Geneva Conventions - Additional Protocols

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PROTOCOLS ADDITIONAL TO THE GENEVA CONVENTIONS OF 12 AUGUST 1949

This volume contains the official texts of the two Protocols additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, as adopted on 8 June 1977 by the Diplomatic Conference on the Reaffirmation and Development of International Humanitarian Law applicable in Armed Conflicts (Geneva, 1974-77). It also includes extracts from the Final Act of the Conference and the texts of the substantive resolutions adopted at the fourth session in 1977.

The Final Act, to which the two Protocols were annexed, was deposited with the Swiss Federal Council, the depositary of the 1949 Conventions.

Protocols I and II came into force on 7 December 1978.

This volume also contains the official text of the Protocol additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Adoption of an Additional Distinctive Emblem (Protocol III), adopted on 8 December 2005.

Protocol III came into force on 14 January 2007.

By 1 April 2010, 169 States had agreed to be bound by Protocol I, 165 by Protocol II and 52 by Protocol III.

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This volume contains the official texts of the two Protocols additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, as adopted on 8 June 1977 by the Diplomatic Conference on the Reaffirmation and Development of International Humanitarian Law applicable in Armed Conflicts (Geneva, 1974-77). It also includes extracts from the Final Act of the Conference and the texts of the substantive resolutions adopted at the fourth session in 1977.

The Final Act, to which the two Protocols were annexed, was deposited with the Swiss Federal Council, the depositary of the 1949 Conventions.

Protocols I and II came into force on 7 December 1978.

This volume also contains the official text of the Protocol additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Adoption of an Additional Distinctive Emblem (Protocol III), adopted on 8 December 2005.

Protocol III came into force on 14 January 2007.

By 1 April 2010, 169 States had agreed to be bound by Protocol I, 165 by Protocol II and 52 by Protocol III.

Mission

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an impartial, neutral and independent organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence and to provide them with assistance. The ICRC also endeavours to prevent suffering by promoting and strengthening humanitarian law and universal humanitarian principles. Established in 1863, the ICRC is at the origin of the Geneva Conventions and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. It directs and coordinates the international activities conducted by the Movement in armed conflicts and other situations of violence.

Mission

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an impartial, neutral and independent organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence and to provide them with assistance. The ICRC also endeavours to prevent suffering by promoting and strengthening humanitarian law and universal humanitarian principles. Established in 1863, the ICRC is at the origin of the Geneva Conventions and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. It directs and coordinates the international activities conducted by the Movement in armed conflicts and other situations of violence.

Editors noteUpon completion of a procedure begun in 1989, a number of amendments to Annex I to Protocol I (Regulations concerning identification) were adopted on 30 November 1993 and came into force on 1 March 1994.

The present volume contains the amended text of Annex I.

Resolutions 17, 18 and 19 of the 1974-77 Diplomatic Conference and the annexes thereto comprise or refer to Articles 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 of the original version of Annex I; these provisions are now Articles 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 respectively.

Article 56 of Protocol I contains a reference to Article 16 of Annex I, which is now Article 17.

PROTOCOL ADDITIONAL TO THE GENEVA CONVENTIONS OF 12 AUGUST 1949 1

Contents

PROTOCOL ADDITIONAL TO THE GENEVA CONVENTIONS OF 12 AUGUST 1949, AND RELATING TO THE PROTECTION OF VICTIMS OF INTERNATIONAL ARMED CONFLICTS (PROTOCOL I), OF 8 JUNE 1977

Preamble ..................................................................................................................... 9

PART IGENERAL PROVISIONS........................................................................................................ 10

Article1 Generalprinciplesandscopeofapplication......................................... 10Article2 Definitions................................................................................................. 10Article3 Beginningandendofapplication.......................................................... 11Article4 LegalstatusofthePartiestotheconflict.............................................. 11Article5 AppointmentofProtectingPowersandoftheirsubstitute............... 11Article6 Qualifiedpersons...................................................................................... 13Article7 Meetings..................................................................................................... 13

PART IIWOUNDED, SICk AND SHIPWRECkED...................................................................... 13

SECTION I General protection......................................................................... 13Article8 Terminology.............................................................................................. 13Article9 Fieldofapplication................................................................................... 15Article10 Protectionandcare.................................................................................. 16Article11 Protectionofpersons............................................................................... 16Article12 Protectionofmedicalunits..................................................................... 17Article13 Discontinuanceofprotectionofcivilianmedicalunits..................... 17Article14 Limitationsonrequisitionofcivilianmedicalunits........................... 18Article15 Protectionofcivilianmedicalandreligiouspersonnel...................... 18Article16 Generalprotectionofmedicalduties.................................................... 19Article17 Roleofthecivilianpopulationandofaidsocieties............................. 19Article18 Identification.............................................................................................20Article19 NeutralandotherStatesnotPartiestotheconflict............................ 21Article20 Prohibitionofreprisals............................................................................ 21

SECTION II Medical transportation............................................................... 21Article21 Medicalvehicles........................................................................................ 21

2 CONTENTS

Article22 Hospitalshipsandcoastalrescuecraft................................................. 21Article23 Othermedicalshipsandcraft................................................................ 22Article24 Protectionofmedicalaircraft................................................................. 23Article25 MedicalaircraftinareasnotcontrolledbyanadverseParty............ 23Article26 Medicalaircraftincontactorsimilarzones......................................... 23Article27 MedicalaircraftinareascontrolledbyanadverseParty...................24Article28 Restrictionsonoperationsofmedicalaircraft.....................................24Article29 Notificationsandagreementsconcerningmedicalaircraft............... 25Article30 Landingandinspectionofmedicalaircraft......................................... 25Article31 NeutralorotherStatesnotPartiestotheconflict..............................26

SECTION III Missing and dead persons............................................................. 27Article32 Generalprinciple...................................................................................... 27Article33 Missingpersons........................................................................................28Article34 Remainsofdeceased................................................................................28

PART IIIMETHODS AND MEANS OF WARFARE COMbATANT AND PRISONER-OF-WAR STATUS...................................................30

SECTION I Methods and means of warfare...............................................30Article35 Basicrules..................................................................................................30Article36 Newweapons.............................................................................................30Article37 Prohibitionofperfidy...............................................................................30Article38 Recognizedemblems................................................................................ 31Article39 Emblemsofnationality............................................................................ 31Article40 Quarter....................................................................................................... 31Article41 Safeguardofanenemyhors de combat................................................. 31Article42 Occupantsofaircraft................................................................................ 32

SECTION II Combatant and prisoner-of-war status.............................. 32Article43 Armedforces............................................................................................. 32Article44 Combatantsandprisonersofwar.......................................................... 33Article45 Protectionofpersonswhohavetakenpartinhostilities...................34Article46 Spies............................................................................................................34Article47 Mercenaries............................................................................................... 35

PART IVCIVILIAN POPULATION...................................................................................................... 36

SECTION I General protection against effects of hostilities...... 36

CHAPTER I basic rule and field of application.................................................... 36Article48 Basicrule.................................................................................................... 36Article49 Definitionofattacksandscopeofapplication..................................... 36


CHAPTER II Civilians and Civilian population.................................................... 37Article50 Definitionofciviliansandcivilianpopulation.................................... 37Article51 Protectionofthecivilianpopulation..................................................... 37

CHAPTER III Civilian objects....................................................................................... 38Article52 Generalprotectionofcivilianobjects................................................... 38Article53 Protectionofculturalobjectsandofplacesofworship...................... 39Article54 Protectionofobjectsindispensable tothesurvivalofthecivilianpopulation............................................. 39Article55 Protectionofthenaturalenvironment.................................................40Article56 Protectionofworksandinstallations containingdangerousforces...................................................................40

CHAPTER IV Precautionary measures...................................................................... 41Article57 Precautionsinattack................................................................................ 41Article58 Precautionsagainsttheeffectsofattacks..............................................42

CHAPTER V Localities and zones under special protection.............................43Article59 Non-defendedlocalities...........................................................................43Article60 Demilitarizedzones.................................................................................44

CHAPTER VI Civil defence............................................................................................45Article61 Definitionsandscope...............................................................................45Article62 Generalprotection....................................................................................46Article63 Civildefenceinoccupiedterritories......................................................46Article64 CiviliancivildefenceorganizationsofneutralorotherStates notPartiestotheconflictandinternationalco-ordinating organizations............................................................................................. 47Article65 Cessationofprotection............................................................................48Article66 Identification.............................................................................................48Article67 Membersofthearmedforces andmilitaryunitsassignedtocivildefenceorganizations................ 49

SECTION II Relief in favour of the civilian population ................... 51Article68 Fieldofapplication................................................................................... 51Article69 Basicneedsinoccupiedterritories........................................................ 51Article70 Reliefactions............................................................................................. 51Article71 Personnelparticipatinginreliefactions............................................... 52

SECTION III Treatment of persons in the power of a Party to the conflict........................................................... 53

CHAPTER I Field of application and protection of persons and objets........ 53Article72 Fieldofapplication................................................................................... 53Article73 Refugeesandstatelesspersons............................................................... 53Article74 Reunionofdispersedfamilies................................................................ 53Article75 Fundamentalguarantees......................................................................... 53

4 CONTENTS

CHAPTER II Measures in favour of women and children.................................56Article76 Protectionofwomen................................................................................56Article77 Protectionofchildren..............................................................................56Article78 Evacuationofchildren............................................................................. 57

CHAPTER III Journalists................................................................................................ 58Article79 Measuresofprotectionforjournalists.................................................. 58

PART VExECUTION OF THE CONVENTIONS AND OF THIS PROTOCOL................. 59

SECTION I General Provisions.......................................................................... 59Article80 Measuresforexecution............................................................................ 59Article81 ActivitiesoftheRedCrossandotherhumanitarian organizations............................................................................................. 59Article82 Legaladvisersinarmedforces................................................................60Article83 Dissemination...........................................................................................60Article84 Rulesofapplication..................................................................................60

