mandate, under either UN, national or regional command. A complete report is now available to download.

This revamped version of the brochure is an ideal introduction to international humanitarian law. It explores how even in war there are limits: limits on the conduct of warfare and limits on the behaviour of combatants. Its colourful design and revised content, which includes a new chapter on what IHL says about terrorism, make it accessible to all readers interested in both the origins and the modern-day application of the law.

This is an important publication which provides a critical insight into the "travaux préparatoires" of the Preparatory Commission leading to the adoption of the elements of war crimes. Also containing an analysis of existing case law related to each war crime in the Statute, it is a unique tool particularly for judges, prosecutors and international and national lawyers in interpreting the war crimes provisions. With contributions by Louise Doswald-Beck and Robert Kolb.

Fully revised, this 3rd edition gathers together the principal rules of humanitarian law from its origins to its most recent developments. It focuses particularly on the rules governing weapons and the field of international criminal law. Combining theory and actual practice, this book appeals to specialists as well as to students turning to the subject for the first time.

To mark the 50th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions on 12 August 1999, the ICRC launched the "People on War" project, a worldwide consultation on the rules to limit violence in warfare. The results of this study have been compiled in country reports and also in a general report. A parallel research programme undertaken outside the ICRC is also available.

This work presents international humanitarian law, following the general outline of the publication Basic rules of the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols. It includes some 60 case studies, with corresponding exercises. Special attention is paid to the provisions common to the four Conventions and to Protocol I; protection of the wounded, sick and shipwrecked; the rules governing the conduct of combatants; protection of prisoners of war; protection of civilians in time of war; and protection of the victims of non-international armed conflicts.

After some introductory comments on the history and aim of international humanitarian law, the author discusses the protection of the defenceless in war, restrictions on the conduct of hostilities, the law of non-international armed conflicts, the problem of supervision and repression, and collective responsibility for the implementation of humanitarian law.

This dictionary presents the most important terms and concepts from two branches of international law: jus ad bellum and jus in bello. From "action, defensive" to "zone, territorial", over 450 entries are defined.

This index will enable the reader to look up a subject matter and rapidly find the corresponding provisions of the Hague Conventions of 1907 and of the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols of 1977. It covers 560 articles from those treaties.

The cornerstone of the 1977 Additional Protocols is the principle of distinction. This multimedia presentation provides a concise introduction to the Additional Protocols and the vital need to distinguish between combatants and civilians in modern armed conflicts.

This colour poster is designed to raise awareness of the vital need for distinction between combatant and civilian in modern armed conflicts. International Humanitarian Law say they have to be spared and protected and this poster is a visual reminder that these rules must be respected.

The cornerstone of the 1977 Additional Protocols is the principle of distinction. This leaflet provides a concise overview of the requirements of all parties to an armed conflict to distinguish between civilians and combatants, civilian objects and military targets. It describes the protection afforded by the Additional Protocols to both those not taking part in the conflict as well as the protection entitled to combatants.

This publication has been updated, slightly restructured and now includes a number of treaties that have been adopted since its last update in 1996. This volume is a collection of treaties regulating the conduct of hostilities. This body of law is of particular importance in alleviating the effects of armed conflict in that it regulates and limits the choice of methods and means of warfare used by the parties to the conflict.

Intended for academics, students, legal profession, ICRC delegations and Red Cross Red Crescent National Societies.

The 1949 Geneva Conventions neither provided for adequate protection of the civilian population against the effects of hostilities, nor did they cover modern forms of warfare. The work of the Diplomatic Conference on the Reaffirmation and Development of International Humanitarian Law applicable in Armed Conflicts, held in Geneva from 1974 to 1977, resulted in the adoption of two Protocols additional to the Geneva Conventions.

The four Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 are international treaties, ratified or acceded to by virtually all States. They protect the wounded and sick in armed forces in the field; wounded, sick and shipwrecked members of armed forces at sea; prisoners of war; and civilians who find themselves under the rule of a foreign power in the event of international conflict.

The text of the Geneva Conventions and of their Additional Protocols is very complex and not always easily understood by the layperson. A simplified work was needed to present and explain these international law treaties to an ever-increasing number of readers. In this study, the author, Jean de Preux, comments briefly on the main provisions of the Conventions and their Additional Protocols, brings out their meaning and specifies the relevant articles. For easy reference, an index is included at the end of the book.

