International humanitarian law
Specific Instruments
  General Instruments
  Articles
  Websites
  Selected Case Law
  Case Law Websites
  Reports
  Books
  Periodicals
  Human Rigths Actors
The ICRC means by international humanitarian law applicable in armed conflicts: " the international treaty or customary rules which are specially intended to resolve matters of humanitarian concern arising directly from armed conflicts, whether of an international or non-international nature; for humanitarian reasons those rules restrict the right of the parties to a conflict to use the method or means of warfare of their choice, and protect persons and property affected or liable to be affected by the conflict".(I.C.R.C., International Humanitarian Law, I.C.R.C., Geneva, 1998).
     
Specific Instruments
Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts (Protocol I)
Date of adoption: 8/6/1977 Entry into force: 7/12/1979
System of protection: Universal
Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and Relating to the Protection of Victims of Non-International Armed Conflicts (Protocol II)
Date of adoption: 8/6/1977 Entry into force: 7/12/1978
System of protection: Universal
Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armed Forces in the Field (1st Geneva Convention)
Date of adoption: 12/8/1949 Entry into force: 21/10/1950
System of protection: Universal
Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of Wounded, Sick and Shipwrecked Members of Armed Forces at Sea (2nd Geneva Convention)
Date of adoption: 12/8/1949 Entry into force: 12/10/1950
System of protection: Universal
Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War (3rd Geneva Convention)
Date of adoption: 12/8/1949 Entry into force: 21/10/1950
System of protection: Universal
Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War (4th Geneva Convention)
Date of adoption: 12/8/1949 Entry into force: 21/10/1950
System of protection: Universal
     
General Instruments
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Articles
The Case of the "detainees" in Camp X-Ray at the U.S. Naval Base in Guantánamo Bay (Cuba)
Stefan KIRCHNER
Latest update: 19/07/2003 First published: -
Reference: Lecture held at Justus Liebig University, 17 June 2002
Examination of the status of captured Al Quaida fighters held in Guantanamo Bay (Cuba) and the legality of the treatment they receive there.
Refugee law and international humanitarian law: Parallels, lessons and looking ahead A non-governmental organization's view
Rachel BRETT - Eve LESTER
Latest update: 30/12/2002 First published: 30/9/2001
Reference: International Review of the Red Cross No. 843. p. 713-726
There is a conceptual parallel between international refugee law and international humanitarian law. Both originated in the need to address the protection of persons in the hands of a State of which they are not nationals...
Humanitarian protection: The International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
David FORSYTHE
Latest update: 30/12/2002 First published: 30/9/2001
Reference: International Review of the Red Cross, No. 843. p. 675-697
The purpose of this brief essay is to highlight the similarities, as well as to note important differences between the ICRC and the UNHCR. Their focus (victims of war / refugees), nature (private / public)…
Non-discrimination and armed conflict
Jelena PEJIC
Latest update: 30/12/2002 First published: 31/3/2001
Reference: International Review of the Red Cross No. 841, p. 183-194
This paper aims to explain the importance of non-discrimination as an underlying principle of international humanitarian law, as a principle guiding the work of the IRCRCM and as a principle underlying humanitarian action.
Droit de Genève et droit de La Haye
François BUGNION
Latest update: 30/12/2002 First published: 31/12/2001
Reference: Revue internationale de la Croix-Rouge No. 844, p. 901-922
The author examines the different policies which are behind the two branches of international humanitarian law: the Law of Geneva and the Law of The Hague and traces their history up to the 1974-1977 Conference which brought about their convergence.
Application du droit international humanitaire par la Cour interaméricaine des droits de l'homme
Fanny MARTIN
Latest update: 30/12/2002 First published: 31/12/2001
Reference: Revue internationale de la Croix-Rouge No. 844, p. 1037-1066
The author examines a recent decision where the Inter-American Court of Human Rights concludes that it has no power to apply rules other than the American Convention on Human Rights and general international law (Las Palmeras case).
International humanitarian law and basic education
Sobhi TAWIL
Latest update: 30/12/2002 First published: 30/9/2000
Reference: International Review of the Red Cross No. 839, p. 581-599
This article examines education in humanitarian law and places it among other educational initiatives, grouped as "Peace Education" in general or "Human Rights Education" and "Civic Education" in particular.
Juger et faire juger les auteurs de violations graves du droit international humanitaire - Réflexions sur la mission des Tribunaux pénaux internationaux et les moyens de l'accomplir
Cyril LAUCCI
Latest update: 30/12/2002 First published: 30/6/2001
Reference: Revue internationale de la Croix-Rouge No. 842, 407-439
“Reflections on the mission of the International Criminal Tribunals and on the means available to accomplish their tasks”.