SECTION II Repression of breaches of the Conventions and of this Protocol...................................................................... 61

Article85 RepressionofbreachesofthisProtocol................................................. 61Article86 Failuretoact.............................................................................................. 62Article87 Dutyofcommanders............................................................................... 62Article88 Mutualassistanceincriminalmatters.................................................. 63Article89 Co-operation............................................................................................. 63Article90 InternationalFact-FindingCommission.............................................. 63Article91 Responsibility............................................................................................66

PART VIFINAL PROVISIONS................................................................................................................66

Article92 Signature....................................................................................................66Article93 Ratification................................................................................................66Article94 Accession....................................................................................................66Article95 Entryintoforce.........................................................................................66Article96 TreatyrelationsuponentryintoforceofthisProtocol....................... 67Article97 Amendment............................................................................................... 67Article98 RevisionofAnnexI.................................................................................. 67Article99 Denunciation.............................................................................................68Article100 Notifications.............................................................................................. 69Article101 Registration............................................................................................... 69Article102 Authentictexts.......................................................................................... 69


ANNEX I Regulations concerning identification......................................... 70Article1 Generalprovisions.................................................................................... 70

CHAPTER I Identity cards.......................................................................................... 70Article2 Identitycardforpermanentcivilianmedical andreligiouspersonnel............................................................................ 70Article3 Identitycardfortemporarycivilianmedical andreligiouspersonnel........................................................................... 71

CHAPTER II The distinctive emblem........................................................................ 73Article4 Shape........................................................................................................... 73Article5 Use............................................................................................................... 73

CHAPTER III Distinctive signals................................................................................. 74Article6 Use............................................................................................................... 74Article7 Lightsignal................................................................................................ 74Article8 Radiosignal............................................................................................... 75Article9 Electronicidentification.......................................................................... 75

CHAPTER IV Communications................................................................................... 76Article10 Radiocommunications............................................................................. 76Article11 Useofinternationalcodes....................................................................... 76Article12 Othermeansofcommunication............................................................77Article13 Flightplans................................................................................................77Article14 Signalsandproceduresfortheinterceptionofmedicalaircraft......77

CHAPTER V Civil defence............................................................................................77Article15 Identitycard..............................................................................................77Article16 Internationaldistinctivesign.................................................................. 79

CHAPTER VI Works and installations containing dangerous forces..............80Article17 Internationalspecialsign........................................................................80

ANNEX II Identity card for journalists on dangerous professional missions.......................................................................... 81

6 CONTENTS

PROTOCOL ADDITIONAL TO THE GENEVA CONVENTIONS OF 12 AUGUST 1949, AND RELATING TO THE PROTECTION OF VICTIMS OF NON-INTERNATIONAL ARMED CONFLICTS (PROTOCOL II), OF 8 JUNE 1977

Preamble ..................................................................................................................... 83

PART ISCOPE OF THIS PROTOCOL...............................................................................................84

Article1 Materialfieldofapplication....................................................................84Article2 Personalfieldofapplication....................................................................84Article3 Non-intervention......................................................................................84

PART IIHUMANE TREATMENT....................................................................................................... 85

Article4 Fundamentalguarantees......................................................................... 85Article5 Personswhoselibertyhasbeenrestricted............................................86Article6 Penalprosecutions.................................................................................... 87

PART IIIWOUNDED, SICk AND SHIPWRECkED......................................................................88

Article7 Protectionandcare..................................................................................88Article8 Search.........................................................................................................88Article9 Protectionofmedicalandreligiouspersonnel....................................88Article10 Generalprotectionofmedicalduties.................................................... 89Article11 Protectionofmedicalunitsandtransports.......................................... 89Article12 Thedistinctiveemblem............................................................................ 89

PART IVCIVILIAN POPULATION......................................................................................................90

Article13 Protectionofthecivilianpopulation.....................................................90Article14 Protectionofobjectsindispensabletothesurvival ofthecivilianpopulation........................................................................90Article15 Protectionofworksandinstallationscontaining dangerousforces.......................................................................................90Article16 Protectionofculturalobjectsandofplacesofworship......................90Article17 Prohibitionofforcedmovementofcivilians........................................ 91Article18 Reliefsocietiesandreliefactions............................................................ 91

PART VFINAL PROVISIONS................................................................................................................ 91

Article19 Dissemination........................................................................................... 91Article20 Signature.................................................................................................... 91Article21 Ratification................................................................................................ 92


Article22 Accession.................................................................................................... 92Article23 Entryintoforce......................................................................................... 92Article24 Amendment............................................................................................... 92Article25 Denunciation............................................................................................. 92Article26 Notifications.............................................................................................. 93Article27 Registration............................................................................................... 93Article28 Authentictexts.......................................................................................... 93

RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED AT THE FOURTH SESSIONOF THE DIPLOMATIC CONFERENCE

Resolution17Useofcertainelectronicandvisualmeansofidentificationby medicalaircraftprotectedundertheGenevaConventionsof1949 andundertheprotocoladditionaltotheGenevaConventions of12august1949,andrelatingtotheprotectionofvictims internationalarmedconflicts(ProtocolI)............................................ 95Resolution18Useofvisualsignallingforidentificationofmedicaltransports protectedundertheGenevaConventionsof1949andunder theprotocoladditionaltotheGenevaConventionsof12august 1949,andrelatingtotheprotectionofvictimsofinternational armedconflicts(ProtocolI).................................................................... 98Resolution19Useofradiocommunicationsforannouncingandidentifying medicaltransportsprotectedundertheGenevaConventions of1949andundertheprotocoladditionaltotheGeneva Conventionsof12august1949,andrelatingtotheprotection ofvictimsinternationalarmedconflicts(Protocoli)..........................101Resolution20Protectionofculturalproperty..............................................................105Resolution21DisseminationofknowledgeofInternationalHumanitarian Lawapplicableinarmedconflicts..........................................................106Resolution22Follow-upregardingprohibitionorrestrictionofuse ofcertainconventionalweapons............................................................108Resolution24Expressionofgratitudetothehostcountry.........................................110

FINALACTOFTHEDIPLOMATICCONFERENCEOFGENEvAOF1974-1977.........111

8 CONTENTS

PROTOCOL ADDITIONAL TO THE GENEVA CONVENTIONS OF 12 AUGUST 1949, AND RELATING TO THE ADOPTION OF AN ADDITIONAL DISTINCTIVE EMbLEM (PROTOCOL III), OF 8 DECEMbER 2005Preamble .....................................................................................................................113Article1 RespectforandscopeofapplicationofthisProtocol.........................114Article2 Distinctiveemblems.................................................................................114Article3 IndicativeuseofthethirdProtocolemblem........................................115Article4 InternationalCommitteeoftheRedCrossandInternational FederationofRedCrossandRedCrescentSocieties..........................115Article5 MissionsunderUnitedNationsauspices..............................................116Article6 Preventionandrepressionofmisuse.....................................................116Article7 Dissemination...........................................................................................116Article8 Signature....................................................................................................116Article9 Ratification................................................................................................116Article10 Accession....................................................................................................117Article11 Entryintoforce.........................................................................................117Article12 TreatyrelationsuponentryintoforceofthisProtocol.......................117Article13 Amendment...............................................................................................117Article14 Denunciation.............................................................................................117Article15 Notifications..............................................................................................118Article16 Registration...............................................................................................118Article17 Authentictexts..........................................................................................118

ANNEX Third Protocol emblem......................................................................119Article1 Distinctiveemblem..................................................................................119Article2 IndicativeuseofthethirdProtocolemblem........................................119


PREAMbLE

The High Contracting Parties,

Proclaimingtheirearnestwishtoseepeaceprevailamongpeoples,

RecallingthateveryStatehastheduty,inconformitywiththeCharteroftheUnitedNations,torefraininitsinternationalrelationsfromthethreatoruseofforceagainstthesovereignty,territorialintegrityorpoliticalindependenceofanyState,or inanyothermanner inconsistentwith thepurposesof theUnitedNations,

Believingitnecessaryneverthelesstoreaffirmanddeveloptheprovisionspro-tectingthevictimsofarmedconflictsandtosupplementmeasuresintendedtoreinforcetheirapplication,

Expressing their conviction thatnothing in thisProtocol or in theGenevaConventionsof12August1949canbeconstruedas legitimizingorautho-rizinganyactofaggressionoranyotheruseof force inconsistentwiththeCharteroftheUnitedNations,

ReaffirmingfurtherthattheprovisionsoftheGenevaConventionsof12Au-gust1949andofthisProtocolmustbefullyappliedinallcircumstancestoallpersonswhoareprotectedbythoseinstruments,withoutanyadversedis-tinctionbasedonthenatureororiginofthearmedconflictoronthecausesespousedbyorattributedtothePartiestotheconflict,

Have agreed onthefollowing:

PROTOCOL ADDITIONALTO THE GENEVA CONVENTIONS OF 12 AUGUST 1949, AND RELATING TO THE PROTECTION OF VICTIMS OF INTERNATIONAL ARMED CONFLICTS(PROTOCOL I), OF 8 JUNE 1977

10 ADDITIONAL PROTOCOL I OF 1977

PART IGENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1 General principles and scope of application1. TheHighContractingPartiesundertaketorespectandtoensurere-

spectforthisProtocolinallcircumstances.

2. IncasesnotcoveredbythisProtocolorbyotherinternationalagree-ments,civiliansandcombatantsremainundertheprotectionandau-thorityoftheprinciplesofinternationallawderivedfromestablishedcustom,fromtheprinciplesofhumanityandfromthedictatesofpub-licconscience.

3. ThisProtocol,whichsupplementstheGenevaConventionsof12Au-gust1949fortheprotectionofwarvictims,shallapplyinthesituationsreferredtoinArticle2commontothoseConventions.

4. The situations referred to in theprecedingparagraph includearmedconflictsinwhichpeoplesarefightingagainstcolonialdominationandalienoccupationandagainstracistrgimesintheexerciseoftheirrightof self-determination,asenshrined in theCharterof theUnitedNa-tionsandtheDeclarationonPrinciplesofInternationalLawconcern-ingFriendlyRelationsandCo-operationamongStatesinaccordancewiththeCharteroftheUnitedNations.