A number of legal experts took part in this collective work, written with the collaboration of Jean Pictet.

This is not an abridged commentary on the Conventions and their Additional Protocols, but a summary of their main provisions, with references to the relevant articles. For all categories of readers.

The four volumes of the Commentary were published between 1952 and 1959. This imposing work is intended for specialists and specialized institutions.

The four volumes of the Commentary were published between 1952 and 1959. This imposing work is intended for specialists and specialized institutions.

The four volumes of the Commentary were published between 1952 and 1959. This imposing work is intended for specialists and specialized institutions.

The four volumes of the Commentary were published between 1952 and 1959. This imposing work is intended for specialists and specialized institutions.

This eagerly awaited publication is the result of a major international study into current state practice in international humanitarian law in order to identify customary law in this area. Presented in two volumes, it analyzes the customary rules of IHL and contains a detailed summary of the relevant treaty law and state practice throughout the world. In the absence of ratifications of important treaties in this area, this is a publication of major importance, which identifies the common core of international humanitarian law binding on all parties to all armed conflicts. Edited by Jean-Marie Henckaerts (ICRC) and Louise Doswald-Beck (International Commission of Jurists)

This article explains the rationale behind a study on customary international humanitarian law recently undertaken by the ICRC at the request of the International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. It describes the methodology used and how the study was organized and summarizes some major findings. It does not, however, purport to provide a complete overview or analysis of these findings.

Exploring Humanitarian Law (EHL) is an education programme that introduces young people between 13 and 18 years of age to the basic rules and principles of international humanitarian law (IHL). The teaching methods used in EHL require students to play an active role in the process of learning. This enables them to develop a “humanitarian” perspective and to understand a subject as seemingly dry, and complicated, as IHL. This leaflet presents in brief the objectives and goals for EHL.

The redesigned, revised and updated version of an education programme that introduces young people between 13 and 18 years of age to the basic rules and principles of international humanitarian law (IHL).

This DVD contains electronic versions of all the EHL programme's printed and audio-visual resource materials.

Organized in a question and answer format, the Guide offers teachers and other interested parties concise information on specific IHL issues.

This document gives guidance to educational authorities on the implementation and assessment of the EHL programme. For teachers, it offers questionnaires to help them evaluate the impact of the programme on the students' learning.

For the ICRC, its partnerships with universities around the world are essential to foster respect for IHL. Through its work encouraging universities to offer courses in IHL and by giving assistance to professors who teach this subject, the ICRC reaches out to the next generation of leaders.

This document summarizes the major developments that took place during 2007 regarding the national implementation of international humanitarian law in the Americas.

The issue of missing persons, in particular, has become a growing concern over the last years and the ICRC remains implicated in efforts to resolve their fate as well as safeguarding the rights and needs of their families. The ICRC Advisory Service on IHL highlighted the theme of missing persons and the pledges made towards resolving this issue during the Second Universal Meeting of National IHL Committees.

The new ICRC guide Punishing violations of IHL at the national level is intended as a practical reference work for lawmakers and others in common law States who are directly involved in incorporating provisions for the punishment of violations of international humanitarian law into national legal systems. It consists of nine stand-alone chapters on issues relevant to the prosecution of grave breaches and other violations of humanitarian law, and international crimes such as genocide, torture and crimes against humanity.

This handbook is designed to familiarize parliamentarians with international humanitarian law and to heighten their awareness of the key role they, as political leaders, can play in promoting its implementation, especially by adopting appropriate national legislation. The work also guides parliamentarians step by step through the measures that States must take to respect and ensure respect for international humanitarian law.

Leaflet showing how the ICRC's Advisory Service functions. The purpose of the service is to assist civilian and military authorities in implementing international humanitarian law.

The commentary to the procedural principles and safeguards outlined in this text mentions the different legal sources governing deprivation of liberty for security reasons in international armed conflicts, non-international armed conflicts and other situations of violence.

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 brochure provides an overview of the cluster munitions problem, the main provisions of the Convention and the steps required to meet its commitments.