Y-a-t-il génocide au Kosovo ?
David BOYLE
Latest update: 07/11/2002 First published: 6/1999
Reference: Actualité et Droit International
The violations of international humanitarian law that are being committed in Kosovo are crimes against humanity. Given the proved intention to destroy the Albanian population as a whole, these crimes can also be qualified as genocide.
Significance of the Geneva Conventions for the contemporary world
Dietrich SCHINDLER
Latest update: 30/10/2002 First published: 31/12/1999
Reference: International Review of the Red Cross No. 836, p. 715-729
The author first examines the remarkable normative development of international humanitarian law since 1949, and then turns to the causes of the massive violations which occurred in the same period. He concludes with remarks on the outlook for IHL.
The evolution of individual criminal responsibility under international law
Edoardo GREPPI
Latest update: 30/10/2002 First published: 30/9/1999
Reference: International Review of the Red Cross No. 835, p. 531-553
This paper is devoted essentially to two categories of crimes: war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The denial of humanitarian assistance as a crime under international law
Christa ROTTENSTEINER
Latest update: 30/10/2002 First published: 30/9/1999
Reference: International Review of the Red Cross No. 835, p. 555-582
This article seeks to clarify under which circumstances the denial of humanitarian assistance can constitute a crime under international law.
Protocole facultatif à la Convention relative aux droits de l'enfant concernant l'implication d'enfants dans les conflits armés : quel progrès pour la protection des droits de l'enfant ?
Joël MERMET
Latest update: 28/10/2002 First published: 6/2002
Reference: Actualité et Droit International
The article speaks about the new legal instrument, the way it was adopted. Compares it with the existing law, analyses its positive side and weaknesses.
The ICRC's position on "humanitarian intervention" / Position du Comité international de la Croix-Rouge sur l'« intervention humanitaire »
Anne RYNIKER
Latest update: 26/09/2002 First published: 30/6/2001
Reference: International Review of the Red Cross No. 842, p. 527-532 / Revue internationale de la Croix-Rouge No. 842, p. 521-526
This paper was prepared by the ICRC's Legal Division to aid in internal discussions intended to clarify the organization's position in this topical debate.
International Humanitarian Law and the Tadic Case
Christopher GREENWOOD
Latest update: 06/06/2002 First published: 1996
Reference: European Journal of International Law, Vol. 7 (1996) No. 2, pp. 265-283.
Article attempts to assess the impact of the Tadic decision on the development of humanitarian law. Concentrates on the defendant's challenge that the Tribunal lacked subject-matter jurisdiction in respect of the charges laid against him.
     
Languages: Arabic English French Spanish
Country reports and the latest news releases, information on AI latest campaigns and appeals for action to help protect human rights. Section "Library": Research available by country / region / theme. Links to hundreds of human rights websites.
Languages: English Swedish
Thousands of references (with abstracts) to monographs, articles, and seminar reports concerning human rights from 1966 on, updated daily. The data are stored in a free form and every word and phrase is searchable. Follows HURIDOCS standards.
Languages: Arabic English French Portuguese Spanish
Official ICRC web site - News on and introduction to international humanitarian law - Thematic focus section - Country-by-country activities - Bibliography. Excellent site
Languages: French
Bibliographies, Theses, and Teaching programmes relevant to human rights and humanitarian law. Lots of very good links in the "liens" section.
Languages: English
Open database of authenticated primary and other materials across the breadth of international law, which until now have been scattered in libraries, archives and specialized web sites.
Languages: English
The site of the Chief Prosecutor for the US in the Nuremberg trials. Now Adjunct Professor of International Law at Pace Law School. Writings on various issues, namely: Nuremberg Trial Procedure, definition of aggression, ICC, etc.
Languages: English
The primary goal of this site is to compile news articles and commentaries that address issues of human rights from news sources throughout the world. People and organizations (human rights actors) - Discussions - links to web sites.
Languages: English
University web site created by Dr. Stuart D. Stein - Numerous historical documents classified by type or by situation -Glossary - Bibliography - Links
     
Selected Case Law
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Case Law Websites
IHL Database (ICRC)
Languages: English
Over 90 treaties and documents, with commentaries, ratification information, etc. Individual articles, State parties, Keywords, etc.
