Handbook of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
13th edition, ICRC/Federation, Geneva, 1995

The long-awaited new edition of this indispensable reference has arrived. The handbook has been extensively revised to bring up to date the information on all aspects of Red Cross and Red Crescent activities. It includes the main articles of the Geneva Conventions and other international humanitarian law reference texts; the Statutes and Regulations currently in force in the Move-ment; and a selection of the main resolutions of the Inter-national Con-ference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, the Council of Delegates and other statutory bodies of the Movement.

Available in English, French and Spanish from the ICRC or the Federation. Paperback Sfr 29, hardback Sfr 39.

The Technology of Killing
By Eric Prokosch, Zed Books, London, 1995

More soldiers and civilians have died from landmines and other “conventional” antipersonnel weapons than from any other type of modern armament. This book traces the development and widespread proliferation of antipersonnel weapons since the Second World War and describes in chilling terms the death and destruction they have wrought. The author argues that there is no hope of mitigating the sufferings of war as long as the world refuses to face the moral and practical problems posed by these weapons.

Available in English from Zed Books Ltd., 7 Cynthia Street, London N1 9JF, UK. Sfr 30.

Les actions militaires de l’ONU et le droit international humanitaire
By Claude Emanuelli, Faculté de droit, Université d’Ottawa, 1995

As the English translation of its title suggests, “UN military action and international humanitarian law” takes a close look at the situations in which the UN is called upon to take military action and the problems and constraints that this imposes on the organisation whose foremost mission is to maintain and restore peace. One area which is currently being hotly debated is that of how to apply international humanitarian law to UN military operations. In his study on the subject, Professor Emanuelli examines the problem from all angles through a detailed analysis of the relevant rules of international humanitarian law, customary
law, jurisprudence, doctrine and practice.

Available in French from the ICRC. Sfr 30.

Working with victims of organised violence from different cultures
By Saralee Kane, Federation, Geneva, 1995

This reference and training manual draws on the Federation’s experience of working with the victims of trauma of all kinds, including torture, rape, murder, kidnapping and other forms of intimidation. In particular, it emphasises that the perception of violence, expressions of distress and the process of recovery are significantly affected by cultural differences. The first section of the guide describes how people respond to violence and details ways of helping them. The second section consists of annexes designed to be used as training materials, including communication exercises, such as story telling, group work and relaxation techniques. The manual was prepared with the support of the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture and the Needs Foundation.

Available in English, French, Spanish and Arabic from the Federation.

An introduction to sexual health
Federation, Geneva, 1995

This handbook on sexual health is designed for people who train trainers in health topics or who are engaged in the planning, implementation and evaluation of health promotion programmes. It aims to provide them with a starting point from which to introduce a discussion about sexual health and to establish a framework for planning, implementing and evaluating sexual health training courses. The text is supplemented throughout by case studies and activities.

Available in English from the Federation. French and Spanish versions in preparation. Sfr 20.

Disasters, relief and the media
By Jonathon Benthall, I.B. Tauris & Co. Ltd, London, 1993

In this book, anthropologist Jonathon Benthall examines the way humanitarian crises are represented in the media and explores the political, moral and organisational issues facing relief agencies and the journalists who report these disasters. Drawing on numerous examples, Benthall looks at the unparalleled opportunities for relief agencies to raise money and the acute ethical dilemmas that emerge when fund-raising priorities, development strategies and educational values conflict. Among the humanitarian agencies assessed by the author are the ICRC, World Vision and Médecins sans frontières.

Available in English from I. B. Tauris & Co. Ltd, 45 Bloomsbury Square, London WC1A 2HY, UK. UK£ 14.95.

In the custody of the law
Edited by Carlos P. Medina, Jr, LAWASIA Human Rights Committee, Manila, 1994

This study takes a look at the practice of administrative detention in the Philippines and describes through examples and interviews with both detainees and law-enforcers how the system is open to human rights violations. The book includes the proceedings of the Conference on Administrative Detention in the Philippines held in Manila in May 1994.

Available in English from the LAWASIA Human Rights Committee, Ateneo de Manila University, Makati, Metro Manila, Republic of the Philippines.

Guidelines for Blood Donor Counselling on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Federation/WHO, Geneva, 1994

These guidelines have been put together in collaboration with blood transfusion specialists from many parts of the world and are designed specifically for people in charge of blood transfusion services and of blood donor recruitment programmes. Specific guidelines were necessary because blood donors are regularly tested for HIV and there are serious implications, both medical and psychological, for those who receive positive HIV results, as well as for those who test positive but are not informed of their status.

Available in English from the Federation or WHO, Geneva. French and Spanish versions in preparation. Sfr 10.

AIDS, images of the epidemic
WHO, Geneva, 1994

This book presents a portrait of the global AIDS epidemic in its multiple public health, social and human dimensions. Drawing upon eye-witness accounts as well as data from the WHO Global Programme on AIDS, the book goes beyond statistical forecasts to show how AIDS affects the lives of real people, why the infection continues to spread, and what can be done to fight back.

While the overall picture is grim, the book provides solid evidence of a number of approaches that have proven successful in meeting the dual goals of prevention and compassionate care for those already infected.

Available in English from the World Health Organization, Office of Publications, Geneva, Switzerland. Sfr 32 (Sfr 22.40 in developing countries).

Chechnya 1995
ICRC, Geneva, 13 minutes 17 seconds

This film shows the effects of the conflict in Chechnya on the civilian population, the ruins of the capital Grozny, and the work of the ICRC for the wounded, refugees and prisoners of war. In Grozny, the camera follows a Russian woman, Zina, who lives in an apartment in a virtually destroyed building and whose son, traumatised by the bombardments, has been struck dumb.

Available in French from the ICRC.

An ordinary day
ICRC, Geneva, 10 minutes

The video shows a series of personal accounts by the victims of antipersonnel landmines from different parts of the world.

Available in English and French from the ICRC.