Rowe Peter. The Impact of Human Rights Law on Armed Forces

Cambridge University Press, 2005. — 273 p.This book considers those aspects of human rights law whichmay become relevant to the activities of armed forces whether they remain in barracks, undertake training or are deployed inmilitary operations within their own State or outside it. The unique nature of military service and of military courts gives rise to human rights issues in respect both of civilians and soldiers, whether volunteers or conscripts, who find themselves before these courts. Rowe examines these issues as well as the application of international humanitarian law alongside the human rights obligations of the State when forces are training for and involved in armed conflict; where armed forces are deployed in situations of civil disorder; and where States contribute armed forces to multinational forces.
This is a timely study in light of the allegations of ill-treatment by soldiers of civilians following the war in Iraq and the detention of ‘unlawful combatants’ in Guantanamo Bay. It will have broad appeal, for scholars in human rights, international law and military studies, and anyone concerned with policy relevant to the armed forces.
Peter Rowe is Professor of Law at the University of Lancaster. He has been Chairman of theUnited Kingdom Group of the International Society for Military Law and the Law of War, and has published widely in these areas.