Books

Women and war

Thousands of women all over the world suffer the traumas of war - widowed, displaced, detained, separated from loved ones, victims of violence and injury. Usually innocent civilians caught in the crossfire, women very often show resourcefulness and resilience in coping with the destruction caused to their lives. They also take an active part in war as combatants. International humanitarian law provides extensive protection for women in war, whether as civilians or captured combatants. If these rules were better observed, women's suffering would be much less. This short publication illustrates the main ways in which women are affected by war, and outlines some of the initiatives recently undertaken by the ICRC - notably, a study, a pledge and a decision to formulate guidelines.
Available from the ICRC in English.

Annual Report 1999
Federation

The Federation report looks back at a very demanding year, from the earthquakes and floods in Asia, Europe and Latin America to the Kosovo crisis. In more than 50 pages, it highlights the challenges faced and the humanitarian action taken. It also covers the 'quiet revolution' the Federation went through, its assistance in strengthening National Societies, and what it was able to do with a record level of funding.
Available from the Federation in English, French, Spanish and Arabic, or consult the Federation web site.

Annual Report 99
ICRC

The ICRC's Annual Report 1999 gives detailed accounts of activities carried out in the field, followed by a round-up of developments in the domain of international law, dissemination, communication and the Movement. It also contains the organization's audited financial tables.
Available from the ICRC in English 
and French. Sfr. 12.

Partnerships in profile
2000-2001

This profiles 147 National Societies and provides an 'honest photograph' of their activities, capacities and needs. The aim is to share the available knowledge in order to encourage societies to work together and support one another more closely, and also to foster cooperation with other organizations.

The third edition in six years, it includes for the first time many National Societies from industrialized countries, showing what they do to improve the lives of vulnerable people at home and abroad.
Available in English from the Federation. Sfr. 20. 
All profiles are on the Federation web site.