This volume presents the results of workshops on protecting civilians in armed conflict and situations of internal violence that have been organized by the ICRC over the last four years. It includes contributions by over 100 professionals from 50 different organizations. Its aim is to promote shared principles and practices, and to raise the levels of professionalism and effectiveness in organizations working in the field of protection.
ICRC, Geneva, 2001, 127 pp., graphs, 16 x 23 cm, English only / Price CHF 40.- / Ref. 0783
On the basis of a classification of the different means of action used by humanitarian players the author shows that there are three modes of action that apply to any situation, namely "persuasion", "denunciation" and "substitution". He explains how relations among humanitarian players can be organized according to these three modes of action and how this can help them achieve complementarity and solidarity for the benefit of the victims they serve.
ICRC, Geneva, 1999, 65 pp., photos, illus., 16 x 23 cm, French / Price CHF 15.- / ref. 0722 / also available on-line
What do human rights and humanitarian organizations understand by "protection" ? What is the best way of dealing with the dilemmas facing humanitarian work ? These questions are being addressed by a number of key players from different backgrounds (human rights and refugee agencies, practitioners, academics) within what has come to be known as "the Protection Workshop process". The report on the January 1999 workshop, entitled << Doing something about it and doing it well >>, proposes a concept of protection that facilitates identification of the various activities pertaining to that goal.
ICRC, Geneva, 1999, 92 pp., 15x23 cm, English only / Price CHF. 15.- / ref. 0742
This volume of original essays by influential figures in international policy-making, practitioners and academics offers insights into the conflicting moral pressures brought to bear in various types of humanitarian operations. The authors address issues relating to human rights, development, economic sanctions, the arms trade, refugees, HIV and the media. Together they make the case that, although there are no easy answers, paying due regard to moral considerations can improve the quality of decision-making and intervention in internal conflicts.
English edition to be ordered from Rowman and Littlefield
French edition (order on this site): Gallimard, Paris, 1999, 459 p., 15 x 23 cm / CHF 35 - / ref. 2166
An insight into the ICRC and its unique approach to protecting those deprived of their freedom. This article, originally published in the International Review of the Red Cross, highlights the importance of ICRC visits to detainees as the starting point for a wide range of activities on their behalf. In light of the recent debates surrounding detention, the article explains the historical and legal basis of the ICRC's position and discusses its objectives in this field.
Offprint from the International Review of the Red Cross, March 2005, ICRC, Geneva, 39pp. 15 x 21 cm, English / Price CHF 2.- / ref. 0861
This revised leaflet tells of intolerable situations of insecurity and violence, accompanied by summary executions, disappearances, arbitrary detention, etc. It also describes the activities of the ICRC as a neutral intermediary between the detaining authorities and the victims, and the organization's struggle to ensure respect for human dignity.
A comprehensive overview of the specific ICRC techniques and procedures used to assess living conditions and treatment of prisoners in places of detention. Presented in a modern, clear format, the brochure describes how the ICRC addresses issues of concern such as torture, ill-treatment and forced disappearances and seeks to improve the conditions of detention, restore contact between detainees and their families and provide medical assistance.
ICRC, Geneva, 2002, 30 pp., photos, 15 x 21 cm English, French, Spanish, Arabic Price CHF 2.- / Ref. 0685
Building upon the ICRC study Women Facing War, this guidance document intends to translate the findings of the study into practical terms. Aimed at staff concerned with the planning and implementation of humanitarian programmes, this document is intended as a means of sharing ICRC's experience in this area with other organisations. It is an important tool which can be used to address women's needs on an operational level, illustrating best practices and lessons learned.
ICRC, Geneva, 2004, A5, 207 pp., English and French / price CHF 12.- / ref. 0840 / also available on-line
This ICRC study is an extensive reference document on the impact of armed conflict on the lives of women. Taking as its premise the needs of women, e.g. physical safety, access to health care, food and shelter, in situations of armed conflict, the study explores the problems faced by women in wartime and the coping mechanisms they employ. A thorough analysis of international humanitarian law, and to a lesser extent human rights and refugee law, was carried out as a means to assess the protection afforded to women through these bodies of law. The study also includes a review of the ICRC's operational response to the needs of women as victims of armed conflict. Overview of contents and executive summary
A promotional folder with eight fact sheets which can be ordered individually or as a set. These fact sheets cover various problems faced by women in wartime, including physical safety, sexual violence, detention, missing relatives and displacement. Each fact sheet describes a particular problem, highlights the protection afforded by international humanitarian law and how the ICRC responds.
