International Law and Policy on the Protection of Civilians
Auteur: Stuart Casey-Maslen, Tobias Vestner
Nombre de pages: 400 pages
ISBN: 1316511448, 9781316511442
Edition: Cambridge University Press
Date de publication: Cambridge University Press
Description: "Protecting civilians essentially means minimising the negative consequences of conflict for those who are not actively engaged in fighting or ancillary activities. One might assume that shielding civilians from harm is a global public good upon which consensus can readily be achieved. Yet the reality is more blurred. Already the notions of both 'civilian' and 'protection' are contested, for instance. So too are the interpretation and application of many of the legal obligations which intend to ensure that civilians are safeguarded. In addition, protecting civilians oftentimes is in tension with other stakes as well as involves costs and trade-offs. As such, some justify civilian harm by national security imperatives or the exercise of a people's right to self-determination. Others perceive the concept as political cover for Western neo-imperialism. This"--