bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The International Fact-Finding Commission: The ICRC's role
Authors: Krill Françoise
Published: January 2010

To ensure that it is respected, international humanitarian law (IHL) requires mechanisms for its implementation. Most of these are known and have proved their worth, whether as means of prevention, control or repression. They do however have their limitations and, in this sense, the International Fact-Finding Commission provided for in Article 90, Protocol I, fills a gap.
The Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent: Their origin and development
Authors: Blondel Jean-Luc
Published: January 2010

From the very first, the founding members of what was to become the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement realized that it was necessary to comply with a number of essential principles. The work of the Red Cross and Red Crescent is based on the fundamental idea ofimpartial assistance to anyone who is suffering, whether friend or foe.
Challenges facing the Swiss Red Cross at the dawn of a new millennium
Authors: Sutter Kurt
Published: January 2010

One hundred and twenty five years after it was founded, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) benefits from the fact that people in Switzerland remember Henry Dunant and his achievements. Though most of them do not know exactly what the SRC does or distinguish between the various Red Cross institutions, 98% of the adult population are nevertheless familiar with the Red Cross, and consider it to be a good and important organization.
700th anniversary of the Swiss Confederation: “The Humanitarian Spirit of Geneva”
Authors: J.M.
Published: January 2010

The Swiss Confederation is celebrating its 700th anniversary this year and numerous commemorative activities are being organized throughout the country. In Geneva several events focusing on the city's humanitarian and international vocation have already been held.
International Red Cross and Peace
Authors: Freymond Jacques
Published: January 2010

The subject I shall deal with is one that traditionally comes up for discussion, to the point of growing stale. Innumerable resolutions and recommendations on “Red Cross and Peace” have been voted by delegates to International Red Cross Conferences. One might even say that this type of recommendation, which of course is addressed to all responsible governments, has become a feature of every Red Cross gathering.
Military Instructions on the Treatment of Prisoners in Guerrilla Warfare
Authors: Veuthey Michel
Published: January 2010

At the International Colloquium held by the International Institute of Humanitarian Law, at Sanremo last September, a paper was submitted on military instructions concerning the treatment of prisoners in situations arising from guerrilla warfare. In view of the importance of the subject and of the interesting references made to history, we are publishing the introduction and conclusion of this study, which will later appear in the official records of the International Institute of Humanitarian Law, as well as some of the historical examples given by the author. (Ed.)
The protection of rescue craft in periods of armed conflict
Authors: Eberlin Philippe
Published: January 2010

The National Lifeboat Societies and State-maintained rescue services, members of the International Lifeboat Conference (ILC), unanimously adopted the report by their special working group on the protection of rescue craft in periods of armed conflicts. The report was drawn up after the meeting in Geneva from 16 to 18 April 1984 of that working group, comprising representatives of the ILC, of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). It contains recommendations for improving the protection of rescue craft and their crews and of fixed coastal installations and staff of lifeboat institutions in periods of armed conflict.
The medical profession and international humanitarian law
Authors: Pictet Jean
Published: January 2010

International humanitarian law, whose purpose is to attenuate the evils of war, has been intimately bound from its earliest days to doctors and all others whose mission in life is to heal—the noblest of all professions. The fact is that this law originated from the need to make up for the deficiencies of military medical services and protect those wounded in war. Since then, the law has gone far beyond that framerwork and has extended its protection and solicitude to many other victims of conflicts and also, in peacetime, to victims of day-to-day life—sick people. An essentially medical element was the basis of the law, and continues to be a major element, referred to by some as “medical law”.
The Red Cross Contribution to the Development of Medical Equipment
Authors: Musy André
Published: January 2010

Right from the very beginning, the founders of the Red Cross were interested in improving military medical equipment; this remained a concern of the movement for many years (1863–1925). Later, attention was devoted to standardizing this equipment (1925–1934). Then, at a third stage, the Red Cross concentrated on studying and developing military medical equipment (1934–1938).
Medical Supplies for Emergency Medical Actions
Authors: Russbach R.
Published: January 2010

The following circular letter was sent by the ICRC and League chief medical officers to all the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies with a view to rationalizing consignments of medicaments and medical material for emercency medical actions. The circular letter contains practical advice and precise rules to be observed when selecting and packaging emergency relief medicaments.

The success of emergency action in cases of natural disaster or armed conflict depends of the degree of preparedness of personnel and material: it is not necessarily proportional to the number of volunteers or the volume of relief supplies hastily dispatched.
Synopsis IV: Identification Fundamental Principle
Authors: de Preux J.
Published: January 2010

Families have the right to know the fate of their relatives (P. I, Art. 32).