     
Reports
Report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights: Systematic rape, sexual slavery and slavery-like practices during armed conflicts
Haut-Commissaire aux droits de l'homme de l'ONU / UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Date: 18/7/2002
Reference: Distr. GENERAL, E/CN.4/Sub.2/2002/28, 18 July 2002
Source: United Nations Commission on Human Rights, Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights
The present report refers to new developments in the field of the activities of human rights mechanisms and of international and humanitarian law on the issue of systematic rape, sexual slavery and slavery-like practices in situations of armed conflict.
The use of mercenaries as a means of violating human rights and impeding the exercise of the right of peoples to self-determination
Enrique Bernales Ballesteros (Rapporteur spécial de la Commission des droits de l'homme de l'ONU / Special Rapporteur of the UN Commission on Human Rights) Date: 2/7/2002
Reference: Distr. GENERAL, A/57/178, 2 July 2002
Source: United Nations General Assembly
In this report the Special Rapporteur reports on the activities undertaken and the correspondence received since the beginning of 2002. He reviews the situation of the African continent with regard to mercenary activities and draws attention to some positive developments. The body of the report focuses on the Special Rapporteur's visits on official mission to El Salvador and Panama. He reports that he was able to talk with the executive and judicial authorities of those countries concerning the International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries; the definition of mercenary; and the connection between mercenary activities and terrorism.
Question of the use of mercenaries as a means of violating human rights and impeding the exercise of the right of peoples to self-determination - Report of the Special Rapporteur
Enrique Bernales Ballesteros (Rapporteur Spécial de la Commission des droits de l'homme de l'ONU / Special Rapporteur of the UN Commission on Human Rights) Date: 10/1/2002
Reference: Distr. GENERAL, E/CN.4/2002/20, 10 January 2002
Source: United Nations Commission on Human Rights
The report outlines the Special Rapporteur's activities in 2001. An analysis of terrorist activities over the reporting period, with special consideration of the situation in Africa. The Special Rapporteur reviews the conflicts in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sierra Leone, and considers the presence of mercenaries in those conflicts and the trafficking that takes place to finance them, in particular trafficking in diamonds and other precious stones. The Special Rapporteur encourages initiatives to combat illegal trafficking in diamonds and other gems in which mercenaries are involved. The Special Rapporteur's consideration of the relationship between terrorism and mercenary activities.
Report of the meeting of experts on the traditional and new forms of mercenary activities as a means of violating human rights and impeding the exercise of the right of peoples to self-determination
Commission des droits de l'homme de l'ONU / UN Commission on Human Rights Date: 14/2/2001
Reference: Distr. GENERAL; E/CN.4/2001/18; 14 February 2001
Source: United Nations Commission on Human Rights
The present report contains summaries of the papers presented at the expert meeting (Geneva, 29 January - 2 February 2001) by the Special Rapporteur and the experts and of the discussions that followed, as well as conclusions and recommendations. Main issues: background to the response of the UN to the mercenary phenomenon; international, regional and national legislation in this field; measures to implement existing legislation; relevance of the international definition of mercenary; traditional and current forms of mercenary activities.
The Princeton Principles on Universal Jurisdiction
X Date: 2001
Reference: ISBN 0-9711859-0-5
Source: Princeton University
International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights
HCDH / OHCHR Date: 7/1991
Reference: Fact Sheet No. 13
Source: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
The human rights Fact Sheet Series is published by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva.
Human Rights - A Basic Handbook for UN Staff
HCDH / OHCHR Date: inconnue
Reference: Professional Training Series - Training Package on Human Rights Treaty Reporting (Rev.1)
Source: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
This handbook has been developed to assist United Nations colleagues understand and appreciate the human rights system within the context of the UN. - An overview of human rights instruments and developments; the role of UN organs...
     
Books
How does law protect in war?
Antoine BOUVIER - Marco SASSOLI
Reference: Genève, International Committee of the Red Cross, 1999
Languages: English
Cases, documents and teaching materials on contemporary practice in international humanitarian law
Crimes Against Humanity: The Struggle for Global Justice
Geoffrey ROBERTSON
Reference: New York, The New Press, 1999
Languages: English
The book weaves together history, philosophy, international law, and politics into a comprehensive account of the increasingly significant movement for world human rights. A large number of topics: UDHR, the Geneva Conventions, Nuremberg, ICC...