This booklet contains the text of the Convention on Cluster Munitions adopted on 30 May 2008 by the Dublin Diplomatic Conference on Cluster Munitions. It is intended to promote understanding of the Convention's rules and to facilitate its ratification and implementation by governments.

Cluster munitions have been a persistent problem for decades. These weapons have unique characteristics that make them a grave danger to civilians. These four fact sheets provide an overview of the cluster munitions problem, the challenges in clearing these weapons, the difficulties and needs of victims, and the role of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in reducing the impact of cluster munitions on civilians.

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.

This Guide aims to assist States in establishing or improving procedures to determine the legality of new weapons, means and methods of warfare in accordance with Article 36 of Protocol I Additional to the 1949 Geneva Conventions.

This publication is a summary report of the ICRC Expert Meeting on the Humanitarian, Military, Technical and Legal Challenges of Cluster Munitions, held 18 to 20 April 2007 in Montreux, Switzerland. This event was organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to examine the cluster munitions problem and to consider all possible means of reducing their negative impact on civilian populations.

The Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons is one of the principal instruments of international humanitarian law. It seeks to minimize suffering in armed conflict by prohibiting or regulating the use of certain weapons which may cause unnecessary suffering or have indiscriminate effects. This publication contains the text of the Convention, its Protocols and the amendments adopted through 28 November 2003. It is intended to promote understanding of the Convention's rules and to facilitate its ratification and implementation by governments.

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.

Two posters are now available to help promote the aims of the ICRC's public Appeal on Biotechnology, Weapons & Humanity. They are intended to encourage scientists, physicians, health professionals and the wider life science community to uphold the international rules to prevent the misuse of biotechnology for hostile purposes.

Two posters are now available to help promote the aims of the ICRC's public Appeal on Biotechnology, Weapons & Humanity. They are intended to encourage scientists, physicians, health professionals and the wider life science community to uphold the international rules to prevent the misuse of biotechnology for hostile purposes.

Following on from the launch of the ICRC's public appeal on Biotechnology, weapons and humanity in September 2002, this leaflet has been produced. It highlights some of the existing and emerging capabilities for use of scientific advances in the field of biotechnology for hostile purposes and the risks that they pose for humanity if not controlled. It also outlines measures that can be taken by governments, industry, scientists and other actors to minimise the threat of poisoning and deliberate spreading of disease.

In 1995, the 26th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent asked the ICRC to conduct a study on the extent to which the availability of weapons is contributing to the proliferation and aggravation of violations of international humanitarian law in armed conflicts and to the deterioration of the situation of civilians. This document describes such matters as the nature of current conflicts and the availability of weapons, presents empirical data establishing a link between arms availability and humanitarian problems, and proposes restrictions based on respect for international humanitarian law.

This booklet contains the text of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction adopted on 18 September 1997 by a Diplomatic Conference in Oslo, Norway. It is intended to promote understanding of the Convention's rules and to facilitate its ratification and implementation by governments.

This leaflet provides an essential overview of the achievements and challenges of the Ottawa Convention to date and includes a time-line detailing the progess made by the international community so far. As preparations are made for the Nairobi Summit on a Mine-Free World in December 2004, this brochure also outines the steps that should now be taken to ensure that the anti-personnel mine epidemic is finally put to an end.

A concise brochure which highlights the deadly risks that unexploded and abandoned ordnance pose to civilians and war affected countries long after the conflict is over. In addition to the human and social costs inflicted by these weapons, the brochure outlines the work being done at the international level to address the problem. The brochure is intended to increase awareness about explosive remnants of war and to urge comprehensive action by the international community to prevent and reduce the impact of these weapons on civilian populations.

An overview of the landmine problem, the Ottawa process and the content of the treaty banning anti-personnel mines. Written for the non-specialist in clear and simple language, it provides background information on the success of the international movement leading up to the signing of the Ottawa treaty in December 1997, explains the treaty's key provisions and accomplishments and highlights the need for future action.

This study examines the military case for continued use of anti-personnel landmines. Mines employed in conflicts since 1940, whether by professional armies, by insurgents or in counter-insurgency operations, have rarely been used in conformity with international law, and have little or no effect on the outcome of hostilities. These conclusions were unanimously endorsed by senior military commanders from various countries at a meeting on the subject held in Geneva in February 1996.