MSF publishes humanitarian law guide

Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) has assisted in the publication of a guide to humanitarian law which aims to explain the rights of victims and humanitarian organizations in times of conflict, tension and crisis. Titled “The Practical Guide to Humanitarian Law” the book presents humanitarian law in a new light: from the perspective of relief action carried out for the benefit of victims. By contrast, most books on humanitarian law explain the rules from the point of view of states and armed forces, the most powerful actors. “Anyone who works or lives in the world zones of danger needs to have a practical knowledge of international humanitarian law,” Director of the Carr Center of Human Rights Michael Ignatieff said. “ This guide is clear, accessible and reliable.” Written by MSF Legal Director Francoise Boucher-Saulnier, the 490 page volume was published in February 2002.