Article 2 DefinitionsForthepurposesofthisProtocol:

a) FirstConvention,SecondConvention,ThirdConventionandFourthConventionmean, respectively, theGenevaConventionfortheAmeliorationoftheConditionoftheWoundedandSickinArmedForcesintheFieldof12August1949;theGenevaConven-tionfortheAmeliorationoftheConditionofWounded,SickandShipwreckedMembersofArmedForcesatSeaof12August1949;theGenevaConvention relative to theTreatment of Prisoners ofWarof12August1949;theGenevaConventionrelativetothePro-tectionofCivilianPersonsinTimeofWarof12August1949;theConventionsmeans the fourGeneva Conventions of 12August1949fortheprotectionofwarvictims;

b) rulesofinternationallawapplicableinarmedconflictmeanstherulesapplicableinarmedconflictsetforthininternationalagree-mentstowhichthePartiestotheconflictarePartiesandthegener-allyrecognizedprinciplesandrulesofinternationallawwhichareapplicabletoarmedconflict;


c) ProtectingPowermeansaneutralorotherStatenotaPartytotheconflictwhichhasbeendesignatedbyaParty to theconflictandacceptedbytheadversePartyandhasagreedtocarryoutthefunc-tions assigned to aProtectingPowerunder theConventions andthisProtocol;

d) substitutemeansanorganizationactinginplaceofaProtectingPowerinaccordancewithArticle5.

Article 3 beginning and end of applicationWithoutprejudicetotheprovisionswhichareapplicableatalltimes:

a) theConventionsandthisProtocolshallapplyfromthebeginningofanysituationreferredtoinArticle1ofthisProtocol;

b) theapplicationoftheConventionsandofthisProtocolshallcease,in the territory of Parties to the conflict, on the general close ofmilitaryoperationsand,inthecaseofoccupiedterritories,ontheterminationoftheoccupation,except, ineithercircumstance, forthosepersonswhosefinalrelease,repatriationorre-establishmenttakesplacethereafter.ThesepersonsshallcontinuetobenefitfromtherelevantprovisionsoftheConventionsandofthisProtocoluntiltheirfinalrelease,repatriationorre-establishment.

Article 4 Legal status of the Parties to the conflictTheapplicationoftheConventionsandofthisProtocol,aswellasthecon-clusionoftheagreementsprovidedfortherein,shallnotaffectthelegalsta-tusofthePartiestotheconflict.NeithertheoccupationofaterritorynortheapplicationoftheConventionsandthisProtocolshallaffectthelegalstatusoftheterritoryinquestion.

Article 5 Appointment of Protecting Powers and of their substitute

1. ItisthedutyofthePartiestoaconflictfromthebeginningofthatcon-flicttosecurethesupervisionandimplementationoftheConventionsandofthisProtocolbytheapplicationofthesystemofProtectingPow-ers,includinginter aliathedesignationandacceptanceofthosePowers,inaccordancewiththefollowingparagraphs.ProtectingPowersshallhavethedutyofsafeguardingtheinterestsofthePartiestotheconflict.

2. FromthebeginningofasituationreferredtoinArticle1,eachPartytotheconflictshallwithoutdelaydesignateaProtectingPowerforthepurposeofapplyingtheConventionsandthisProtocolandshall,like-wisewithoutdelayandforthesamepurpose,permittheactivitiesofa


ProtectingPowerwhichhasbeenacceptedbyitassuchafterdesigna-tionbytheadverseParty.

3. If a ProtectingPower has not been designated or accepted from thebeginningofasituationreferredtoinArticle1,theInternationalCom-mittee of theRedCross,without prejudice to the right of any otherimpartial humanitarian organization to do likewise, shall offer itsgoodofficestothePartiestotheconflictwithaviewtothedesignationwithoutdelayofaProtectingPowertowhichthePartiestotheconflictconsent.Forthatpurposeitmay,inter alia,askeachPartytoprovideitwithalistofatleastfiveStateswhichthatPartyconsidersacceptabletoactasProtectingPoweronitsbehalfinrelationtoanadverseParty,andaskeachadversePartytoprovidealistofatleastfiveStateswhichitwouldacceptastheProtectingPowerofthefirstParty;theselistsshallbecommunicatedtotheCommitteewithintwoweeksafterthereceiptof the request; it shall compare themandseek theagreementof anyproposedStatenamedonbothlists.

4. If,despitetheforegoing,thereisnoProtectingPower,thePartiestotheconflictshallacceptwithoutdelayanofferwhichmaybemadebytheInternationalCommitteeof theRedCrossorbyanyotherorganiza-tionwhichoffersallguaranteesofimpartialityandefficacy,afterdueconsultationswiththesaidPartiesandtakingintoaccounttheresultoftheseconsultations,toactasasubstitute.ThefunctioningofsuchasubstituteissubjecttotheconsentofthePartiestotheconflict;everyeffortshallbemadebythePartiestotheconflicttofacilitatetheopera-tionsofthesubstituteintheperformanceofitstasksundertheCon-ventionsandthisProtocol.

5. InaccordancewithArticle4,thedesignationandacceptanceofPro-tectingPowers for thepurposeofapplyingtheConventionsandthisProtocolshallnotaffectthelegalstatusofthePartiestotheconflictorofanyterritory,includingoccupiedterritory.

6. ThemaintenanceofdiplomaticrelationsbetweenPartiestotheconflictortheentrustingoftheprotectionofaPartysinterestsandthoseofitsnationalstoathirdStateinaccordancewiththerulesofinternationallaw relating to diplomatic relations is no obstacle to the designationofProtectingPowersforthepurposeofapplyingtheConventionsandthisProtocol.

7. Any subsequentmention in this Protocol of a Protecting Power in-cludesalsoasubstitute.


Article 6 Qualified persons1. TheHighContractingPartiesshall,alsoinpeacetime,endeavour,with

theassistanceofthenationalRedCross(RedCrescent,RedLionandSun)Societies,totrainqualifiedpersonneltofacilitatetheapplicationoftheConventionsandofthisProtocol,andinparticulartheactivitiesoftheProtectingPowers.

2. Therecruitmentand trainingof suchpersonnelarewithindomesticjurisdiction.

3. The InternationalCommitteeof theRedCross shallholdat thedis-posalof theHighContractingParties the listsofpersons so trainedwhich the High Contracting Parties may have established andmayhavetransmittedtoitforthatpurpose.

4. Theconditionsgoverning theemploymentof suchpersonneloutsidethenationalterritoryshall,ineachcase,bethesubjectofspecialagree-mentsbetweenthePartiesconcerned.

Article 7 MeetingsThedepositaryofthisProtocolshallconveneameetingoftheHighCon-tractingParties,attherequestofoneormoreofthesaidPartiesandupontheapprovalofthemajorityofthesaidParties,toconsidergeneralproblemsconcerningtheapplicationoftheConventionsandoftheProtocol.

PART IIWOUNDED, SICk AND SHIPWRECkED

SECTION IGeneral protection

Article 8 TerminologyForthepurposesofthisProtocol:

a) woundedandsickmeanpersons,whethermilitaryorcivilian,who,becauseoftrauma,diseaseorotherphysicalormentaldisor-derordisability,areinneedofmedicalassistanceorcareandwhorefrainfromanyactofhostility.Thesetermsalsocovermaternitycases,new-bornbabiesandotherpersonswhomaybe inneedof


immediatemedicalassistanceorcare,suchastheinfirmorexpect-antmothers,andwhorefrainfromanyactofhostility;

b) shipwreckedmeans persons, whethermilitary or civilian, whoareinperilatseaorinotherwatersasaresultofmisfortuneaffect-ing themor thevesseloraircraftcarrying themandwhorefrainfromanyactofhostility.Thesepersons,providedthattheycontinuetorefrainfromanyactofhostility,shallcontinuetobeconsideredshipwreckedduringtheirrescueuntiltheyacquireanotherstatusundertheConventionsorthisProtocol;

c) medicalpersonnelmeans thosepersonsassigned,byaParty totheconflict,exclusivelytothemedicalpurposesenumeratedundersub-paragraph e) or to the administrationofmedical units or totheoperationoradministrationofmedicaltransports.Suchassign-mentsmaybeeitherpermanentortemporary.Thetermincludes:i) medicalpersonnelofaPartytotheconflict,whethermilitary

orcivilian,includingthosedescribedintheFirstandSecondConventions,andthoseassignedtocivildefenceorganizations;

ii) medicalpersonnelofnationalRedCross(RedCrescent,RedLionandSun)Societiesandothernationalvoluntaryaidsocie-tiesdulyrecognizedandauthorizedbyaPartytotheconflict;

iii) medicalpersonnelofmedicalunitsormedicaltransportsdes-cribedinArticle9,paragraph2;

d) religiouspersonnelmeansmilitary or civilianpersons, such aschaplains,whoareexclusivelyengagedintheworkoftheirministryandattached:i) tothearmedforcesofaPartytotheconflict;ii) tomedicalunitsormedicaltransportsofaPartytotheconflict;iii) tomedicalunitsormedicaltransportsdescribedinArticle9,

paragraph2;oriv) tocivildefenceorganizationsofaPartytotheconflict.

