IRRC No. 872

Direct participation in hostilities

10 articles

IRRC No. 872 Direct participation in hostilities

10 articles

Civilians are playing an increasingly decisive role in determining the outcome of wars. This has further blurred the fundamental civilian/combatant distinction that is the cornerstone of modern humanitarian law. The lawfulness of an attack on civilians depends on their own conduct in hostilities, and hinges on the principle of "direct participation in hostilities". The definition and scope of this concept are the subjects of debate, to which the Interpretative Guidance of the ICRC, published in this edition of the Review, aims to bring further clarification.

Table of contents

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Editorial: Direct participation in hostilities

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Interview with The Hon. Sergio Jaramillo Caro, Vice Minister of Defence in Colombia

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The civilianization of armed conflict: trends and implications

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The past as prologue: the development of the "direct participation" exception to civilian immunity

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Chained to cannons or wearing targets on their T-shirts: human shields in international humanitarian law

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Mission impossible? Bringing charges for the crime of attacking civilians or civilian objects before international criminal tribunals

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The equal application of the laws of war: a principle under pressure

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Can "jus ad bellum" override "jus in bello"? Reaffirming the separation of the two bodies of law

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Interpretive Guidance on the Notion of Direct Participation in Hostilities under International Humanitarian Law

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Books and articles (Winter 2008)