Each Party to a conflict must search for persons reported missing by an adverse Party and must supply all relevant information on such persons to facilitate the search (P. I, Art. 33).
Humanitarian principles and political realities
Authors: The Review
Published: January 2010

On 25 October 1986, the suspension of the South African government delegation from the Twenty-fifth International Conference of the Red Cross jeopardized the principle of universality whereby all States party to the Geneva Conventions consequently attend the Conference.
Dissemination of International Humanitarian law at university level
Authors: David Eric
Published: January 2010

Spreading knowledge of international humanitarian law at universities raises three questions which this text will attempt to answer. Firstly, why disseminate knowledge of international humanitarian law at universities? Secondly, towards which section of the university community should such an effort be directed? Thirdly, how should the subject be presented at law schools?
Law of war training within armed forces: Twenty years experience
Authors: de Mulinen Frédéric
Published: January 2010

The States which have accepted international treaties on the law of war are bound “to respect and to ensure respect for these treaties in all circumstances”.

This general principle, stated in the 1949 Geneva Conventions, has to be put into practice. For that reason, the States “undertake, in time of peace as in time of war, to disseminate the text of the treaties as widely as possible and, in particular, to include the study thereof in their programmes of military and, if possible, civil intruction, so that the principles thereof may become known to the entire population, in particular to the armed forces”.
Promoting Principles and Law
Authors: Meyer Michael A.
Published: January 2010

In 1977 a number of resolutions were adopted by several international bodies on the importance of dissemination of knowledge of Red Cross Principles and International Humanitarian Law. Although there had been earlier resolutions on this subject, it was from that date that Red Cross and Red Crescent institutions began to approach dissemination in a more systematic manner.
The “Tracing and Mailing Services” in aid of the “Boat People”
Authors: Ryter Pierre
Published: January 2010

In Resolution XVI (The role of the Central Tracing Agency and National Societies in tracing activities and the reuniting of families), the Twenty-fifth International Conference of the Red Cross (Geneva, October 1986)… “recalling the role which the Central Tracing Agency (CTA) of the ICRC plays as a co-ordinator and technical adviser to National Societies and governments, as defined in the report presented by the ICRC and the League and adopted by the Twenty-fourth International Conference of the Red Cross,”… and “recognizing that, in order to take effective action, the Movement must be able to rely on a sound network composed of all the National Societies' tracing services and the CTA, in liaison, when necessary, with the League Secretariat,”… encouraged the CTA “to continue its efforts to co-ordinate activities, to harmonize operating principles and working methods, and to train responsible tracing personnel,” and requested “all National Societies to carry out to the best of their capacity the role which they are called upon to play as components of the international network for tracing and reuniting families”.
Belgian Red Cross (French-speaking community): The implementation of the Additional Protocols in Belgium
Authors: Andries André
Published: January 2010

In November 1977 the Belgian Government appointed an interdepartmental commission to study questions relating to the ratification of the Protocols additional to the Geneva Conventions. This was done even before the Protocols, which had been adopted on 8 June of that year, were open for signature. The commission's work at that point was both to determine whether there was cause for Belgium to make an interpretative declaration or even announce a reservation when ratifying the Protocols, and to draft a bill for a law approving that ratification. This required consultation not only between the various ministerial departments concerned with implementing the Protocols but also between the Belgian Government and the governments of member countries of the military alliance to which Belgium belongs. It will be noted that the two NATO countries which ratified the Protocols before Belgium had decided not to make an interpretative declaration accompanying their ratification and did not therefore have to await the result of that consultation. The only reservation formulated by Denmark related to a question of judicial procedure in its national law.
Jordan National Red Crescent Society: Tenth Anniversary of the 1977 Additional Protocols: A Jordanian View
Authors: Abu-Goura Ahmad
Published: January 2010

Twenty years after the adoption of the four Geneva Conventions in 1949, the concerned world humanitarian organisations and in particular the ICRC, felt the need to develop these humanitarian treaties. After several preliminary meetings with experts from various governments and National Societies, the ICRC came to the conclusion that it would not be appropriate to revise the 1949 Conventions, but that two additional Protocols should be drawn up. The first should deal with “international armed conflicts” and the second with “non-international armed conflicts”. Both Protocols were intended to complement and supplement the Geneva Conventions. They are the outcome of prolonged and diversified discussions among high-ranking Red Cross and Red Crescent officials and government representatives who all attempted to find new solutions for gaps in the Geneva Conventions, thereby taking into account developments on the world political scene.
The Netherlands Red Cross: The Protocols of 1977 and The Netherlands Red Cross
Authors: Kalshoven Frits
Published: January 2010

