International Humanitarian Law: A Comprehensive Introduction is an introductory handbook that aim... more International Humanitarian Law: A Comprehensive Introduction is an introductory handbook that aims to promote and strengthen knowledge of international humanitarian law (IHL) among academics, weapon-bearers, humanitarian workers and media professionals. It presents contemporary issues related to IHL in an accessible and practical style, and in line with the ICRC’s reading of the law. That, plus its distinctive format – combining “In a nutshell”, “To go further” and thematic textboxes –make it the ideal everyday companion for anyone approaching IHL for the first time and curious about conflict-related matters, as well as for military and humanitarian personnel seeking useful guidance on a vast array of topics. BOOKS AND ARTICLES
The Secretary-General has the honour to transmit to the General Assembly the report of the Specia... more The Secretary-General has the honour to transmit to the General Assembly the report of the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, Nils Melzer, submitted in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 34/19.
The Secretariat has the honour to transmit to the Human Rights Council the report of the Special ... more The Secretariat has the honour to transmit to the Human Rights Council the report of the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, Nils Melzer, pursuant to Council resolution 25/13. In his report, the Special Rapporteur gives an overview of the activities of the mandate during the reporting cycle, including the country visits carried out by the former Special Rapporteur, Juan Mendez, up to the end of his tenure on 31 October 2016. The incumbent Special Rapporteur, who took up his appointment on 1 November, outlines his working methods, his thematic priorities and his vision for a meaningful anti-torture advocacy, in close cooperation with existing mechanisms.
Forces involved in contemporary military operations are often called upon to assume functions bot... more Forces involved in contemporary military operations are often called upon to assume functions both of law enforcement and of hostilities, each of which are governed by different legal standards. It is therefore important to distinguish between these two concepts, identify potential overlaps between them, and determine how the respective legal paradigms governing each type of operation interrelate. The generic concept of law enforcement can be defined for the purposes of operational law as comprising all territorial and extraterritorial measures taken by a State or other collective entity to maintain or restore public security, law and order or to otherwise exercise its authority or power over individuals, objects, or territory. The rules and principles of international law governing the conduct of law enforcement activities form the legal paradigm of law enforcement.
This paper collects 7 expert memoranda prepared for the Global Governance Program's High-Leve... more This paper collects 7 expert memoranda prepared for the Global Governance Program's High-Level Policy Seminar on Targeted Killing, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and EU Policy. In these memoranda, noted experts address the legality of the US policy of targeted killings under the international law of self-defence, international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Also addressed is the comparative example of Israel, and its legal framework regulating targeted killing. The concluding memorandum asks whether the time is ripe for a European policy on the use of drones and targeted killing.
Current world affairs are plagued by a plethora of conflicts, many of them marked by methods of w... more Current world affairs are plagued by a plethora of conflicts, many of them marked by methods of warfare displaying a shocking disregard for the established principles of international humanitarian law (IHL). A more comprehensive discussion on methods of warfare immediately runs into thorny questions: How should the notion of “methods of warfare” be defined and, in particular, how should it be distinguished from the related twin notion of “means of warfare”? Are the generic prohibitions of indiscriminate attacks and of superfluous injury/unnecessary suffering sufficiently specific in terms of detail, and sufficiently broad in terms of scope, to regulate each and every method of warfare? What are the main methods of warfare that have been more specifically regulated in customary and treaty IHL? Are there differences as to how IHL regulates methods of warfare in international and non-international armed conflicts? Once these preliminary issues have been explored, the objective of this ...
Understanding the global security environment and delivering the necessary governance responses i... more Understanding the global security environment and delivering the necessary governance responses is a central challenge of the twenty-first century. On a global scale, the central regulatory tool for such responses is public international law. But what is the state, role, and relevance of public international law in today’s complex and highly dynamic global security environment? The Oxford Handbook of the International Law of Global Security provides a groundbreaking overview of the relationship between international law and global security. It constitutes a comprehensive and systematic mapping of the various sub-fields of international law dealing with global security challenges, and offers authoritative guidance on key trends and debates around the relationship between public international law and global security governance. The Handbook features original contributions by leading scholars and practitioners from a wide range of professional and disciplinary backgrounds, reflecting t...
In recent years, the use of drones and other unmanned robots in warfare and other situations of v... more In recent years, the use of drones and other unmanned robots in warfare and other situations of violence has increased exponentially, and States continue to invest significantly into increasing the operational autonomy of such systems. The present study provides an overview of the current and likely future use of such systems and examines the relevant legal implications under human rights law, international humanitarian law and the UN Charter. The study concludes that the present sense of uncertainty as to the applicable legal standards, the rapid development and proliferation of drone and robotic technology, and the perceived lack of transparency and accountability of current policies have the potential of polarizing the international community, undermining the rule of law and, ultimately, of destabilizing the international security environment as a whole. Accordingly, the study develops the following policy recommendations for European foreign policy: 1. First, the EU should make ...