ICRC, Geneva, 2001, A4, English, French, Spanish, Arabic / Free of charge / Folder including 8 fact sheets: ref. 0797K
A complement to the Women and War fact sheets, this series of five posters graphically highlights some of the difficult situations faced by women in armed conflict. They aim to create greater awareness of some of the specific problems faced by women - Sexual Violence, Detention, Displacement, and Missing Relatives, as well as to demonstrate the resilience of women in wartime through the poster on Support & Dignity.
The kit describes those activities carried out by the ICRC to restore family links, provide care and protect unaccompanied children and child soldiers, among others. As both a work tool and a source of information, it covers the legal protection of children in situations of armed conflict and contains a summary of those provisions of international humanitarian law that apply specifically to children. (All documents in pdf format)
ICRC, Geneva, 2002, updated 31 july 2004. A4, English, French, Spanish, Arabic / Price CHF 9.- / Ref. 0577K / also available on-line
This set of comprehensive guidelines outlines a framework and set of principles intended to ensure that the rights and needs of separated children are effectively addressed. Created through close inter-agency collaboration, the guidelines aim to promote and support preparedness, coordination and good practice based on lessons learnt. The document addresses all aspect of an emergency from preventing separations, to family tracing and reunification through to long-term solutions and encourages the pooling of complementary skills and expertise.
ICRC, UNHCR, UNICEF, World Vision International, Save the Children UK & International Rescue Committee, Geneva, 2004, A5, photos, 71 pp., English, (French and Spanish online only in PDF format) / CHF 3.- / ref. 1101
This brochure provides detailed information about the problem of child soldiers and outlines what should be done to prevent their recruitment, protect them and help them rebuild their lives after their demobilization. It is an ideal introduction to the provisions of international law that apply specifically to the participation of children in hostilities.
ICRC, Geneva, 2003, 15 pp., photos, 15 x 21 cm, English, French, Spanish / Free of charge / ref. 0824
The life, health and dignity of children caught up in armed conflict require particular attention, so that the fighting will not endanger their future. This series of four posters focuses on the protection of children in war, child soldiers, restoring family links and rehabilitation. The posters highlight the specific problems facing children affected by armed conflict and promote respect for the laws that protect them.
ICRC, Geneva, 2002, A1, English, French, Spanish / Free of charge Child-soldier poster: ref. S2002.01 Families torn apart poster: ref. S2002.02 Shattered childhoods poster: ref. S2002.03 General children in war poster: ref. S2002.04 Complete set ref.S2002.1-4
War and Displacement, an information kit on internally displaced persons, is now available. A folder of information sheets summarizes the ICRC's position on this issue and the approach it has adopted. It also contains information specifically relating to the ICRC's activities on behalf of internally displaced persons, and an overview of the protections granted by international humanitarian law to such persons.
Internally displaced persons : report of the symposium, Geneva, 23 -25 October 1995 Jean-Philippe Lavoyer Issues covered by the symposium include legal protection of internally displaced persons under international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Better implementation and possible development of the existing law; protection and assistance for internally displaced persons : access to the victims, principles of action, consultation and cooperation among all humanitarian players, the establishment of safe areas and the return of displaced people under proper security conditions; and causes and prevention of population movements.
ICRC, Geneva, 1996, 134 pp., 16 x 23 cm, French / Price CHF 15.- / ref. 0655
With its expert practical advice on security in situations of armed conflict, this updated set of guidelines will prove invaluable to humanitarian personnel working at the operational level.
Following on from the success of the first edition, published in 1999, it addresses new and developing threats such as chemical, biological and nuclear hazards, and includes new chapters on, among others, first aid, staying healthy on mission and how international humanitarian law protects humanitarian workers.