The Netherlands contributed vigorously to the drafting of the Protocols of 1977, and it was among the States that signed these instruments at the first opportunity, on 12 December 1977 in Berne. Yet, up to the present day, it has not ratified the Protocols. Why the delay?
The “General Principles” of humanitarian law according to the International Court of Justice
Authors: Abi-Saab Rosemary
Published: January 2010

In its Judgment of 27 June 1986 in the case concerning “Military and Paramilitary Activities in and against Nicaragua”, the International Court of Justice dealt at length with some of the most vexed questions in humanitarian law. Although the Court had previously touched upon certain problems in this legal field, for example in the Corfu Channel case and that of the Pakistani Prisoners, this was the first time it expressed itself in detail on more general issues, notably on the customary nature of the “general principles” of humanitarian law.
Repression of breaches of the law of war committed by individuals
Authors: Flores José Luis Fernández
Published: January 2010

The law of war — international humanitarian law — has a place of its own and its own special characteristics in the general scheme for the repression of offences. International law is, in a sense, on the fringe of the provisions made by States in their domestic law for the repression of unlawful acts. It has its own system of repression, which imposes sanctions for breaches of international law committed by States, international organizations or individuals.
Recognition of the Guinea-Bissau Red Cross
Authors: Hay Alexandre
Published: January 2010

We have the honour to inform you of the official recognition of the Guinea-Bissau Red Cross by the International Committee of the Red Cross. This recognition, which took effect on 27 August 1986, brings to 138 the number of National Societies members of the International Red Cross.
Several major humanitarian issues dealt with by the Twenty-fifth International Conference of the Red Cross
Authors: The Review
Published: January 2010

It is true that the Twenty-fifth International Conference of the Red Cross (October 1986), the work of which was extensively reported by the International Review of the Red Cross in its special November-December 1986 issue, was marked by the suspension of the South African government delegation.
Recognition of the Suriname Red Cross Society
Authors: Hay Alexandre
Published: January 2010

We have the honour to inform you of the official recognition of the Suriname Red Cross by the International Committee of the Red Cross. This recognition, which took effect on 1 October 1986, brings to 143 the number of National Societies members of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
Legal obstacles to prosecution of breaches of humanitarian law
Authors: Verhaegen Jacques
Published: January 2010

It is common knowledge that by signing and ratifying the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 the High Contracting Parties have undertaken to seek out and prosecute all persons, whatever their nationality, committing or ordering to be committed any of the grave breaches defined in the said Conventions. As I have stated elsewhere, this express undertaking is so far removed from present custom, and from the traditional immunities enjoyed by nationals in this respect, as to justify asking how States intend to put it into effect and make its implications thoroughly understood and accepted by their politicians, armed forces and legal authorities.
Draft Model Declaration on Internal Strife
Authors: Meron Theodor
Published: January 2010

The tragedy of internal strife affects a large and growing number of countries throughout the world. The situations in many of these countries have been studied by UN bodies, governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations and, of course, by the International Committee of the Red Cross. On the basis of their reports, it would be possible to describe the symptoms of internal strife specific to these particular countries. However, this paper focuses on the general features characteristic of internal strife, without reference to particular countries, since accounts of the situation in any specific country inevitably prompt debate over conflicting factual allegations. Such debate would deflect us from our tasks of developing and understanding of the nature of internal strife and suggesting the necessary remedies.
National Measures to Implement International Humanitarian Law: A new move by the ICRC
Authors: Sommaruga Cornelio
Published: January 2010

Ever since its foundation, the ICRC has made considerable efforts to develop humanitarian law and to ensure that it is accepted by the States. Indeed, its activity in this field is acknowledged both by the Statutes of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and by those of the ICRC itself. However, the ICRC is aware of the fact that the treaties which constitute humanitarian law, even if they are duly accepted by the States, could well remain a dead letter unless internal legal and practical measures are taken within State systems to guarantee their application.
Recognition of the Somali Red Crescent Society (Circular No. 476)
Authors: Naville Marcel A.
Published: January 2010

We have the honour to inform you that the International Committee of the Red Cross on 3 July 1969 officially recognized the Somali Red Crescent Society.

