This book is written in memory of Avril McDonald, who passed away in April 2010. Avril was an inspired and passionate scholar in the fields of international humanitarian law, international criminal law, human rights law and law in the field of arms control and disarmament. What in particular made Avril's work special was her strong commitment to the human aspects throughout.

Fourteen prominent scholars and practitioners have contributed to this book, which contains a rich variety of topics in her fields of expertise. The common thread is that they deal with the human perspectives in their relevant area of expertise. They concentrate on the impact of the developments in international law on humans, whether they are civilians, victims of war or soldiers. This human perspective of law makes this book an appropriate tribute to Avril McDonald and at the same time a unique and valuable contribution to international legal research in present society. A society that becomes more and more characterized by detailed legal systems, defined by institutions that may frequently lack sufficient contact with the people concerned.

This book is of special interest to researchers and practitioners in international humanitarian law and in general to everyone having the human aspects of international law closely at heart.

Autorentext

Mariëlle Matthee is a freelance researcher and writer. Brigit Toebes is a Lecturer in International Law at the University of Groningen, the Netherlands. Both Mariëlle Matthee and Brigit Toebes were colleagues of Avril McDonald at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut in The Hague and worked closely with her on several projects. Marcel Brus is Professor of Public International Law at the University of Groningen, at the department where Avril worked during the last years of her life.

Inhalt
Fighting by the Principles: Principles as a Source of International Humanitarian Law.- Chivalry: A Principle of the Law of Armed Conflict? Military Robots and the Principle of Humanity Distorting the Human Face of the Law? Some Reflections on Self-Defence as an Element in Rules of Engagement.-The Current Relevance of the Recognition of Belligerency.- In Search of a Human Face in the Middle East: Addressing Israeli impunity for War Crimes.- Doctors in Arms: Exploring the Legal and Ethical Position of Military Medical Personnel in Armed Conflicts.- Saving the Past, Present and Future. Thoughts on Mobilizing International Protection for Cultural Property During Armed Conflict.- Watching the Human Rights Watchers .- Armed Conflict and Law Enforcement Is There a Legal Divide? Friend or Foe? On the Protective Reach of the Law of Armed Conflict.- Seeking the Truth about Serious International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law Violations: The various Facets of a Cardinal Notion of Transitional Justice.- La responsabilité pénale des autorités politiques pour des crimes de droit international humanitair (DIH).- Discrepancies Between International Humanitarian Law on the Battlefield and in the Courtroom: The Challenges of Applying International Humanitarian Law During International Criminal Trials.