ICRC, Geneva, 2006, 184 pp., 11 x 18 cm, English only / Price CHF 10.- / ref. 0717
This brochure is intended for families and professional associations of journalists missing or detained in conflict situations. It describes what the ICRC can and cannot do for them, and the means it has available.
ICRC, Geneva, 2002, 7 pp., 11 x 15 cm, English, French / free of charge / ref. 0394
This publication contains the key documents, reports, summaries and outcomes of the International Conference of Governmental and Non-Governmental Experts and the 28th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent both of which took place in 2003.
ICRC, Geneva, 2004, 23 pp., 21 x 30 cm, English, French, Spanish / CHF 5.- / ref. 0857
This publication is a compilation of all recommendations and best practices relating to the proper handling of the remains of those who die in direct or indirect relation to an armed conflict or internal violence, for implementation by non-specialists.
ICRC, Geneva, 2004, 53 pp., 21 x 30 cm, English, French, Spanish / Price CHF 5.- / ref. 0858
This revised leaflet provides a concise summary of the problem of families split up by war and a description of the methods used to restore family links, reunite separated families and ascertain the status of detainees and missing persons.
ICRC, Geneva, 2nd edition 2004, 3 panels, photos, 30 x 11 cm, English, French, Arabic (Spanish: 1994, 1st ed.) / Free of charge / ref. 0592
The Missing: End the silence poster raises awareness of the plight of missing people and their families through the use of a simple but powerful image and message.
ICRC, Geneva, 2003, A1 / Bilingual English - French / Free of charge / ref: S2002.06
The Missing brochure outlines the various situations which can lead to people becoming unaccounted for. It points to the international law standards intended to prevent such disappearances and recommends best practices to encourage action to resolve the problem.
ICRC, Geneva, 2003, 23 pp., map, photos, 15 x 21 cm, English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian / Free of charge / ref. 0819
When war breaks out families are torn apart, populations can be displaced or forced into exile, children become separated from their parents, and soldiers are wounded, taken prisoner, reported missing or killed in action. The ICRC and the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies work, often together with other humanitarian agencies, to alleviate the human suffering arising from these situations - in addition to other aid, this can include distributing Red Cross messages, organizing family reunifications, issuing temporary travel documents and capture cards and visiting persons deprived of their freedom.
ICRC, Geneva, 2002, 11 pp., photos, 15 x 21 cm, English, French, Spanish, Arabic / Free of charge / Ref. 0643
Intended for National Societies, this guide promotes a common approach of the Movement to restoring family links broken by conflict, natural disaster or other humanitarian crises. It includes advice on refining tracing tools, including new technologies, and describes the legal basis for tracing work. It aims to improve skills to respond to the growing worldwide demand for such services.
In health emergencies as in periods of stability, restoring access to primary health-care services is a priority in so fa as many problems can be dealt with by means of preventive care and conventional therapy: Depending on the context, the ICRC must often take in action in this area, taking into account the level of emergency, the involvement of other actors, the possible evolution of the situation and the organization's operational strategies.
The ICRC has been deploying mobile health units (MHUs) in certain operational contexts. MHUs form part of a strategy involving the provision of occasional ambulatory health services. This strategy is often used in order to reach isolated population groups.
Dignified and proper management of the dead in disasters is fundamental to help the families know the fate of their relatives and mourn their dead. This manual is intended for use by those first on the scene following a disaster when no specialists are at hand. It provides basic guidance to manage the recovery, basic identification, storage and disposal of dead bodies following disasters, to ensure that no information is lost and that the dead are treated with respect.
Within the area of mother and childcare, antenatal care plays a key role in reducing death, disease and suffering among women, whose vulnerability is always exacerbated by armed conflict and poor security conditions. These Antenatal guidelines for primary health care in crisis conditions provide field staff with basic practical information they need to run an antenatal clinic in situations that may vary greatly from one country to another. The handbook deal only with first level of health care, that is to say the community health centre, and not with the second and third levels (reference and district hospitals)
ICRC, Geneva, 2005, 200 pp., graph., tabl., illus., 15 x 21 cm, English / Price CHF 47.- / ref. 0875
General publications
Includes PDF