The new Society, founded in 1963, formally applied to the International Committee for recognition on 9 April 1967. Some improvements and modifications to the statutes being considered necessary, these were realized in May 1969.
Doctors and the Red Cross
Authors: Meuli Hans
Published: January 2010

Representing the International Committee of the Red Cross on this occasion gives me a welcome opportunity to thank the International Committee of Military Medicine and Pharmacy (ICMMP) for its constant help and support and at the same time to thank the many medical officers who offered their services to us for various medical missions in so many countries. The ICRC has always need of doctors and qualified medical personnel and we hope that these invaluable and essential volunteers will continue to come forward in sufficient numbers for the accomplishment of manifold, interesting, and satisfying humanitarian assignments.
The Geneva Convention of 6 July 1906 is now a Historic Document
Authors: J. P.
Published: January 2010

In 1966, we mentioned in these pages that, following the accession of the Republic of Korea to the 1949 Geneva Conventions, the original Convention of 1864 was no more than a venerable museum piece.

To-day, with the accession of Costa Rica to the 1949 version, the “Geneva Convention of 6 July 1906 for the amelioration of the condition of the wounded and sick in armies in the field” is no longer binding on any State. Thus, in its turn, it becomes a thing of the past, a glorious trophy like its predecessor.
Twenty-third award of the Florence Nightingale Medal (Circular No. 482 to the Central Committees
Authors: Naville Marcel A.
Published: January 2010

In its Circular No. 479 of August 23, 1970, the International Committee of the Red Cross had the honour to invite the Central Committees of National Societies to send in the names of nurses and voluntary aids whom they judged qualified to receive the Florence Nightingale Medal. This invitation, which quoted Article 1 of the Regulations, was accompanied by questionnaires bearing various headings for the candidatures.
Human Rights and Refugees (II)
Authors: Weis Paul
Published: January 2010

The 1951 Convention contains other important provisions relating to expulsion, even to a third country, not to a country where the person would be subject to persecution. In the case of refugees lawfully staying in the territory, expulsion shall only be resorted to for reasons of public order or national security.
Apropos the new Constitution of the League of Red Cross Societies (2nd part)
Authors: Meurant Jacques
Published: January 2010

The Constitution Revision Commission, noting some confusion in the Constitution then in force concerning the power and functions of the League's two most important bodies, the Board of Governors and the Executive Committee, was predominantly concerned with adapting the structure to the specific character of the organization as the international federation of National Societies, and to ensure the greatest possible participation by National Red Cross Societies in the work of the organization by reinforcing the functions of its collective bodies. The Commission also wished to limit the duration of mandates in the organization and to make a rigorous distinction between the functions of the different bodies of the federation.
The International Committee of the Red Cross and human rights
Authors: Schindler Dietrich
Published: January 2010

The 150th anniversary of the birth of Henry Dunant, the 30th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 25th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights were all celebrated in 1978. Also in 1978, both the American Convention on Human Rights (1969) and the Protocols additional to the Geneva Conventions (1977) entered into force. The concurrence of these various notable events, all relating to human rights, constitutes an appropriate occasion for an analysis of the relationship which exists between international humanitarian law and human rights.
The Red Cross and voluntary service
Authors: Beer Henrik
Published: January 2010

When trying, in very popular terms, to explain what the Red Cross is, we sometimes define it in three ways: it is an emblem, a symbol, protecting or designating a movement; it is a world organization with 230 million members, almost all of them volunteers, brought together into 126 National Societies; but it is also an ideal, inspiring action to make this ideal a reality, based on a firm belief in a global, human solidarity, active in the fight against suffering.
European plans for perpetual peace and their impact upon the law of war
Authors: Draper G.I.A.D.
Published: January 2010

Writers have expressed the view that man's interest in projects for establishing perpetual peace is as old as man's participation in warfare. We cannot be certain that Europe can be considered the cradle of such projects for peace, although the Greek city states certainly elaborated a complex system of treaty relationships between themselves to that end. Europe was not to see a like network of sophisticated treaty relationships until the 19th century. Supporting these elaborate treaty networks was the fact that the Greeks enjoyed a common religious-legal and linguistic substratum which tended to mitigate the harshness of the intense intercity rivalries and enmities. The Greeks, as in so many other excursions in thought, were the architects of the modern array of different kinds of political treaties, e.g., of alliance, confederation, federation and, from the 4th century B.C., peace treaties of unlimited duration. In particular, religious leagues were established for the common defence of a shared and sacred shrine. Such were the Amphictyonys of the 5th century B.C. The religious bond between the cities parties to such compacts extended into the political sphere so that the city states bound thereby became confederated by the terms of the amphictyony, as was the case of the confederate association for the protection of the great shrine at Delphi.
International Solidarity and Protection of Political Detainees
Authors: Moreillon Jacques
Published: January 2010

To speak on the theme “Solidarity and Protection of Political Detainees” is unquestionably a difficult undertaking. Today, in 1980, the problem of so-called “political” detainees is one of the most controversial of issues and also one that has become heavily politicized. It is no easy matter to discern any truly universal solidarity concerning such a problem.
Red Cross assistance and protection
Authors: Moreillon Jacques
Published: January 2010

Assistance is the essence of all Red Cross actions; protection and assistance are the essence of all ICRC actions.

