HPCR Manual on International Law Applicable to Air and Missile Warfare

The Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research (HPCR) at Harvard University is a research and policy center focusing on international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians in situations of armed conflict. The Program was established in 2000 as a collaborative effort between the Swiss Government, the United Nations and Harvard University. HPCR aims to provide legal and policy expertise in the development of cogent tools and methods to enhance the capabilities of professionals and agencies engaged in the implementation and monitoring of international humanitarian law.

Section A. Definitions; Section B. General framework; Section C. Weapons; Section D. Attacks; Section E. Military objectives; Section F. Direct participation in hostilities; Section G. Precautions in attacks; Section H. Precautions by the belligerent party subject to attack; Section I. Protection of civilian aircraft; Section J. Protection of particular types of aircraft; Section K. Specific protection of medical and religious personnel, medical units and transports; Section L. Specific protection of medical aircraft; Section M. Specific protection of the natural environment; Section N. Specific protection of other persons and objects; Section O. Humanitarian aid; Section P. 'Exclusion zones' and no-fly zones; Section Q. Deception, ruses of war and perfidy; Section R. Espionage; Section S. Surrender; Section T. Parachutists from an aircraft in distress; Section U. Contraband, interception, inspection and capture; Section V. Aerial blockade; Section W. Combined operations; Section X. Neutrality.