Forces involved in contemporary military operations are often called upon to assume functions bot... more Forces involved in contemporary military operations are often called upon to assume functions both of law enforcement and of hostilities, each of which are governed by different legal standards. It is therefore important to distinguish between these two concepts, identify potential overlaps between them, and determine how the respective legal paradigms governing each type of operation interrelate. The generic concept of law enforcement can be defined for the purposes of operational law as comprising all territorial and extraterritorial measures taken by a State or other collective entity to maintain or restore public security, law and order or to otherwise exercise its authority or power over individuals, objects, or territory. The rules and principles of international law governing the conduct of law enforcement activities form the legal paradigm of law enforcement.
Oxford Guide to International Humanitarian Law, 2018
Current world affairs are plagued by a plethora of conflicts, many of them marked by methods of w... more Current world affairs are plagued by a plethora of conflicts, many of them marked by methods of warfare displaying a shocking disregard for the established principles of international humanitarian law (IHL). A more comprehensive discussion on methods of warfare immediately runs into thorny questions: How should the notion of “methods of warfare” be defined and, in particular, how should it be distinguished from the related twin notion of “means of warfare”? Are the generic prohibitions of indiscriminate attacks and of superfluous injury/unnecessary suffering sufficiently specific in terms of detail, and sufficiently broad in terms of scope, to regulate each and every method of warfare? What are the main methods of warfare that have been more specifically regulated in customary and treaty IHL? Are there differences as to how IHL regulates methods of warfare in international and non-international armed conflicts? Once these preliminary issues have been explored, the objective of this ...
Without any doubt, the torture and abuse suffered by millions of migrants in all parts of the wor... more Without any doubt, the torture and abuse suffered by millions of migrants in all parts of the world is one of the greatest tragedies of our time. The undeniable links between irregular migration and torture are manifold and deeply troubling. Not only is the risk of torture and violence one of the most important “push-factors” causing countless people to flee their country of origin, it is also a frightening and pervasive reality of most irregular migration routes and, most shockingly, even of the treatment they receive by the very countries to which they turn for protection. My mandate as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture is to seek, receive, examine and act upon information regarding torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. My sources of information are governments, international and civil society organizations, but also journalists, individual victims and their lawyers, doctors, relatives, and friends.
, under the auspices of the Global Governance Programme, to discuss the direction and development... more , under the auspices of the Global Governance Programme, to discuss the direction and development of EU policy in response to targeted killing practices using unmanned aerial vehicles. The GGP High-Level Policy Seminar (HLPS) tackled the controversial practice of targeted killing using unmanned aerial vehicles from a range of law and policy perspectives. The core concerns of the HLPS were: • The desirability for a European response to contemporary US practices;
International Humanitarian Law: A Comprehensive Introduction is an introductory handbook that aim... more International Humanitarian Law: A Comprehensive Introduction is an introductory handbook that aims to promote and strengthen knowledge of international humanitarian law (IHL) among academics, weapon-bearers, humanitarian workers and media professionals. It presents contemporary issues related to IHL in an accessible and practical style, and in line with the ICRC’s reading of the law. That, plus its distinctive format – combining “In a nutshell”, “To go further” and thematic textboxes –make it the ideal everyday companion for anyone approaching IHL for the first time and curious about conflict-related matters, as well as for military and humanitarian personnel seeking useful guidance on a vast array of topics. BOOKS AND ARTICLES
The Secretary-General has the honour to transmit to the General Assembly the report of the Specia... more The Secretary-General has the honour to transmit to the General Assembly the report of the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, Nils Melzer, submitted in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 34/19.
The Secretariat has the honour to transmit to the Human Rights Council the report of the Special ... more The Secretariat has the honour to transmit to the Human Rights Council the report of the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, Nils Melzer, pursuant to Council resolution 25/13. In his report, the Special Rapporteur gives an overview of the activities of the mandate during the reporting cycle, including the country visits carried out by the former Special Rapporteur, Juan Mendez, up to the end of his tenure on 31 October 2016. The incumbent Special Rapporteur, who took up his appointment on 1 November, outlines his working methods, his thematic priorities and his vision for a meaningful anti-torture advocacy, in close cooperation with existing mechanisms.
Forces involved in contemporary military operations are often called upon to assume functions bot... more Forces involved in contemporary military operations are often called upon to assume functions both of law enforcement and of hostilities, each of which are governed by different legal standards. It is therefore important to distinguish between these two concepts, identify potential overlaps between them, and determine how the respective legal paradigms governing each type of operation interrelate. The generic concept of law enforcement can be defined for the purposes of operational law as comprising all territorial and extraterritorial measures taken by a State or other collective entity to maintain or restore public security, law and order or to otherwise exercise its authority or power over individuals, objects, or territory. The rules and principles of international law governing the conduct of law enforcement activities form the legal paradigm of law enforcement.
This paper collects 7 expert memoranda prepared for the Global Governance Program's High-Leve... more This paper collects 7 expert memoranda prepared for the Global Governance Program's High-Level Policy Seminar on Targeted Killing, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and EU Policy. In these memoranda, noted experts address the legality of the US policy of targeted killings under the international law of self-defence, international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Also addressed is the comparative example of Israel, and its legal framework regulating targeted killing. The concluding memorandum asks whether the time is ripe for a European policy on the use of drones and targeted killing.