To approach the subject of this paper “Red Cross assistance and protection”, one should recall a few basic rules and concepts as guidelines in this study.

Firstly it should be clear that we shall not deal here with situations of natural disasters, which normally require Red Cross assistance only. Nor shall we deal with situations of internal disturbances or tensions, which involve mainly the ICRC and its activities in favour of persons detained for political or security reasons.
Twenty-eighth award of the Florence Nightingale Medal
Authors: Hay Alexandre
Published: January 2010

In its Circular No. 516 of 25 August 1980, the International Committee of the Red Cross had the honour to invite the Central Committees of National Societies to send in the names of nurses and voluntary aids whom they judged qualified to receive the Florence Nightingale Medal. This invitation, which quoted Article 1 of the Regulations, was accompanied by application forms to be completed by National Societies.
Recognition of the Qatar Red Crescent Society
Authors: Hay Alexandre
Published: January 2010

We have the honour to inform you that the International Committee of the Red Cross has officially recognized the Qatar Red Crescent Society.
Unlawful Damage in Armed Conflicts and Redress under International Humanitarian Law
Authors: Sandoz Yves
Published: January 2010

Side by side with aspirations for universal peace, efforts to limit the effects of war have been made throughout all of history and in all of the world's great civilizations. Such efforts, however, have primarily taken the form of religious or moral precepts; although treaties were in fact concluded, they were limited in scope.
Recognition of the Red Cross Society of the Republic of Rwanda
Authors: Hay Alexandre
Published: January 2010

We have the honour to inform you of the official recognition, by the International Committee of the Red Cross, of the Red Cross Society of the Republic of Rwanda. This recognition, which came into effect on 6 October 1982, brings to 130 the number of National Societies members of the International Red Cross.
The Red Cross and Refugees
Authors: Hocké Jean-Pierre
Published: January 2010

I should like to thank you most sincerely for giving the International Committee of the Red Cross an opportunity to speak at the important debate which marks the beginning of the annual session of the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner's programme and to express our satisfaction at the harmonious collaboration which has been established with the UNHCR, where we are always sure of finding understanding, support and determination to reach a solution for the problems confronting our two institutions.
Human Rights and Protocol II
Authors: Junod Sylvie
Published: January 2010

Human rights, particularly civil and political, have influenced the latest developments in international humanitarian law, especially 1977 Protocol II relating to non-international armed conflicts. At the Teheran Conference in 1968 the United Nations began to reconcile these two branches of international law; it was at this Conference that international humanitarian law was first called “human rights in periods of armed conflict”. This rapprochement was helped further by the adoption in the 1977 Protocols of some basic rules identical to those in the Human Rights Conventions; it helps strengthen the protection of human beings in situations of armed conflict.
The ICRC and International Humanitarian Issues
Authors: Hay Alexandre
Published: January 2010

I am glad to have the opportunity to address such a gathering of eminent personalities concerned with the increasingly grave humanitarian problems of our time.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has, for the last 120 years, served the cause of humanity in a world torn by conflicts.

In 1864, a year after the ICRC was founded, the Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded in Armies in the Field, the first multilateral humanitarian law treaty, established a legal basis for ICRC activities and brought about the recognition of the Red Cross movement by the States.
Some Reflections on the Future of International Humanitarian Law
Authors: Gasser Hans-Peter
Published: January 2010

The four Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 for the protection of war victims and the two 1977 Additional Protocols are the written sources of modern international humanitarian law. This monumental work of some 600 articles represents an impressive investment of intellect, arduous political negotiation, financial resources and goodwill. Modern written international humanitarian law is the result of one of the greatest efforts of successive legal codifications we know of. And, of course, customary law supplements the written rules to a substantial extent.
ICRC surgical activities
Authors: Russbach Rémi , Gray Robin Charles , Coupland Robin Michael
Published: January 2010

The surgical activities of the International Committee of the Red Cross stem from the institution's general mandate to protect and assist the victims of armed conflict.

The war wounded are thus only one category of the victims included in the ICRC's terms of reference.

The ICRC's main role in relation to the war wounded is not to treat them, for this is primarily the responsibility of the governments involved in the conflict and hence their army medical services. The task of the ICRC is first and foremost to ensure that the belligerents are familiar with the provisions of the Geneva Conventions and apply them, that is, care for members of the enemy armed forces as well as their own and afford medical establishments and personnel the protection to which they are entitled.
Strategy for medical assistance in disaster situations
Authors: Perrin Pierre
Published: January 2010

Disasters create specific problems shaped by both the type of event (earthquake, volcanic eruption, war) and its consequences (sudden or gradual impact on the victims).