The Monopolization of International Criminal Law in the United Nations. A Jurisprudential Approach
Farhad MALEKIAN
Reference: Stockholm, Almqvist & Wiksell International/Uppsala Universit, 1995
Languages: English
The author compiles an impressive number of cases which demonstrate that the Security Council actually adjudicates important cases of international criminal law. He laments the “legal and political defects in the Charter and practice” of the UN.
Sauve qui veut? Le droit international face aux crises humanitaires
Olivier PAYE
Reference: Bruxelles, Bruylant, Editions de l'Université de Bruxelles, 1996
Languages: French
The present state of international humanitarian law. Two branches: the law of humanitarian assistance (rights and duties of the assistant states and the assistees; primacy of the state) and humanitarian intervention (principles; the role of the UN…).
Armed Conflict and the New Law. Effecting Compliance (Vol. II)
Hazel Fox, Michael A. Meyer Ed.
Reference: London, The British Institute of Int'l and Comparative Law, 1993
Languages: English
Different problems and difficulties facing States, international organizations, and the world community in ensuring compliance with international humanitarian law. Factors of ignorance of the law - The role of international organizations: UN, ICRC...
Les nouvelles frontières du droit international humanitaire
J-F Flauss Ed.
Reference: Bruxelles, 2003, Bruylant, 2003
Languages: French
The progressive jurisdictionalization of international humanitarian law implies a reinforcement of its effectiveness, and shows that it should be considered as very much "alive". (Colloquium of March 2002).
Les Nations Unies et le droit international humanitaire / The United Nations and international humanitarian law, Actes du Colloque international à l'occasion du cinquantième anniversaire de l'ONU
L. Condorelli, A.-M. La Rosa, S. Scherrer Ed.
Reference: Paris, Pedone, 1996
Languages: English French
A mix of bilingual (French and English) materials, consisting of formal diplomatic speeches by high-level public officials, 15 thought-provoking academic papers by eminent scholars and practitioners, debates among the participants etc.
International Criminal Law, Cases and Materials
Paust, Bassiouini, Williams, Scharf, Gurulé, Zagar Ed.
Reference: Durham, Carolina Academia Press, 1996
Languages: English
An impressive collection of cases and materials - Overall view of international criminal law and transnational criminal law - General notions - Various components of inter-state cooperation and assistance in criminal matters - International crimes…
The Pinochet Papers : the case of Augusto Pinochet in Spain and Britain
Reed Brody, Michael Ratner Ed.
Reference: The Hague - London - Boston, Kluwer Law International, 2000
Languages: English
Overview of the case, its place in the development of international criminal law - Documents and materials, organized chronologically - Judicial and quasi-judicial decisions - Excerpts of the key statutes and treaties - Chronology of events.
     
Periodicals
Actualité et Droit International
Reference:
Contact: despretz@ridi.org http://www.ridi.org/adi/
Languages: French
E-journal of international news legal analysis. Articles (archive from 1998, quick search), chronicles and cases, discussions, international news, announcements. Useful links.
Droits Fondamentaux
Reference: Paris,
Contact: despretz@toile.org http://www.droits-fondamentaux.org/
Languages: French
First electronic journal in French on Fundamental Rights.
Human Rights Brief - Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
Reference: Washington, Washington College of Law
Contact: hrbrief@wcl.american.edu http://www.wcl.american.edu/hrbrief/
Languages: English
The Human Rights Brief reports about developments in international human rights and humanitarian law, as well as provides concise legal analysis of current human rights issues. Search by Volume / Issue / Title / Author. Archive since Spring 1994.
International Review of the Red Cross
Reference:
Contact: review.gva@icrc.org http://www.icrc.org/eng/review
Languages: English
The Review is the official publication of the ICRC. It is a specialized journal in the field of international humanitarian law and other aspects of humanitarian endeavour.
Journal of Humanitarian Assistance
Reference: Bradford, UK, Department of Peace Studies, Bradford University
Contact: editors@jha.ac http://www.jha.ac
Languages: English
The Journal encompasses all aspects of humanitarian assistance, from early warning and emergency provision to post-conflict peace-building and the transition to development. Law, politics, the work of national and international organisations.
Revista Internacional de la Cruz Roja
Reference: Geneva, CICR / ICRC
Contact: review.gva@icrc.org http://www.icrc/spa/revista
Languages: Spanish
The Spanish version of the International Review of the Red Cross (www.icrc.org/eng/review), provides abstracts of the articles existing in English.
Revue internationale de la Croix-Rouge
Reference:
Contact: review.gva@icrc.org http://www.icrc.org/fre/revue
Languages: French
The French version of the International Review of the Red Cross (www.icrc.org/eng/review), provides abstracts of the articles existing in English.
