The handbook provides a brief overview of relevant international standards and norms to aid those with criminal justice monitoring functions. It is designed to serve as a basis for reporting on local law enforcement activities. The handbook can also be used to plan and implement training courses or to develop training curricula. The legal status of the standards and norms varies. Provisions contained in multilateral treaties concluded under the auspices of the United Nations, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, impose specific obligations on parties that ratify or accede to them. Other standards, such as the Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials, aim to avoid possible human rights abuses and to ensure humane practices. Some of the norms, including the Geneva Conventions, have the status of customary international law. The handbook defines the police role in international peacekeeping operations and covers arrest, the use of force, firearms, trials, victims, detainees and prisoners, torture and other cruel treatment, illegal executions, genocide, humanitarian rules, and refugee protection. 20 references and 108 notes