The process that unleashes a disaster is often more complex than appears at first glance. For example, drought is obviously caused by poor climatic conditions, but it may also be precipitated by human behaviour detrimental to the environment.

While internal conflicts do not always have a direct and major impact on civilians beyond the casualties they claim, the breakdown of local services, particularly medical care and food supply, may have dire effects on health and nutrition, so that the entire civilian population falls victim to the situation.
Community-based health care in disasters
Authors: Dick Bruce
Published: January 2010

“Health for All by the Year 2000” has been a major goal, an important rallying cry for individuals and organizations around the world concerned about improving the physical, mental and social well-being of vulnerable people. Of course it has been a somewhat idealistic goal, as has the World Health Organization's definition of health. However, it has served a useful function, both in terms of what it says positively about our vision for the future and also by reminding us, implicitly if not explicitly, that for many hundreds of millions of people the reality is still very far from the dream.
Death of Alexandre Hay
Authors: The Review
Published: January 2010

Former ICRC President Alexandre Hay died on 23 August in Geneva at the age of 72. With Mr. Hay's passing the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has lost a true champion of the humanitarian cause, wholly committed to upholding the law and the Movement's ideals and to promoting peace through dialogue.
Respect for fundamental judicial guarantees in time of armed conflict — The part played by ICRC delegates
Authors: Gasser Hans-Peter
Published: January 2010

Article 75 of Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions lays down with admirable clarity and concision thateven in time of war, or rather especially in time of war, justice must be dispassionate. How does international humanitarian lawpromote this end? What can theInternational Committee of the Red Cross, an independent humanitarian institution, do in the harsh reality of an armed conflict towards maintaining respect for the fundamental judicial guarantees protecting persons accused of crimes, some of them particularly abhorrent?

This article will first consider the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols in relation to judicial procedure in time of armed conflicts. Thereafter it will examine the legal bases legitimizing international scrutiny of penal proceedings instituted against persons protected by humanitarian law. The next and principal part of the article will indicate how ICRC delegates appointed to monitor trials as observers do their job. In conclusion the article will try to evaluate this little-known aspect of the ICRC's work of protection.
Dissemination in the nineties
Authors: Kosirnik René
Published: January 2010

The dissemination of international humanitarian law is more than an obligation laid down by the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols for all the States party to them. To spread such knowledge is to play a vital part — if not the most important part of all — in limiting the suffering caused by armed conflict.
The humanitarian dimension of war — Protection of the individual, whether military or civilian
Authors: Calogeropoulos-Stratis Aristidis S.
Published: January 2010

Recently, a number of armed conflicts have broken out in Europe or not far away: armed conflicts between States — the Gulf War, for example, authorized by UN Security Council resolution 678 — or wars of national liberation, such as the armed conflict in Yugoslavia or the revolt in Kurdistan. Whether or not the use of force was legitimate in each of these situations, and even though the classic notion of a “just war” no longer exists, all parties to any armed conflict have a moral, legal and humanitarian obligation to abide by the laws and customs of war in the conduct of hostilities and indeed throughout the entire conflict.
“Droit” or “devoir d'ingérence” and the right to assistance: the issues involved
Authors: Sandoz Yves
Published: January 2010

Humanitarian issues have hardly ever before been given so much publicity by debates over what some people have described as the “droit” or “devoir d'ingérence”, which is then linked with the notion of the right to assistance. At the various levels at which the problem is perceived, the public at large, the media and legal experts have become involved in lively and even heated debates.
From humanitarian assistance to “intervention on humanitarian grounds”?
Authors: Torrelli Maurice
Published: January 2010

While States ever more ardently defend their sovereignty, which does little to improve international cooperation, and as the application of humanitarian law in armed conflicts declines, men of good will throughout the world are doing their utmost to reverse these trends. The century now drawing to a close has witnessed a plethora of private initiatives taken in an effort to temper reasons of State by more humane considerations. Many non-governmental organizations, some symbolically styling themselves “without borders”, have taken over where governments can no longer cope, organizing relief, combating drought, preserving the environment or improving sanitary conditions. These voluntary organizations whose vocation is to serve mankind are without question pursuing humanitarian aims as defined in the first Red Cross principle, which is “to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found”, and whose “purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being”. Emergency medical assistance organizations, stating that they wish to remain independent of the powers that be, demanding freedom of action to help all victims and encouraged by the example set by Henry Dunant and the ICRC, do not hesitate to claim that their activities fall within the terms of an as yet unwritten body of law entitling them to bring assistance to needy civilian communities, even against the will of the government. Indeed, they believe that receiving proper care is one of the basic human rights of the individual, wheresoever and whosoever he may be. Such basic rights know no national boundary. While awaiting recognition of their activities, the duty to intervene is created by moral considerations.
Assistance to the civilian population: the development and present state of international humanitarian law
Authors: Plattner Denise
Published: January 2010