Theattachmentofreligiouspersonnelmaybeeitherpermanentortemporary,andtherelevantprovisionsmentionedundersub-para-graphk)applytothem;

e) medicalunitsmeansestablishmentsandotherunits,whethermil-itaryorcivilian,organizedformedicalpurposes,namelythesearchfor,collection,transportation,diagnosisortreatmentincludingfirst-aidtreatmentofthewounded,sickandshipwrecked,orforthepreventionofdisease.Thetermincludes,forexample,hospitalsandothersimilarunits,bloodtransfusioncentres,preventivemed-icine centres and institutes,medical depots and themedical and


pharmaceuticalstoresofsuchunits.Medicalunitsmaybefixedormobile,permanentortemporary;

f) medicaltransportationmeanstheconveyancebyland,waterorairofthewounded,sick,shipwrecked,medicalpersonnel,religiouspersonnel,medicalequipmentormedicalsuppliesprotectedbytheConventionsandbythisProtocol;

g) medicaltransportsmeansanymeansoftransportation,whethermilitaryorcivilian,permanentortemporary,assignedexclusivelytomedicaltransportationandunderthecontrolofacompetentau-thorityofaPartytotheconflict;

h) medicalvehiclesmeansanymedicaltransportsbyland;i) medicalshipsandcraftmeansanymedicaltransportsbywater;j) medicalaircraftmeansanymedicaltransportsbyair;k) permanent medical personnel, permanent medical units and

permanentmedicaltransportsmeanthoseassignedexclusivelytomedicalpurposes foran indeterminateperiod.Temporarymedi-calpersonnel,temporarymedicalunitsandtemporarymedicaltransportsmeanthosedevotedexclusivelytomedicalpurposesforlimitedperiodsduringthewholeofsuchperiods.Unlessotherwisespecified,thetermsmedicalpersonnel,medicalunitsandmed-icaltransportscoverbothpermanentandtemporarycategories;

l) distinctive emblem means the distinctive emblem of the redcross,redcrescentorredlionandsunonawhitegroundwhenusedfortheprotectionofmedicalunitsandtransports,ormedicalandreligiouspersonnel,equipmentorsupplies;

m) distinctivesignalmeansanysignalormessagespecifiedfortheidentification exclusivelyofmedicalunitsor transports inChap-terIIIofAnnexItothisProtocol.

Article 9 Field of application1. ThisPart,theprovisionsofwhichareintendedtoamelioratethecon-

ditionofthewounded,sickandshipwrecked,shallapplytoallthoseaffectedbyasituationreferredtoinArticle1,withoutanyadversedis-tinctionfoundedonrace,colour,sex,language,religionorbelief,po-liticalorotheropinion,nationalorsocialorigin,wealth,birthorotherstatus,oronanyothersimilarcriteria.

2. The relevant provisions of Articles 27 and 32 of the First Conven-tion shall apply to permanent medical units and transports (otherthan hospital ships, to which Article 25 of the Second Convention


applies)andtheirpersonnelmadeavailabletoaPartytotheconflictforhumanitarianpurposes:a) byaneutralorotherStatewhichisnotaPartytothatconflict;b) byarecognizedandauthorizedaidsocietyofsuchaState;c) byanimpartialinternationalhumanitarianorganization.

Article 10 Protection and care1. All thewounded,sickandshipwrecked, towhicheverParty theybe-

long,shallberespectedandprotected.

2. Inallcircumstancestheyshallbetreatedhumanelyandshallreceive,to the fullestextentpracticableandwith the leastpossibledelay, themedicalcareandattentionrequiredbytheircondition.Thereshallbenodistinctionamongthemfoundedonanygroundsotherthanmedi-calones.

Article 11 Protection of persons1. Thephysicalormentalhealthandintegrityofpersonswhoareinthe

poweroftheadversePartyorwhoareinterned,detainedorotherwisedeprivedoflibertyasaresultofasituationreferredtoinArticle1shallnotbeendangeredbyanyunjustifiedactoromission.Accordingly,itisprohibitedtosubjectthepersonsdescribedinthisArticletoanymedi-calprocedurewhichisnotindicatedbythestateofhealthofthepersonconcernedandwhichisnotconsistentwithgenerallyacceptedmedicalstandardswhichwouldbeappliedundersimilarmedicalcircumstanc-estopersonswhoarenationalsofthePartyconductingtheprocedureandwhoareinnowaydeprivedofliberty.

2. Itis,inparticular,prohibitedtocarryoutonsuchpersons,evenwiththeirconsent:a) physicalmutilations;b) medicalorscientificexperiments;c) removaloftissueororgansfortransplantation,

exceptwheretheseactsarejustifiedinconformitywiththeconditionsprovidedforinparagraph1.

3. Exceptionstotheprohibitioninparagraph2c)maybemadeonlyinthecaseofdonationsofbloodfortransfusionorofskinforgrafting,providedthattheyaregivenvoluntarilyandwithoutanycoercionorinducement,andthenonlyfortherapeuticpurposes.underconditionsconsistentwithgenerallyacceptedmedicalstandardsandcontrolsde-signedforthebenefitofboththedonorandtherecipient.


4. AnywilfulactoromissionwhichseriouslyendangersthephysicalormentalhealthorintegrityofanypersonwhoisinthepowerofaPartyotherthantheoneonwhichhedependsandwhicheitherviolatesanyoftheprohibitionsinparagraphs1and2orfailstocomplywiththerequirementsofparagraph3shallbeagravebreachofthisProtocol.

5. Thepersonsdescribedinparagraph1havetherighttorefuseanysurgicaloperation.Incaseofrefusal,medicalpersonnelshallendeavourtoobtainawrittenstatementtothateffect,signedoracknowledgedbythepatient.

6. EachPartytotheconflictshallkeepamedicalrecordforeverydona-tionofbloodfortransfusionorskinforgraftingbypersonsreferredtoinparagraph1,ifthatdonationismadeundertheresponsibilityofthatParty.Inaddition,eachPartytotheconflictshallendeavourtokeeparecordofallmedicalproceduresundertakenwithrespecttoanypersonwhoisinterned,detainedorotherwisedeprivedoflibertyasaresultofasituationreferredtoinArticle1.TheserecordsshallbeavailableatalltimesforinspectionbytheProtectingPower.

Article 12 Protection of medical units1. Medicalunitsshallberespectedandprotectedatalltimesandshallnot

betheobjectofattack.

2. Paragraph1shallapplytocivilianmedicalunits,providedthatthey:a) belongtooneofthePartiestotheconflict;b) arerecognizedandauthorizedbythecompetentauthorityofoneof

thePartiestotheconflict;orc) are authorized in conformitywithArticle 9,paragraph2, of this

ProtocolorArticle27oftheFirstConvention.

3. ThePartiestotheconflictareinvitedtonotifyeachotheroftheloca-tionoftheirmedicalunits.TheabsenceofsuchnotificationshallnotexemptanyofthePartiesfromtheobligationtocomplywiththeprovi-sionsofparagraph1.

4. Undernocircumstancesshallmedicalunitsbeusedinanattempttoshieldmilitaryobjectivesfromattack.Wheneverpossible,thePartiestotheconflictshallensurethatmedicalunitsaresositedthatattacksagainstmilitaryobjectivesdonotimperiltheirsafety.

Article 13 Discontinuance of protection of civilian medical units

1. Theprotection towhich civilianmedical units are entitled shall notcease unless they are used to commit, outside their humanitarian


function, actsharmful to theenemy.Protectionmay,however, ceaseonlyafterawarninghasbeengivensetting,wheneverappropriate,areasonabletime-limit,andaftersuchwarninghasremainedunheeded.

2. Thefollowingshallnotbeconsideredasactsharmfultotheenemy:a) that thepersonnel of theunit are equippedwith light individual

weaponsfortheirowndefenceorforthatofthewoundedandsickintheircharge;

b) thattheunitisguardedbyapicketorbysentriesorbyanescort;c) thatsmallarmsandammunitiontakenfromthewoundedandsick,

andnotyethandedtotheproperservice,arefoundintheunits;d) thatmembersof thearmedforcesorothercombatantsare inthe

unitformedicalreasons.

Article 14 Limitations on requisition of civilian medical units1. TheOccupyingPowerhasthedutytoensurethatthemedicalneedsof

thecivilianpopulationinoccupiedterritorycontinuetobesatisfied.

2. TheOccupyingPowershallnot,therefore,requisitioncivilianmedicalunits,theirequipment,theirmatrielortheservicesoftheirpersonnel,solongastheseresourcesarenecessaryfortheprovisionofadequatemedical services for the civilian population and for the continuingmedicalcareofanywoundedandsickalreadyundertreatment.

3. Providedthatthegeneralruleinparagraph2continuestobeobserved,theOccupyingPowermayrequisitionthesaidresources,subjecttothefollowingparticularconditions:a) that the resources arenecessary for the adequate and immediate

medicaltreatmentofthewoundedandsickmembersofthearmedforcesoftheOccupyingPowerorofprisonersofwar;

b) thattherequisitioncontinuesonlywhilesuchnecessityexists;andc) thatimmediatearrangementsaremadetoensurethatthemedical

needsofthecivilianpopulation,aswellasthoseofanywoundedandsickundertreatmentwhoareaffectedbytherequisition,con-tinuetobesatisfied.

Article 15 Protection of civilian medical and religious personnel1. Civilianmedicalpersonnelshallberespectedandprotected.

2. Ifneeded,allavailablehelpshallbeaffordedtocivilianmedicalper-sonnelinanareawherecivilianmedicalservicesaredisruptedbyrea-sonofcombatactivity.


3. TheOccupyingPowershallaffordcivilianmedicalpersonnelinoccu-piedterritorieseveryassistancetoenablethemtoperform,tothebestof their ability, their humanitarian functions.TheOccupyingPowermaynotrequirethat,intheperformanceofthosefunctions,suchper-sonnelshallgiveprioritytothetreatmentofanypersonexceptonmed-icalgrounds.Theyshallnotbecompelledtocarryouttaskswhicharenotcompatiblewiththeirhumanitarianmission.

4. Civilianmedicalpersonnelshallhaveaccesstoanyplacewheretheirservicesareessential,subjecttosuchsupervisoryandsafetymeasuresastherelevantPartytotheconflictmaydeemnecessary.

5. Civilianreligiouspersonnelshallberespectedandprotected.Thepro-visionsoftheConventionsandofthisProtocolconcerningtheprotec-tionandidentificationofmedicalpersonnelshallapplyequallytosuchpersons.

