NEW! Chinese version of Handbook on Business and International Humanitarian Law

To promote business actors’ awareness of IHL and why it is essential to improve respect for IHL in corporate culture, policies and practices, the ICRC, Australian Red Cross and French Red Cross have published the Chinese translation of the handbook “Private Businesses and Armed Conflict: An Introduction to Relevant Rules of International Humanitarian Law.”

Primarily intended for private business staff such as legal counsel and others in compliance or human rights due diligence roles, the publication may also be instructive for humanitarian practitioners, other legal experts, government and regulatory officials, think tanks and other experts.

This essential publication not only elucidates the general rules of IHL but it also highlights a number of specific rules of particular relevance to private businesses, including:

the use of force by public or private security providers;
humane treatment of civilians, including people deprived of liberty;
protection of public and private property;
avoiding forced displacement;
protection of the natural environment; working conditions; access to food, water and other essential supplies;
and manufacture of and trade in weapons and other technologies.

Access the translation here!

Private Businesses and Armed Conflict: An Introduction to Relevant Rules of International Humanitarian Law

This brochure explains why, when and how international humanitarian law (IHL) is relevant to private businesses.

Description

It is primarily intended for business people, particularly corporate legal counsel and others in corporate compliance or human rights due diligence roles.

However, it also aims to answer questions that humanitarian practitioners, legal experts, government officials and others frequently ask about business and IHL. The brochure provides a general introduction to IHL and highlights specific rules and protections that are particularly important for private business entities and their personnel.