Current world affairs are plagued by a plethora of conflicts, many of them marked by methods of w... more Current world affairs are plagued by a plethora of conflicts, many of them marked by methods of warfare displaying a shocking disregard for the established principles of international humanitarian law (IHL). A more comprehensive discussion on methods of warfare immediately runs into thorny questions: How should the notion of “methods of warfare” be defined and, in particular, how should it be distinguished from the related twin notion of “means of warfare”? Are the generic prohibitions of indiscriminate attacks and of superfluous injury/unnecessary suffering sufficiently specific in terms of detail, and sufficiently broad in terms of scope, to regulate each and every method of warfare? What are the main methods of warfare that have been more specifically regulated in customary and treaty IHL? Are there differences as to how IHL regulates methods of warfare in international and non-international armed conflicts? Once these preliminary issues have been explored, the objective of this ...
Understanding the global security environment and delivering the necessary governance responses i... more Understanding the global security environment and delivering the necessary governance responses is a central challenge of the twenty-first century. On a global scale, the central regulatory tool for such responses is public international law. But what is the state, role, and relevance of public international law in today’s complex and highly dynamic global security environment? The Oxford Handbook of the International Law of Global Security provides a groundbreaking overview of the relationship between international law and global security. It constitutes a comprehensive and systematic mapping of the various sub-fields of international law dealing with global security challenges, and offers authoritative guidance on key trends and debates around the relationship between public international law and global security governance. The Handbook features original contributions by leading scholars and practitioners from a wide range of professional and disciplinary backgrounds, reflecting t...
In recent years, the use of drones and other unmanned robots in warfare and other situations of v... more In recent years, the use of drones and other unmanned robots in warfare and other situations of violence has increased exponentially, and States continue to invest significantly into increasing the operational autonomy of such systems. The present study provides an overview of the current and likely future use of such systems and examines the relevant legal implications under human rights law, international humanitarian law and the UN Charter. The study concludes that the present sense of uncertainty as to the applicable legal standards, the rapid development and proliferation of drone and robotic technology, and the perceived lack of transparency and accountability of current policies have the potential of polarizing the international community, undermining the rule of law and, ultimately, of destabilizing the international security environment as a whole. Accordingly, the study develops the following policy recommendations for European foreign policy: 1. First, the EU should make ...
Forces involved in contemporary military operations are often called upon to assume functions bot... more Forces involved in contemporary military operations are often called upon to assume functions both of law enforcement and of hostilities, each of which are governed by different legal standards. It is therefore important to distinguish between these two concepts, identify potential overlaps between them, and determine how the respective legal paradigms governing each type of operation interrelate. The generic concept of law enforcement can be defined for the purposes of operational law as comprising all territorial and extraterritorial measures taken by a State or other collective entity to maintain or restore public security, law and order or to otherwise exercise its authority or power over individuals, objects, or territory. The rules and principles of international law governing the conduct of law enforcement activities form the legal paradigm of law enforcement.
Oxford Guide to International Humanitarian Law, 2018
Current world affairs are plagued by a plethora of conflicts, many of them marked by methods of w... more Current world affairs are plagued by a plethora of conflicts, many of them marked by methods of warfare displaying a shocking disregard for the established principles of international humanitarian law (IHL). A more comprehensive discussion on methods of warfare immediately runs into thorny questions: How should the notion of “methods of warfare” be defined and, in particular, how should it be distinguished from the related twin notion of “means of warfare”? Are the generic prohibitions of indiscriminate attacks and of superfluous injury/unnecessary suffering sufficiently specific in terms of detail, and sufficiently broad in terms of scope, to regulate each and every method of warfare? What are the main methods of warfare that have been more specifically regulated in customary and treaty IHL? Are there differences as to how IHL regulates methods of warfare in international and non-international armed conflicts? Once these preliminary issues have been explored, the objective of this ...
Without any doubt, the torture and abuse suffered by millions of migrants in all parts of the wor... more Without any doubt, the torture and abuse suffered by millions of migrants in all parts of the world is one of the greatest tragedies of our time. The undeniable links between irregular migration and torture are manifold and deeply troubling. Not only is the risk of torture and violence one of the most important “push-factors” causing countless people to flee their country of origin, it is also a frightening and pervasive reality of most irregular migration routes and, most shockingly, even of the treatment they receive by the very countries to which they turn for protection. My mandate as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture is to seek, receive, examine and act upon information regarding torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. My sources of information are governments, international and civil society organizations, but also journalists, individual victims and their lawyers, doctors, relatives, and friends.
, under the auspices of the Global Governance Programme, to discuss the direction and development... more , under the auspices of the Global Governance Programme, to discuss the direction and development of EU policy in response to targeted killing practices using unmanned aerial vehicles. The GGP High-Level Policy Seminar (HLPS) tackled the controversial practice of targeted killing using unmanned aerial vehicles from a range of law and policy perspectives. The core concerns of the HLPS were: • The desirability for a European response to contemporary US practices;
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