Bearing in mind the plethora of rules applicable in time of war, jurists define international law rather elaborately as follows:

“International humanitarian law applicable in armed conflict means international rules, established by treaties or custom, which are specifically intended to solve humanitarian problems directly arising from international or non-international armed conflicts and which, for humanitarian reasons, limit the right of Parties to a conflict to use the methods and means of warfare of their choice or protect persons and property that are, or may be, affected by conflict”.
A tribute to Frederic Maurice
Authors: de Courten Jean
Published: January 2010

In September 1990 Frèdèric Maurice became my assistant at the Directorate of Operations. His keen intelligence, his vast experience of operational matters and his communicative nature, coupled with a sense of constructive criticism, were always of invaluable help. Yet he found that his role as adviser, centred as it was on theory and analysis, was too inactive, too far removed from the decisions which shape the actual course of operations; because of this, every so often he felt the need to take the lead on an assignment in the field. In April 1991, for instance, he went to Iraqi Kurdistan and the Basrah region to assess needs in the aftermath of the Gulf war and launch major relief programmes there; in July 1991 he was in charge of prisoner exchange operations in Slovenia.
Just War and Regular War in Sixteenth Century Spanish Doctrine
Authors: Haggenmacher Peter
Published: January 2010

The ethical and legal problems raised by war loom large in the thinking of the theologians and jurists of Spain's Golden Age. In their reflections and pronouncements on these problems, however, they were not starting from nothing. They had before them a large body of teachings, mostly dating from the Middle Ages. An accurate assessment of their role in this field must therefore begin by recalling those mediaeval teachings on war. We shall thus start with an outline of those teachings, before moving on to consider how they were assimilated and modified by the Spanish authors of the sixteenth century.
Diálogos militares by Diego García de Palacio: The first American work on the law of nations
Authors: Villa Alejandro Valencia
Published: January 2010

Over the years the Americas have made significant contributions to the development of international humanitarian law. These include three nineteenth-century texts which constitute the earliest modern foundations of the law of armed conflict. The first is a treaty, signed on 26 November 1820 by the liberator Simón Bolívar and the peacemaker Pablo Morillo, which applied the rules of international conflict to a civil war. The second is a Spanish-American work entitled Principios de Derecho de Genres (Principles of the Law of Nations), which was published in 1832 by Andrés Bello. This work dealt systematically with the various aspects and consequences of war. The third is a legal instrument, signed on 24 April 1863 by United States President Abraham Lincoln, which codified the first body of law on internal conflict under the heading “Instructions for the Government of Armies of the United States in the Field” (General Orders No. 100). This instrument, known as the Lieber Code, was adopted as the new code of conduct for the armies of the Union during the American Civil War.
Implementation of international humanitarian law — Activities of qualified personnel in peacetime
Authors: Dutli María Teresa
Published: January 2010

Ever since international humanitarian law (IHL) was first codified the States, as contracting parties, have undertaken to adopt every measure necessary to implement their obligations under the relevant treaties. The duty to ensure implementation derives from the customary rule whereby the parties to a treaty must carry out its provisions in good faith. In addition, the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols of 1977 set forth special means of implementation which strengthen and specify this customary rule and apply from the moment a treaty enters into force. One such provision is Art. 6 of Protocol I, entitled “Qualified persons”.
Implementation of human rights and humanitarian law in situations of armed conflict
Authors: Weissbrodt David , Hicks Peggy L.
Published: January 2010

Governments are principally responsible for the implementation of international human rights and humanitarian law during periods of armed conflict. During non-international armed conflicts, governments and armed opposition groups each bear responsibility for their obedience to those norms.

