World Blood Donor Day information kit
The World Health Organization, the International Federation, the International Federation of Blood Donor Organizations and the International Society of Blood Transfusion, 2005

The information sheets contained in this kit support institutions and NGOs organizing events to mark World Blood Donor Day (WBDD) on 14 June. The sheets provide crucial background information on the goal of WBDD as an opportunity to be part of a global celebration to raise awareness about the need for regular, voluntary non-remunerated blood donation and its importance in ensuring that all patients who need blood are able to receive it.

Available from the International Federation in English and French.

Renewing our voice
Code of good practice for NGOs responding to HIV/AIDS International Federation, 2004

The code outlined in this document sets out a number of guiding principles using a human-rights-based approach to the range of health, development and humanitarian work undertaken by NGOs responding to HIV/AIDS. The final chapter includes key resources such as tool kits and manuals to assist in putting the principles elaborated in this publication.

Available from the International Federation in English.

Algiers Plan of Action
International Federation, 2004

In September 2004, the 6th Pan African Conference of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies took place in Algiers, Algeria. It brought together not only all the National Societies in Africa, but representatives of the wider Red Cross Red Crescent Movement: National Societies from other regions, the International Federation and the ICRC. The conference elaborated a Plan of Action that builds on the commitments made during the last Pan African Conference in 2000. Specifically, the plan clearly defines the roles, responsibilities and expected results for National Societies in the region over the next four years related to health interventions and food security.

Available from the International Federation in English and French.

Customary International
Humanitarian Law
Cambridge University Press, 2005

The long-awaited study, Customary
International Humanitarian Law, will be
published in early 2005. This two-volume
publication features the results of a major
international study into customary rules of
international humanitarian law applicable
in international and non-international
armed conflicts. As part of the contents,
it contains a detailed summary of the
relevant treaty law and state practice
throughout the world.

Available in English
Order from Cambridge University Press www.cambridge.org/law.

Where are they now?
ICRC, 2005

Uncertainty over the fate of a loved one causes untold suffering in wartime. This new film captures how the ICRC Central Tracing Agency, together with Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies worldwide, works to alleviate this suffering. It illustrates the means and methods used to trace family members and to restore family links, bringing welcome news and relief to thousands every year.

Available from the ICRC in English and French

The roots of behaviour in war
ICRC, 2004

The phenomenon of war, the place it has in the culture of mankind and the behaviour of combatants in war are all closely examined in this study commissioned by the ICRC. Through this bibliographical overview of the historical, sociological and psychological investigations used in the study, we learn of the origins of the need for limits in war and gain an insight into the situations which give rise to violations of international humanitarian law.

Available from the ICRC in English and French

Story of an idea
ICRC, Danish Red Cross and Norwegian Red Cross, 2004

Story of an idea, one of the Movement’s most widely distributed films, has been remade and brought up to date. Created as a joint venture between the ICRC, the Danish Red Cross and the Norwegian Red Cross, the film combines colourful animation with recent images to bring to life the history of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement from Henry Dunant and the Battle of Solferino to today.

Ideal as an introduction to the Movement, the film explains, in simple terms, the meaning of the Geneva Conventions, the universal humanitarian principles underlying the Movement’s efforts and the general activities carried out by the different components – the ICRC, the International Federation and the National Societies across the world.

Available from the ICRC in English and French