Contents

Foreword

Acknowledgments

List of Abbreviations

Introduction

Chapter 1 Concepts: NGOs, Armed Conflicts and Customary Law

1 What is an NGO?

2 Applicable Law in Times of Armed Conflicts

3 International and Non-International Armed Conflicts

4 Customary International Law and General Principles

Chapter 2 The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement: A Position Affirmed in International Humanitarian Law Treaties

1 The ICRC

2 The Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

3 The National Societies of the Red Cross and Red Crescent

Chapter 3 The Reference to 13 Other Organisations in IHL Treaties: A Basis for NGOs

1 Volunteer/Voluntary Aid Societies

2 Civil Defence Organisations

3 Civilian Relief/Medical Personnel

4 The Civilian Religious Personnel

5 Substitutes of the Protecting Powers

6 Impartial Humanitarian Bodies/Organisations

7 Organisations Giving Assistance to Prisoners of Wars

8 Relief Societies

9 International Religious Organisations

10 Organisations Duly Approved by the Parties to the Conflict

11 Social or Cooperative Organisations

12 Organisations Engaged in the Task of Reuniting Families

13 Organisations Assisting the Protected Persons

Chapter 4 The Legal Personality of NGOs in International Humanitarian Law: Is That the Question?

1 Recognition of Existing NGOs as Organisations Cited in IHL Treaties

2 International Legal Personality and Its Applicability to NGOs

3 The Carrots: Can NGOs Benefit from Direct Rights in International Humanitarian Law?

4 The Sticks: With Power Comes Responsibility

Chapter 5 Customary Rights of NGOs in International Humanitarian Law

1 A Customary Right to Offer Services (“Right of Initiative”)

2 A Customary Right to Have Access to Protected Persons

3 A Customary Right to Provide Relief to Protected Persons

4 A General Customary Right to be Respected and Protected

Conclusion

Selected Bibliography

1 Primary Sources

1.1 Treaties

1.2 Declarations and Resolutions

1.3 Workshops and Conferences Documents

1.4 Draft Conventions

1.5 Other Documents

2 Secondary Sources

2.1 Books

2.2 Articles and Contributions to Collective Works

Index