Article 16 General protection of medical duties1. Undernocircumstancesshallanypersonbepunishedforcarryingout

medical activities compatible with medical ethics, regardless of thepersonbenefitingtherefrom.

2. Persons engaged inmedical activities shallnotbe compelled toper-formactsortocarryoutworkcontrarytotherulesofmedicalethicsortoothermedicalrulesdesignedforthebenefitofthewoundedandsickortotheprovisionsoftheConventionsorofthisProtocol,ortorefrain fromperformingactsor fromcarryingoutworkrequiredbythoserulesandprovisions.

3. NopersonengagedinmedicalactivitiesshallbecompelledtogivetoanyonebelongingeithertoanadverseParty,ortohisownPartyexceptasrequiredbythelawofthelatterParty,anyinformationconcerningthewoundedandsickwhoare,orwhohavebeen,underhiscare,ifsuchinformationwould,inhisopinion,proveharmfultothepatientscon-cernedortotheirfamilies.Regulationsforthecompulsorynotificationofcommunicablediseasesshall,however,berespected.

Article 17 Role of the civilian population and of aid societies1. The civilian population shall respect the wounded, sick and ship-

wrecked,eveniftheybelongtotheadverseParty,andshallcommitnoactofviolenceagainstthem.Thecivilianpopulationandaidsocieties,suchasnationalRedCross(RedCrescent,RedLionandSun)Societies,shallbepermitted,evenontheirowninitiative,tocollectandcareforthewounded,sickandshipwrecked,evenininvadedoroccupiedareas.


Nooneshallbeharmed,prosecuted,convictedorpunished forsuchhumanitarianacts.

2. TheParties totheconflictmayappeal tothecivilianpopulationandtheaidsocietiesreferredtoinparagraph1tocollectandcareforthewounded,sickandshipwrecked,andtosearchforthedeadandreporttheirlocation;theyshallgrantbothprotectionandthenecessaryfacili-tiestothosewhorespondtothisappeal.IftheadversePartygainsorregainscontrolofthearea,thatPartyalsoshallaffordthesameprotec-tionandfacilitiesforsolongastheyareneeded.

Article 18 Identification1. EachPartytotheconflictshallendeavourtoensurethatmedicaland

religiouspersonnelandmedicalunitsandtransportsareidentifiable.

2. EachPartytotheconflictshallalsoendeavourtoadoptandtoimple-mentmethodsandprocedureswhichwillmakeitpossibletorecognizemedical units and transportswhich use the distinctive emblem anddistinctivesignals.

3. Inoccupiedterritoryandinareaswherefightingistakingplaceorislikely to takeplace, civilianmedicalpersonnel andcivilian religiouspersonnel should be recognizable by the distinctive emblem and anidentitycardcertifyingtheirstatus.

4. Withtheconsentofthecompetentauthority,medicalunitsandtrans-portsshallbemarkedbythedistinctiveemblem.TheshipsandcraftreferredtoinArticle22ofthisProtocolshallbemarkedinaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheSecondConvention.

5. Inadditiontothedistinctiveemblem,aPartytotheconflictmay,asprovidedinChapterIIIofAnnex1tothisProtocol,authorizetheuseofdistinctivesignalstoidentifymedicalunitsandtransports.Exception-ally, in the special cases covered in thatChapter,medical transportsmayusedistinctivesignalswithoutdisplayingthedistinctiveemblem.

6. Theapplicationof theprovisionsofparagraphs1 to5of thisArticleis governedbyChapters I to III ofAnnex I to thisProtocol. SignalsdesignatedinChapterIIIoftheAnnexfortheexclusiveuseofmedicalunitsandtransportsshallnot,exceptasprovidedtherein,beusedforanypurposeother than to identify themedicalunitsand transportsspecifiedinthatChapter.

7. ThisArticledoesnotauthorizeanywideruseofthedistinctiveembleminpeacetimethanisprescribedinArticle44oftheFirstConvention.


8. Theprovisionsof theConventionsandof thisProtocol relating to su-pervisionoftheuseofthedistinctiveemblemandtothepreventionandrepressionofanymisusethereofshallbeapplicabletodistinctivesignals.

Article 19 Neutral and other States not Parties to the conflictNeutralandotherStatesnotPartiestotheconflictshallapplytherelevantprovisionsof thisProtocol topersonsprotectedby thisPartwhomaybereceivedorinternedwithintheirterritory,andtoanydeadofthePartiestothatconflictwhomtheymayfind.

Article 20 Prohibition of reprisalsReprisalsagainstthepersonsandobjectsprotectedbythisPartareprohibited.

SECTION IIMEDICAL TRANSPORTATION

Article 21 Medical vehiclesMedicalvehiclesshallberespectedandprotectedinthesamewayasmobilemedicalunitsundertheConventionsandthisProtocol.

Article 22 Hospital ships and coastal rescue craft1. TheprovisionsoftheConventionsrelatingto:

a) vesselsdescribedinArticles22,24,25and27oftheSecondCon-vention,

b) theirlifeboatsandsmallcraft,c) theirpersonnelandcrews,andd) thewounded,sickandshipwreckedonboard,

shall also applywhere these vessels carry civilianwounded, sick andshipwreckedwhodonotbelongtoanyofthecategoriesmentionedinArticle13oftheSecondConvention.Suchciviliansshallnot,however,besubjecttosurrendertoanyPartywhichisnottheirown,ortocaptureatsea.IftheyfindthemselvesinthepowerofaPartytotheconflictotherthantheirown,theyshallbecoveredbytheFourthConventionandbythisProtocol.

2. TheprotectionprovidedbytheConventionstovesselsdescribedinAr-ticle25oftheSecondConventionshallextendtohospitalshipsmadeavailableforhumanitarianpurposestoaPartytotheconflict:a) byaneutralorotherStatewhichisnotaPartytothatconflict;or


b) byanimpartialinternationalhumanitarianorganization, providedthat,ineithercase,therequirementssetoutinthatArticleare

compliedwith.

3. SmallcraftdescribedinArticle27oftheSecondConventionshallbeprotectedevenifthenotificationenvisagedbythatArticlehasnotbeenmade.TheParties to theconflictare,nevertheless, invited to informeachotherofanydetailsofsuchcraftwhichwillfacilitatetheiridenti-ficationandrecognition.

Article 23 Other medical ships and craft1. Medical shipsandcraftother than those referred to inArticle22of

thisProtocolandArticle38oftheSecondConventionshall,whetheratseaorinotherwaters,berespectedandprotectedinthesamewayasmobilemedicalunitsundertheConventionsandthisProtocol.Sincethisprotectioncanonlybeeffectiveiftheycanbeidentifiedandrec-ognizedasmedicalshipsorcraft,suchvesselsshouldbemarkedwiththedistinctiveemblemandasfaraspossiblecomplywiththesecondparagraphofArticle43oftheSecondConvention.

2. Theshipsandcraftreferredtoinparagraph1shallremainsubjecttothe lawsofwar.Anywarshiponthesurfaceable immediately toen-force its commandmayorder themto stop,order themoff,ormakethemtakeacertaincourse,andtheyshallobeyeverysuchcommand.Suchshipsandcraftmaynotinanyotherwaybedivertedfromtheirmedicalmissionsolongastheyareneededforthewounded,sickandshipwreckedonboard.

3. Theprotectionprovidedinparagraph1shallceaseonlyunderthecondi-tionssetoutinArticles34and35oftheSecondConvention.Aclearre-fusaltoobeyacommandgiveninaccordancewithparagraph2shallbeanactharmfultotheenemyunderArticle34oftheSecondConvention.

4. APartytotheconflictmaynotifyanyadversePartyasfarinadvanceofsailingaspossibleofthename,description,expectedtimeofsailing,courseandestimatedspeedofthemedicalshiporcraft,particularlyinthecaseofshipsofover2,000grosstons,andmayprovideanyotherinformationwhichwouldfacilitateidentificationandrecognition.TheadversePartyshallacknowledgereceiptofsuchinformation.

5. TheprovisionsofArticle37of theSecondConventionshallapply tomedicalandreligiouspersonnelinsuchshipsandcraft.

6. TheprovisionsoftheSecondConventionshallapplytothewounded,sickandshipwreckedbelongingtothecategoriesreferredtoinArticle


13of theSecondConventionand inArticle44of thisProtocolwhomaybeonboardsuchmedicalshipsandcraft.Wounded,sickandship-wreckedcivilianswhodonotbelongtoanyofthecategoriesmentionedinArticle13oftheSecondConventionshallnotbesubject,atsea,ei-ther tosurrender toanyPartywhich isnot theirown,or toremovalfromsuchshipsorcraft;iftheyfindthemselvesinthepowerofaPartytotheconflictotherthantheirown,theyshallbecoveredbytheFourthConventionandbythisProtocol.

Article 24 Protection of medical aircraftMedicalaircraftshallberespectedandprotected,subjecttotheprovisionsofthisPart.

Article 25 Medical aircraft in areas not controlled by an adverse Party

Inandoverlandareasphysicallycontrolledbyfriendlyforces,orinandoverseaareasnotphysicallycontrolledbyanadverseParty,therespectandpro-tectionofmedicalaircraftofaPartytotheconflictisnotdependentonanyagreementwithanadverseParty.Forgreatersafety,however,aPartytotheconflictoperatingitsmedicalaircraftintheseareasmaynotifytheadverseParty,asprovidedinArticle29,inparticularwhensuchaircraftaremakingflightsbringingthemwithinrangeofsurface-to-airweaponssystemsoftheadverseParty.

Article 26 Medical aircraft in contact or similar zones1. Inandoverthosepartsofthecontactzonewhicharephysicallycon-

trolledbyfriendlyforcesandinandoverthoseareasthephysicalcon-trolofwhichisnotclearlyestablished,protectionformedicalaircraftcanbefullyeffectiveonlybyprioragreementbetweenthecompetentmilitaryauthoritiesofthePartiestotheconflict,asprovidedforinAr-ticle29.Although,intheabsenceofsuchanagreement,medicalair-craftoperateattheirownrisk,theyshallneverthelessberespectedaftertheyhavebeenrecognizedassuch.

