This volume assesses the development of human rights field operations of the United Nations and other intergovernmental organizations. It makes a substantial contribution to the debate and understanding with regard to the sector's underlying doctrine. The book, unprecedented in its scope, addresses the range of aspects of the nature, role and activities of field operations. It draws together the reflections of academics, policy makers and field practitioners. Its analysis is located within the context of applicable normative and ethical frameworks, assessment of former and current practice and examination of complementary and analogous experiences. The book will be an essential resource for all those actively involved in human rights field work as well as for policy makers and academics and students involved in human rights research.