Revue trimestrielle des droits de l'homme
Reference: Bruxelles, Nemesis
Contact: vf@lambert.be http://www.revtrdrh.be
Languages: French
Specialized periodical. Articles on doctrine - Commentaries on the decisions of various courts - Extracts of new decisions - Bibliographies - News: conferences... Special issues.
The International Journal of Human Rights
Reference: London, Frank Cass Publishers
Contact: jnlsubs@frankcass.com http://www.frankcass.com/jnls/hr.htm
Languages: English
Quarterly journal covering an exceptionally broad spectrum of human rights issues: human rights and the law, race, religion, gender, children, class, refugees and immigration, genocide, torture, capital punishment, the laws of war and war crimes, ...
     
Human Rights Actors
François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights (Harvard University) ()
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/fxbcenter/ Type:Research / Education
The first academic center to focus exclusively on health and human rights. Combines research and teaching with service and advocacy. Works internationally and nationally with health and human rights practitioners, governments, NGOs, academics,...
Human Rights and Peace Centre, Makerere University (HURIPEC)
http://www.huripec.ac.ug Type:Research / Education
The first research and academic-based institution in the East African region. It is devoted to teaching, researching, and compilation of local/regional materials relating to human rights. Publishes the East African Journal of Peace and Human Rights.
Human Rights Centre, University of California, Berkeley ()
http://www.hrcberkeley.org/ Type:Research / Education
"the Human Rights Center conducts interdisciplinary research on emerging issues in international human rights and humanitarian law. Our research focuses on war crimes, justice and postwar reconstruction, health and human rights, and refugees".
Humanitarian Law Center (HLC)
http://www.hlc.org.yu/ Type:NGO (Non-Governmental Organization)
A regional, non-profit NGO that monitors respect for human rights in Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo. It advocates, investigates and reports on breaches of international humanitarian law, investigates human rights violations, and represents victims.
Initiative on Conflict Resolution and Ethnicity (INCORE)
http://www.incore.ulst.ac.uk/home/ Type:Research / Education
Aims to address the management and resolution of conflict through research, training, and influential activities. Its research focuses mainly on post conflict issues, issues of governance and diversity, and research methodology in violent societies.
Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV)
http://www.ifhv.de/ Type:Research / Education
Objective: to intensify academic research and instruction in the fields of armed conflict and ensuring peace. Future European peace order - Realisation of regional and world-wide processes of disarmament and arms control - humanitarian issues.
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
http://www.cicr.org/ Type:Other
Impartial, neutral and independent organization - Exclusively humanitarian mission: to protect the lives and dignity of victims of war and internal violence and to provide them with assistance - Coordinates international relief - Humanitarian law.
International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR)
http://www.ictr.org/ Type:United Nations System
Established for the prosecution of persons responsible for genocide and other serious violations of international humanitarian law committed in the territory of Rwanda between 1 January 1994 and 31 December 1994. UNSC resolution 955 of 8/11/1994.
Meiklejohn Civil Liberties Institute (MCLI)
http://www.sfsu.edu/~mclicfc Type:NGO (Non-Governmental Organization)
Advocates for human rights and peace law - US law - UN law - Reports on violations - Trains interns - Publishes the Human Rights & Peace Law Docket, the Human Rights Organizations and Periodicals Directory, Peace Law Packets, etc.
Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on use of mercenaries as a means of impeding the exercise of the right of peoples to self-determination ()
http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu2/7/b/mmer.htm Type:United Nations System
mandate established in 1987...
Tampere Peace Research Institute (TAPRI)
http://www.uta.fi/laitokset/tapri/ Type:Research / Education
"The research policy programme of the Tampere Peace Research Institute, TAPRI, is based on international and social changes during the last decade and on scientific development arising from the traditions of peace research."
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
http://www.un.org/ga/56/ Type:United Nations System
Main deliberative organ, while its decisions have no legally binding force for Governments, they carry the weight of world opinion on major international issues, as well as the moral authority of the world community.
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
http://www.reliefweb.int/ocha_ol/index.html Type:United Nations System
Coordinates international humanitarian response. Provides the humanitarian community with support in policy development. Advocates on humanitarian issues
University of Hamburg Institute for Security Policy and Peace Research (IFSH)
http://www.ifsh.de/ Type:Research / Education
IFSH focuses on global political and security issues within a framework of peace research. Its goal is to promote balanced and innovative academic research, training, and teaching and to publish its research results.