2. Contactzonemeansanyareaonlandwheretheforwardelementsofopposingforcesareincontactwitheachother,especiallywheretheyareexposedtodirectfirefromtheground.


Article 27 Medical aircraft in areas controlled by an adverse Party

1. ThemedicalaircraftofaPartytotheconflictshallcontinuetobepro-tectedwhileflyingover landorseaareasphysicallycontrolledbyanadverseParty,providedthatprioragreementtosuchflightshasbeenobtainedfromthecompetentauthorityofthatadverseParty.

2. Amedical aircraft which flies over an area physically controlled byanadversePartywithout,orindeviationfromthetermsof,anagree-mentprovidedforinparagraph1,eitherthroughnavigationalerrororbecauseofanemergencyaffectingthesafetyoftheflight,shallmakeevery effort to identify itself and to inform the adverse Party of thecircumstances.AssoonassuchmedicalaircrafthasbeenrecognizedbytheadverseParty,thatPartyshallmakeallreasonableeffortstogivetheordertolandortoalightonwater,referredtoinArticle30,para-graph1,ortotakeothermeasurestosafeguarditsowninterests,and,ineithercase,toallowtheaircrafttimeforcompliance,beforeresort-ingtoanattackagainsttheaircraft.

Article 28 Restrictions on operations of medical aircraft1. The Parties to the conflict are prohibited from using their medical

aircrafttoattempttoacquireanymilitaryadvantageoveranadverseParty.Thepresenceofmedicalaircraftshallnotbeusedinanattempttorendermilitaryobjectivesimmunefromattack.

2. Medical aircraft shall not be used to collect or transmit intelligencedata and shallnot carry any equipment intended for suchpurposes.Theyareprohibitedfromcarryinganypersonsorcargonotincludedwithin thedefinition inArticle8, sub-paragraph f).Thecarryingonboardofthepersonaleffectsoftheoccupantsorofequipmentintendedsolely to facilitate navigation, communication, or identification shallnotbeconsideredasprohibited.

3. Medicalaircraftshallnotcarryanyarmamentexceptsmallarmsandammunitiontakenfromthewounded,sickandshipwreckedonboardand not yet handed to the proper service, and such light individualweaponsasmaybenecessarytoenablethemedicalpersonnelonboardtodefendthemselvesandthewounded,sickandshipwreckedintheircharge.

4. WhilecarryingouttheflightsreferredtoinArticles26and27,medicalaircraftshallnot,exceptbyprioragreementwiththeadverseParty,beusedtosearchforthewounded,sickandshipwrecked.


Article 29 Notifications and agreements concerning medical aircraft

1. NotificationsunderArticle25,orrequestsforprioragreementunderArticles26,27,28(paragraph4),or31shallstatetheproposednum-berofmedicalaircraft,theirflightplansandmeansofidentification,andshallbeunderstoodtomeanthateveryflightwillbecarriedoutincompliancewithArticle28.

2. APartywhich receives anotificationgivenunderArticle25 shall atonceacknowledgereceiptofsuchnotification.

3. APartywhich receives a request forprior agreementunderArticles26,27,28(paragraph4),or31shall,asrapidlyaspossible,notifytherequestingParty:a) thattherequestisagreedto;b) thattherequestisdenied;orc) ofreasonablealternativeproposalstotherequest.Itmayalsopro-

poseaprohibitionorrestrictionofotherflightsintheareaduringthetimeinvolved.IfthePartywhichsubmittedtherequestacceptsthealternativeproposals,itshallnotifytheotherPartyofsuchac-ceptance.

4. ThePartiesshalltakethenecessarymeasurestoensurethatnotifica-tionsandagreementscanbemaderapidly.

5. ThePartiesshallalsotakethenecessarymeasurestodisseminaterap-idlythesubstanceofanysuchnotificationsandagreementstothemili-taryunitsconcernedandshallinstructthoseunitsregardingthemeansofidentificationthatwillbeusedbythemedicalaircraftinquestion.

Article 30 Landing and inspection of medical aircraft1. Medicalaircraftflyingoverareaswhicharephysicallycontrolledbyan

adverseParty,oroverareasthephysicalcontrolofwhichisnotclearlyestablished,maybeorderedtolandortoalightonwater,asappropri-ate,topermitinspectioninaccordancewiththefollowingparagraphs.Medicalaircraftshallobeyanysuchorder.

2. Ifsuchanaircraftlandsoralightsonwater,whetherorderedtodosoorforotherreasons,itmaybesubjectedtoinspectionsolelytodeterminethemattersreferredtoinparagraphs3and4.Anysuchinspectionshallbecommencedwithoutdelayandshallbeconductedexpeditiously.TheinspectingPartyshallnotrequirethewoundedandsicktoberemovedfromtheaircraftunless their removal is essential for the inspection.


ThatPartyshallinanyeventensurethattheconditionofthewoundedandsickisnotadverselyaffectedbytheinspectionorbytheremoval.

3. Iftheinspectiondisclosesthattheaircraft:a) isamedicalaircraftwithinthemeaningofArticle8,sub-paragraphj),b) isnotinviolationoftheconditionsprescribedinArticle28,andc) hasnotflownwithoutorinbreachofaprioragreementwheresuch

agreementisrequired,theaircraftandthoseofitsoccupantswhobelongtotheadversePartyortoaneutralorotherStatenotaPartytotheconflictshallbeauthorizedtocontinuetheflightwithoutde-lay.

4. Iftheinspectiondisclosesthattheaircraft:a) isnotamedicalaircraftwithinthemeaningofArticle8,sub-para-

graph j),b) isinviolationoftheconditionsprescribedinArticle28,orc) has flownwithout or in breach of a prior agreementwhere such

agreementisrequired, theaircraftmaybeseized.Itsoccupantsshallbetreatedinconformity

with the relevant provisions of theConventions andof this Protocol.Anyaircraft seizedwhichhadbeenassignedas apermanentmedicalaircraftmaybeusedthereafteronlyasamedicalaircraft.

Article 31 Neutral or other States not Parties to the conflict1. Exceptbyprioragreement,medicalaircraftshallnotflyoverorlandin

theterritoryofaneutralorotherStatenotaPartytotheconflict.How-ever,withsuchanagreement, theyshallberespected throughout theirflightandalsoforthedurationofanycallsintheterritory.Neverthelesstheyshallobeyanysummonstolandortoalightonwater,asappropriate.

2. Shouldamedicalaircraft,intheabsenceofanagreementorindevia-tionfromthetermsofanagreement,flyovertheterritoryofaneutralorotherStatenotaPartytotheconflict,eitherthroughnavigationalerrororbecauseofanemergencyaffecting the safetyof theflight, itshallmakeeveryefforttogivenoticeoftheflightandtoidentifyitself.Assoonassuchmedicalaircraftisrecognized,thatStateshallmakeallreasonableeffortstogivetheordertolandortoalightonwaterreferredtoinArticle30,paragraph1,ortotakeothermeasurestosafeguarditsowninterests,and,ineithercase,toallowtheaircrafttimeforcompli-ance,beforeresortingtoanattackagainsttheaircraft.

3. Ifamedicalaircraft,eitherbyagreementorinthecircumstancesmen-tioned inparagraph2, landsoralightsonwater in the territoryofa


neutralorotherStatenotPartytotheconflict,whetherorderedtodosoorforotherreasons,theaircraftshallbesubjecttoinspectionforthepurposesofdeterminingwhether it is in factamedical aircraft.Theinspectionshallbecommencedwithoutdelayandshallbeconductedexpeditiously.TheinspectingPartyshallnotrequirethewoundedandsickof thePartyoperating theaircraft tobe removed from itunlesstheirremovalisessentialfortheinspection.TheinspectingPartyshallinanyeventensurethattheconditionofthewoundedandsickisnotadverselyaffectedbythe inspectionortheremoval.If the inspectiondisclosesthattheaircraftisinfactamedicalaircraft,theaircraftwithitsoccupants,other than thosewhomustbedetained inaccordancewiththerulesof international lawapplicable inarmedconflict,shallbeallowedtoresumeitsflight,andreasonablefacilitiesshallbegivenfor thecontinuationof theflight. If the inspectiondiscloses that theaircraftisnotamedicalaircraft, itshallbeseizedandtheoccupantstreatedinaccordancewithparagraph4.

4. Thewounded,sickandshipwreckeddisembarked,otherwisethantem-porarily,fromamedicalaircraftwiththeconsentofthelocalauthori-tiesintheterritoryofaneutralorotherStatenotaPartytotheconflictshall,unlessagreedotherwisebetweenthatStateandthePartiestotheconflict, be detained by that Statewhere so required by the rules ofinternationallawapplicableinarmedconflict,insuchamannerthattheycannotagaintakepartinthehostilities.Thecostofhospitaltreat-mentandinternmentshallbebornebytheStatetowhichthosepersonsbelong.

5. NeutralorotherStatesnotPartiestotheconflictshallapplyanycondi-tionsandrestrictionsonthepassageofmedicalaircraftover,oronthelandingofmedicalaircraftin,theirterritoryequallytoallPartiestotheconflict.

SECTION IIIMISSING AND DEAD PERSONS

Article 32 General principleIntheimplementationofthisSection,theactivitiesoftheHighContractingParties,ofthePartiestotheconflictandoftheinternationalhumanitarianorganizationsmentionedintheConventionsandinthisProtocolshallbepromptedmainlybytherightoffamiliestoknowthefateoftheirrelatives.


Article 33 Missing persons1. Assoonascircumstancespermit,andatthelatestfromtheendofac-

tivehostilities,eachPartytotheconflictshallsearchforthepersonswho have been reportedmissing by an adverse Party. Such adversePartyshalltransmitallrelevantinformationconcerningsuchpersonsinordertofacilitatesuchsearches.

