International Dimensions Of Humanitarian Law

Commissioned by UNESCO from the Henry Dunant Institute, this volume of essays lays the foundation for an international programme for the teaching of international humanitarian law within the framework of UNESCO's plan for the development of the teaching of human rights. Parts I and II deal with the development of humanitarian ideas and law within different schools of thought and cultural traditions; Part III with the law of armed conflict and Part IV with the application of international humanitarian law. It is hoped that the publication of this volume, which, in its original French edition, coincided with the 40th Anniversary of UNESCO and the International Year of Peace proclaimed in 1986 by the UN General Assembly, will reinforce the determination of the international community to achieve the aim of the founders of UNESCO, namely to construct the defences of peace in the minds of men.

Customary International Humanitarian Law, Volume I: Rules is a comprehensive analysis of the customary rules of international humanitarian law applicable in international and non-international armed conflicts. In the absence of ratifications of important treaties in this area, this is clearly a publication of major importance, carried out at the express request of the international community. In so doing, this study identifies the common core of international humanitarian law binding on all parties to all armed conflicts. Comment Don:RWI.

The Practical Guide to Humanitarian Law explains the terms, concepts, and rules of humanitarian law in accessible and reader-friendly alphabetical entries. Written from the perspective of victims and those who bring them assistance, the Guide outlines the dangers, spells out the law, and points the way toward dealing with violators and violations of the law. Entries in the Guide are complemented by detailed bibliographic references, addresses, phone numbers and Internet addresses of the organizations presented, a thematic index, and an up-to-date list of the status of ratification of the more than twenty international conventions and treaties concerning humanitarian law, human rights, refugees, and international criminal law.

This book explores the nature and scope of the provision requiring States to ‘ensure respect’ for international humanitarian law (IHL) contained within Common Article 1 of the 1949 Geneva Conventions. It examines the interpretation and application of this provision in a range of contexts, both thematic and country-specific. Accepting the clearly articulated notion of ‘respect’ for IHL, it builds on the existing literature studying the meaning of ‘ensure respect’ and outlines an understanding of the concept in situations such as enacting implementing legislation, diplomatic interactions, regulating private actors, targeting, detaining persons under IHL in non-international armed conflict, protecting civilians (including internally displaced populations) and prosecuting war crimes. It also considers topical issues such as counter-terrorism and foreign fighting. The book will be a valuable resource for practitioners, academics and researchers. It provides much needed practical reflection for States as to what ensuring respect entails, so that governments are able to address these obligations.

The third edition of this work sets out a comprehensive and analytical manual of international humanitarian law, accompanied by case analysis and extensive explanatory commentary by a team of distinguished and internationally renowned experts.

International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is in a state of some turbulence, as a result of, among other things, non-international armed conflicts, terrorist threats and the rise of new technologies. This incisive book observes that while states appear to be reluctant to act as agents of change, informal methods of law-making are flourishing. Illustrating that not only courts, but various non-state actors, push for legal developments, this timely work offers an insight into the causes of this somewhat ambivalent state of IHL by focusing attention on both the legitimacy of law-making processes and the actors involved.

This fully updated second edition the work previously known as The Handbook of Humanitarian Law in Armed Conflicts sets out an international 'manual' of humanitarian law in armed conflicts accompanied by case analysis and extensive explanatory commentary by a team of distinguished and internationally renowned experts. Topics examined include the historical development, legal basis, and scope of application of international humanitarian law; methods and means of combat; protection of the civilian population, and of the wounded, sick or shipwrecked, and of prisoners of war; the protection of cultural property; the law of neutrality; and the enforcement of international humanitarian law. This edition also incorporates new chapters covering the law of non-international armed conflicts and international peace operations. Highly topical issues including the role of the UN security council, the relevance of International Humanitarian Law in peacetime and post-conflict military operations, and enforcement through trials for war crimes in national and international courts are also discussed.

This innovative book provides a thought-provoking introduction to international humanitarian law. Robert Kolb explores the field through questions _ which are at times challenging and controversial _ in order to get to the very essence of the subject a

ÔThis is a concise and nuanced overview of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The structure is unusual. While the book reflects the state of the law with accuracy and sobriety, it nevertheless shows the idealist and philosophical ambitions of the authors. Legal issues are often discussed within a wider moral and ethical context. The authors add many basics on human rights and the enforcement of international law, which are not directly relevant for IHL, but ensure the reader understands the wider picture.Õ Ð Marco Sass~li, University of Geneva, Switzerland This book provides a clear and concise explanation of the central principles of international humanitarian law (or the law of armed conflict) while situating them in a broader philosophical, ethical and legal context. The authors consider a range of wider issues relevant to international humanitarian law, including its ethical foundations, relationship to other bodies of international law and contemporary modes of enforcement. This helps to develop a richer context for understanding the law of war and a sound basis for examining the changing nature of contemporary armed conflict. The book also discusses important recent decisions by international courts and tribunals, tracks the historical development of humanitarian principles in warfare and considers the legal position of states, individuals and non-state groups. Principles of International Humanitarian Law is an important resource for students of international humanitarian law and International law academics, as well as international humanitarian law practitioners.