International organizations can encourage the participants in armed conflicts to respect human rights and humanitarian law. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has long played a leading role in working for the application of humanitarian law during armed conflicts; it has also begun to refer to human rights law in situations of internal strife or tensions not covered by international humanitarian law. The United Nations General Assembly, the UN Commission on Human Rights, the International Court of Justice, and several other intergovernmental organizations have occasionally attempted to secure respect for human rights law during armed conflicts and have referred on an irregular basis to humanitarian law in such endeavors. The UN Security Council has almost exclusively used humanitarian law in its decisions.
The role of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in promoting respect for human rights
Authors: Nobel Peter
Published: January 2010

As violations of human rights are a growing concern all over the world, and as the perpetrators are not only governments and their agents but all sorts of parties on many levels, it is essential for a major humanitarian organization like the Red Cross and Red Crescent to focus its efforts on counteracting this evil. If it fails to do so it might dangerously weaken its profile and, what is much worse, it will be deserting many of the most vulnerable groups and communities.
Recognition of the Mozambique Red Cross Society
Authors: Sommaruga Cornelio
Published: January 2010

We have the honour of informing you that the Mozambique Red Cross Society has been officially recognized by the International Committee of the Red Cross. This recognition, which took effect on 29 September 1988, brings to 147 the number of National Societies that are members of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Founded on 10 July 1981, the Society officially applied for recognition by the International Committee of the Red Cross on 23 September 1988. In support of its application, it forwarded various documents, including a report on its activities, the text of its Statutes and a copy of Government Decree No. 7/88 of 17 May 1988 attesting that the Mozambique Red Cross Society is recognized by the Government as a voluntary aid society auxiliary to the public authorities in accordance with the provisions of the First Geneva Convention of 1949.
SOS-Torture
Authors: de Senarclens Pierre
Published: January 2010

In 1983, at the suggestion of its founder, the late Jean-Jacques Gautier, the Swiss Committee against Torture convened a symposium on means of eradicating torture. The meeting, which was held in Geneva, brought together almost 70 experts from some 30 countries representing many different human rights organizations. It concluded that a way had to be found to create a more effective role for the hundreds of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) around the world which had been set up to eliminate torture. In particular, it suggested establishing a service to speed up the circulation of information gathered by these NGOs, to facilitate rapid representations to the United Nations and other regional organizations responsible for defending human rights and, when desirable, to organize concerted action. This, it was thought, might finally do something to help the victims of torture.
Fighting by the rules: Instructing the armed forces in humanitarian law
Authors: Hampson Françoise J.
Published: January 2010

It is commonly accepted that education in human rights may be one of the most effective tools in promoting the observance of those rights. Those whose profession entails the exercise of power over others have an obvious need to know the limits of their power and members of the armed forces represent just such a group. Their acts engage the responsibility of their State under human rights treaties, wherever those acts are committed. Some instruction in human rights law, particularly non-derogable rights, is therefore necessary but the body of rules which imposes the greatest prohibitions and restraints on the conduct of armed forces is humanitarian law. That term is used here as including both “The Hague law”, which imposes limits on the means and methods of warfare, and “Geneva law”, which seeks to protect certain victims of the conflict, such as the wounded and sick in the field, the wounded, sick and shipwrecked at sea, prisoners of war and civilians living under belligerent occupation. The latter body of rules was updated in 1977 by the addition of two Protocols which extended the range of protection by incorporating elements of “The Hague law”. The 1949 Geneva Conventions have been ratified by 166 States and Hague Convention IV, with which we shall principally be dealing, was held by the Nuremberg Tribunal to represent customary international law. To all intents and purposes then, every State is bound by the two bodies of rules. In addition, the 1977 Protocols are binding on those States which have ratified them.
The lasting nature of the Red Cross
Authors: Milosevic Olga
Published: January 2010

The idea of the Red Cross was born of suffering, suffering in war. It was followed by humanitarian action for the benefit of all humanity, and has been enhanced with the knowledge and experience gained throughout the many years of its long history.

We have seen how one man, a good man, struck with compassion for those who were suffering, was able to arouse that same compassion and will to help in many hitherto indifferent people, how he was able to convince them to give what was best in them to a noble humanitarian cause. In doing their humanitarian work, these people did not ask who was friend and who was foe. Only one thing mattered: to alleviate suffering and save human lives.
Recognition of the Dominica Red Cross Society
Authors: Sommaruga Cornelio
Published: January 2010

We have the honour to inform you of the official recognition of the Dominica Red Cross Society by the International Committee of the Red Cross. This recognition, which took effect on 15 March 1989, brings to 148 the number of National Societies members of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

The new Society applied for recognition by the International Committee of the Red Cross on 13 December 1988. In support of its application it forwarded various documents, including a report on its activities, the text of its Statutes and a copy of governmental decree No. 5/83 adopted by the House of Assembly on 7 March 1983, signed by the President of the Commonwealth of Dominica on 25 March 1983 and published in the Official Gazette on 7 April 1983. This attests that the Dominica Red Cross Society is recognized by the Government as a voluntary aid society auxiliary to the public authorities in accordance with the provisions of the First Geneva Convention of 1949.