2. Inordertofacilitatethegatheringofinformationpursuanttothepre-cedingparagraph,eachPartytotheconflictshall,withrespecttoper-sonswhowouldnotreceivemorefavourableconsiderationundertheConventionsandthisProtocol:a) recordtheinformationspecifiedinArticle138oftheFourthCon-

ventioninrespectofsuchpersonswhohavebeendetained,impris-onedorotherwiseheldincaptivityformorethantwoweeksasare-sultofhostilitiesoroccupation,orwhohavediedduringanyperiodofdetention;

b) tothefullestextentpossible,facilitateand,ifneedbe,carryoutthesearchforandtherecordingofinformationconcerningsuchper-sonsiftheyhavediedinothercircumstancesasaresultofhostili-tiesoroccupation.

3. Information concerning persons reportedmissing pursuant to para-graph1andrequestsforsuchinformationshallbetransmittedeitherdirectlyorthroughtheProtectingPowerortheCentralTracingAgencyoftheInternationalCommitteeoftheRedCrossornationalRedCross(RedCrescent,RedLionandSun)Societies.WheretheinformationisnottransmittedthroughtheInternationalCommitteeoftheRedCrossanditsCentralTracingAgency,eachPartytotheconflictshallensurethatsuchinformationisalsosuppliedtotheCentralTracingAgency.

4. ThePartiestotheconflictshallendeavourtoagreeonarrangementsforteamstosearchfor,identifyandrecoverthedeadfrombattlefiedareas,includingarrangements,ifappropriate,forsuchteamstobeaccompa-niedbypersonneloftheadversePartywhilecarryingoutthesemissionsinareascontrolledbytheadverseParty.Personnelofsuchteamsshallberespectedandprotectedwhileexclusivelycarryingouttheseduties.

Article 34 Remains of deceased1. Theremainsofpersonswhohavediedforreasonsrelatedtooccupa-

tionorindetentionresultingfromoccupationorhostilitiesandthoseofpersonsnotnationalsof thecountry inwhich theyhavediedasaresult of hostilities shall be respected, and the gravesites of all suchpersonsshallberespected,maintainedandmarkedasprovidedforin


Article130oftheFourthConvention,wheretheirremainsorgravesiteswouldnot receivemore favourable considerationunder theConven-tionsandthisProtocol.

2. AssoonascircumstancesandtherelationsbetweentheadversePartiespermit,theHighContractingPartiesinwhoseterritoriesgravesand,asthecasemaybe,otherlocationsoftheremainsofpersonswhohavediedasaresultofhostilitiesorduringoccupationorindetentionaresituated,shallconcludeagreementsinorder:a) tofacilitateaccesstothegravesitesbyrelativesofthedeceasedand

byrepresentativesofofficialgravesregistrationservicesandtoreg-ulatethepracticalarrangementsforsuchaccess;

b) toprotectandmaintainsuchgravesitespermanently;c) tofacilitatethereturnoftheremainsofthedeceasedandofper-

sonaleffects to thehomecountryupon itsrequestor,unless thatcountryobjects,upontherequestofthenextofkin.

3. Intheabsenceoftheagreementsprovidedforinparagraph2b)orc)andifthehomecountryofsuchdeceasedisnotwillingtoarrangeatitsexpenseforthemaintenanceofsuchgravesites,theHighContract-ingPartyinwhoseterritorythegravesitesaresituatedmayoffertofa-cilitatethereturnoftheremainsofthedeceasedtothehomecountry.WheresuchanofferhasnotbeenacceptedtheHighContractingPartymay,aftertheexpiryoffiveyearsfromthedateoftheofferanduponduenoticetothehomecountry,adoptthearrangementslaiddowninitsownlawsrelatingtocemeteriesandgraves.

4. AHighContractingPartyinwhoseterritorythegravesitesreferredtointhisArticlearesituatedshallbepermittedtoexhumetheremainsonly:a) inaccordancewithparagraphs2c)and3,orb) whereexhumationisamatterofoverridingpublicnecessity,includ-

ingcasesofmedicaland investigativenecessity, inwhichcase theHighContractingPartyshallatalltimesrespecttheremains,andshallgivenoticetothehomecountryofitsintentiontoexhumetheremainstogetherwithdetailsoftheintendedplaceofreinterment.


PART IIIMETHODS AND MEANS OF WARFARE COMbATANT AND PRISONER-OF-WAR STATUS

SECTION IMethods and means of warfare

Article 35 basic rules1. Inanyarmedconflict,therightofthePartiestotheconflicttochoose

methodsormeansofwarfareisnotunlimited.

2. Itisprohibitedtoemployweapons,projectilesandmaterialandmeth-odsofwarfareofanaturetocausesuperfluousinjuryorunnecessarysuffering.

3. Itisprohibitedtoemploymethodsormeansofwarfarewhicharein-tended,ormaybeexpected,tocausewidespread,long-termandseveredamagetothenaturalenvironment.

Article 36 New weaponsInthestudy,development,acquisitionoradoptionofanewweapon,meansormethodofwarfare,aHighContractingPartyisunderanobligationtodeterminewhetheritsemploymentwould,insomeorallcircumstances,beprohibitedbythisProtocolorbyanyotherruleofinternationallawapplica-bletotheHighContractingParty.

Article 37 Prohibition of perfidy1. Itisprohibitedtokill,injureorcaptureanadversarybyresorttoper-

fidy.Actsinvitingtheconfidenceofanadversarytoleadhimtobelievethatheisentitledto,orisobligedtoaccord,protectionundertherulesofinternationallawapplicableinarmedconflict,withintenttobetraythatconfidence,shallconstituteperfidy.Thefollowingactsareexam-plesofperfidy:a) thefeigningofanintenttonegotiateunderaflagoftruceorofa

surrender;b) thefeigningofanincapacitationbywoundsorsickness;c) thefeigningofcivilian,non-combatantstatus;andd) thefeigningofprotectedstatusbytheuseofsigns,emblemsoruni-

formsoftheUnitedNationsorofneutralorotherStatesnotPartiestotheconflict.


2. Rusesofwararenotprohibited.Suchrusesareactswhichareintendedtomisleadanadversaryorto inducehimtoactrecklesslybutwhichinfringenoruleofinternationallawapplicableinarmedconflictandwhicharenotperfidiousbecausetheydonotinvitetheconfidenceofanadversarywithrespecttoprotectionunderthatlaw.Thefollowingareexamplesofsuchruses:theuseofcamouflage,decoys,mockoperationsandmisinformation.

Article 38 Recognized emblems1. Itisprohibitedtomakeimproperuseofthedistinctiveemblemofthe

redcross,redcrescentorredlionandsunorofotheremblems,signsorsignalsprovidedforbytheConventionsorbythisProtocol.Itisalsoprohibited tomisusedeliberately inanarmedconflictother interna-tionallyrecognizedprotectiveemblems,signsorsignals,includingtheflagoftruce,andtheprotectiveemblemofculturalproperty.

2. ItisprohibitedtomakeuseofthedistinctiveemblemoftheUnitedNa-tions,exceptasauthorizedbythatOrganization.

Article 39 Emblems of nationality1. Itisprohibitedtomakeuseinanarmedconflictoftheflagsormilitary

emblems,insigniaoruniformsofneutralorotherStatesnotPartiestotheconflict.

2. Itisprohibitedtomakeuseoftheflagsormilitaryemblems,insigniaoruniformsofadversePartieswhileengaginginattacksorinordertoshield,favour,protectorimpedemilitaryoperations.

3. NothinginthisArticleorinArticle37,paragraph1d),shallaffecttheexistinggenerally recognized rulesof international lawapplicable toespionageortotheuseofflagsintheconductofarmedconflictatsea.

Article 40 QuarterItisprohibitedtoorderthatthereshallbenosurvivors,tothreatenanad-versarytherewithortoconducthostilitiesonthisbasis.

Article 41 Safeguard of an enemy hors de combat1. Apersonwhoisrecognizedorwho, inthecircumstances,shouldbe

recognizedtobehorsdecombatshallnotbemadetheobjectofattack.

2. Apersonishors de combat if:a) heisinthepowerofanadverseParty;


b) heclearlyexpressesanintentiontosurrender;orc) hehasbeenrenderedunconsciousorisotherwiseincapacitatedby

woundsorsickness,andthereforeisincapableofdefendinghimself; providedthatinanyofthesecasesheabstainsfromanyhostileactand

doesnotattempttoescape.

3. When persons entitled to protection as prisoners ofwar have fallenintothepowerofanadversePartyunderunusualconditionsofcombatwhichpreventtheirevacuationasprovidedforinPartIII,SectionI,oftheThirdConvention, they shall be released andall feasibleprecau-tionsshallbetakentoensuretheirsafety.

Article 42 Occupants of aircraft1. Nopersonparachutingfromanaircraftindistressshallbemadethe

objectofattackduringhisdescent.

2. UponreachingthegroundinterritorycontrolledbyanadverseParty,apersonwhohasparachutedfromanaircraftindistressshallbegivenanopportunitytosurrenderbeforebeingmadetheobjectofattack,un-lessitisapparentthatheisengaginginahostileact.

3. AirbornetroopsarenotprotectedbythisArticle.

SECTION IICombatant and prisoner-of-war status

Article 43 Armed forces1. ThearmedforcesofaPartytoaconflictconsistofallorganizedarmed

forces, groupsandunitswhichareundera command responsible tothatPartyfortheconductofitssubordinates,evenifthatPartyisrep-resentedbyagovernmentoranauthoritynotrecognizedbyanadverseParty. Such armed forces shall be subject to an internal disciplinarysystemwhich,inter alia,shallenforcecompliancewiththerulesofin-ternationallawapplicableinarmedconflict.

2. MembersofthearmedforcesofaPartytoaconflict(otherthanmedi-calpersonnelandchaplainscoveredbyArticle33oftheThirdConven-tion)arecombatants, that is tosay, theyhavetherighttoparticipatedirectlyinhostilities.

3. WheneveraPartytoaconflict incorporatesaparamilitaryorarmedlawenforcementagencyintoitsarmedforcesitshallsonotifytheotherPartiestotheconflict.


