The Canadian Handbook on International Humanitarian Law

Canada’s approach to war has shaped the way in which it interprets and implements international humanitarian law, or the law of armed conflict as it is also called. This handbook provides a useful “first stop” for the Canadian legal community on key topics in international humanitarian law, in a way which pays particular attention to Canadian sources, interpretations, applications and practices where they exist and are publicly available. At the same time, given the iterative nature of the development of international law, especially customary international law, the book will also be useful to practitioners and scholars internationally. Indeed, despite the paucity of publicly available material, Canada has been a regular actor in this area of law and its contributions to the development of international humanitarian law should be highlighted.

Throughout The Canadian Handbook on International Humanitarian Law, the authors address the relationship between theory and practice, the implications and challenges of operating with partners and allies, and tensions between different state, civil society and critical perspectives. The authors aim to provide useful guidance and indicate Canadian resources for all engaged with international humanitarian law issues, from the field to the courtroom, and to the classroom. The handbook also addresses the interplay between international humanitarian law and other relevant legal regimes, notably international human rights law and international criminal law. In a moment when international humanitarian law issues have garnered the attention of the public, as well as specialists, this handbook is timely and essential reading.