Article 44 Combatants and prisoners of war1. Anycombatant,asdefinedinArticle43,whofallsintothepowerofan

adversePartyshallbeaprisonerofwar.

2. Whileallcombatantsareobligedtocomplywiththerulesofinterna-tional lawapplicable inarmedconflict,violationsoftheserulesshallnotdepriveacombatantofhisrighttobeacombatantor,ifhefallsintothepowerofanadverseParty,ofhisrighttobeaprisonerofwar,exceptasprovidedinparagraphs3and4.

3. Inordertopromotetheprotectionofthecivilianpopulationfromtheeffectsofhostilities,combatantsareobligedtodistinguishthemselvesfromthecivilianpopulationwhiletheyareengagedinanattackorinamilitaryoperationpreparatory toanattack.Recognizing,however,thattherearesituationsinarmedconflictswhere,owingtothenatureofthehostilitiesanarmedcombatantcannotsodistinguishhimself,heshallretainhisstatusasacombatant,providedthat,insuchsituations,hecarrieshisarmsopenly:a) duringeachmilitaryengagement,andb) duringsuchtimeasheisvisibletotheadversarywhileheisengaged

inamilitarydeploymentprecedingthe launchingofanattack inwhichheistoparticipate.

ActswhichcomplywiththerequirementsofthisparagraphshallnotbeconsideredasperfidiouswithinthemeaningofArticle37,paragraph1c).

4. AcombatantwhofallsintothepowerofanadversePartywhilefailingtomeettherequirementssetforthinthesecondsentenceofparagraph3shallforfeithisrighttobeaprisonerofwar,butheshall,neverthe-less,begivenprotectionsequivalentinallrespectstothoseaccordedtoprisonersofwarbytheThirdConventionandbythisProtocol.Thisprotectionincludesprotectionsequivalenttothoseaccordedtoprison-ersofwarbytheThirdConventioninthecasewheresuchapersonistriedandpunishedforanyoffenceshehascommitted.

5. AnycombatantwhofallsintothepowerofanadversePartywhilenotengagedinanattackorinamilitaryoperationpreparatorytoanattackshallnotforfeithisrightstobeacombatantandaprisonerofwarbyvirtueofhisprioractivities.

6. ThisArticleiswithoutprejudicetotherightofanypersontobeapris-onerofwarpursuanttoArticle4oftheThirdConvention.

7. ThisArticleisnotintendedtochangethegenerallyacceptedpracticeofStateswithrespecttothewearingoftheuniformbycombatantsas-signedtotheregular,uniformedarmedunitsofaPartytotheconflict.


8. InadditiontothecategoriesofpersonsmentionedinArticle13oftheFirst andSecondConventions, allmembersof thearmed forcesof aPartytotheconflict,asdefinedinArticle43ofthisProtocol,shallbeentitledtoprotectionunderthoseConventionsiftheyarewoundedorsickor,inthecaseoftheSecondConvention,shipwreckedatseaorinotherwaters.

Article 45 Protection of persons who have taken part in hostilities1. Apersonwho takespart inhostilitiesand falls into thepowerofan

adversePartyshallbepresumedtobeaprisonerofwar,andthereforeshallbeprotectedbytheThirdConvention,ifheclaimsthestatusofprisonerofwar,orifheappearstobeentitledtosuchstatus,orifthePartyonwhichhedependsclaimssuchstatusonhisbehalfbynotifi-cationtothedetainingPowerortotheProtectingPower.Shouldanydoubtariseas towhetheranysuchpersonisentitledto thestatusofprisonerofwar,heshallcontinuetohavesuchstatusand,therefore,tobeprotectedbytheThirdConventionandthisProtocoluntilsuchtimeashisstatushasbeendeterminedbyacompetenttribunal.

2. IfapersonwhohasfallenintothepowerofanadversePartyisnotheldasaprisonerofwarandistobetriedbythatPartyforanoffencearisingoutofthehostilities,heshallhavetherighttoasserthisentitlementtoprisoner-of-warstatusbeforeajudicialtribunalandtohavethatques-tion adjudicated. Whenever possible under the applicable procedure,this adjudication shall occur before the trial for the offence.The rep-resentativesoftheProtectingPowershallbeentitledtoattendthepro-ceedingsinwhichthatquestionisadjudicated,unless,exceptionally,theproceedingsareheldincameraintheinterestofStatesecurity.InsuchacasethedetainingPowershalladvisetheProtectingPoweraccordingly.

3. Any personwhohas takenpart in hostilities,who is not entitled toprisoner-of-warstatusandwhodoesnotbenefitfrommorefavourabletreatment in accordancewith the FourthConvention shall have therightatalltimestotheprotectionofArticle75ofthisProtocol.Inoc-cupiedterritory,anysuchperson,unlessheisheldasaspy,shallalsobeentitled,notwithstandingArticle5oftheFourthConvention,tohisrightsofcommunicationunderthatConvention.

Article 46 Spies1. NotwithstandinganyotherprovisionoftheConventionsorofthisPro-

tocol,anymemberofthearmedforcesofaPartytotheconflictwhofalls into thepowerofanadversePartywhileengaging inespionage


shall not have the right to the status of prisoner ofwar andmaybetreatedasaspy.

2. AmemberofthearmedforcesofaPartytotheconflictwho,onbehalfofthatPartyandinterritorycontrolledbyanadverseParty,gathersorattemptstogatherinformationshallnotbeconsideredasengaginginespionageif,whilesoacting,heisintheuniformofhisarmedforces.

3. AmemberofthearmedforcesofaPartytotheconflictwhoisaresi-dentofterritoryoccupiedbyanadversePartyandwho,onbehalfofthePartyonwhichhedepends,gathersorattemptstogatherinformationofmilitaryvaluewithinthatterritoryshallnotbeconsideredasengag-inginespionageunlesshedoessothroughanactoffalsepretencesordeliberately inaclandestinemanner.Moreover, sucha resident shallnotlosehisrighttothestatusofprisonerofwarandmaynotbetreatedasaspyunlessheiscapturedwhileengaginginespionage.

4. AmemberofthearmedforcesofaPartytotheconflictwhoisnotaresidentofterritoryoccupiedbyanadversePartyandwhohasengagedinespionageinthatterritoryshallnotlosehisrighttothestatusofpris-onerofwarandmaynotbetreatedasaspyunlessheiscapturedbeforehehasrejoinedthearmedforcestowhichhebelongs.

Article 47 Mercenaries1. Amercenaryshallnothavetherighttobeacombatantoraprisonerof

war.

2. Amercenaryisanypersonwho:a) isspeciallyrecruitedlocallyorabroadinordertofightinanarmed

conflict;b) does,infact,takeadirectpartinthehostilities;c) ismotivatedtotakepartinthehostilitiesessentiallybythedesire

forprivategainand,infact,ispromised,byoronbehalfofaPartytotheconflict,materialcompensationsubstantiallyinexcessofthatpromisedorpaidtocombatantsofsimilarranksandfunctionsinthearmedforcesofthatParty;

d) isneitheranationalofaPartytotheconflictnoraresidentofterri-torycontrolledbyaPartytotheconflict;

e) isnotamemberofthearmedforcesofaPartytotheconflict;andf) hasnotbeensentbyaStatewhichisnotaPartytotheconflicton

officialdutyasamemberofitsarmedforces.


PART IVCIVILIAN POPULATION

SECTION IGeneral protection against effects of hostilities

CHAPTER Ibasic rule and field of application

Article 48 basic ruleInordertoensurerespectforandprotectionofthecivilianpopulationandcivilianobjects,thePartiestotheconflictshallatalltimesdistinguishbe-tweenthecivilianpopulationandcombatantsandbetweencivilianobjectsandmilitaryobjectivesandaccordingly shalldirect theiroperationsonlyagainstmilitaryobjectives.

Article 49 Definition of attacks and scope of application1. Attacksmeansactsofviolenceagainsttheadversary,whetherinof-

fenceorindefence.

2. TheprovisionsofthisProtocolwithrespecttoattacksapplytoallattacksinwhateverterritoryconducted,includingthenationalterritorybelong-ingtoaPartytotheconflictbutunderthecontrolofanadverseParty.

3. TheprovisionsofthisSectionapplytoanyland,airorseawarfarewhichmayaffect thecivilianpopulation, individualciviliansorcivilianob-jectsonland.Theyfurtherapplytoallattacksfromtheseaorfromtheairagainstobjectiveson landbutdonototherwiseaffect therulesofinternationallawapplicableinarmedconflictatseaorintheair.

4. Theprovisionsof thisSectionareadditional to the rules concerninghumanitarianprotectioncontainedintheFourthConvention,particu-larlyinPartIIthereof,andinotherinternationalagreementsbindingupontheHighContractingParties,aswellastootherrulesofinterna-tionallawrelatingtotheprotectionofciviliansandcivilianobjectsonland,atseaorintheairagainsttheeffectsofhostilities.


CHAPTER IICivilians and civilian population

Article 50 Definition of civilians and civilian population1. Acivilianisanypersonwhodoesnotbelongtooneofthecategories

ofpersonsreferredtoinArticle4A1),2),3)and6)oftheThirdCon-ventionandinArticle43ofthisProtocol.Incaseofdoubtwhetherapersonisacivilian,thatpersonshallbeconsideredtobeacivilian.

2. Thecivilianpopulationcomprisesallpersonswhoarecivilians.

3. Thepresencewithinthecivilianpopulationofindividualswhodonotcomewithinthedefinitionofciviliansdoesnotdeprivethepopulationofitsciviliancharacter.

Article 51 Protection of the civilian population1. Thecivilianpopulationandindividualciviliansshallenjoygeneralpro-

tectionagainstdangersarisingfrommilitaryoperations.Togiveeffecttothisprotection,thefollowingrules,whichareadditionaltootherap-plicablerulesofinternationallaw,shallbeobservedinallcircumstances.

2. The civilianpopulation as such, aswell as individual civilians, shallnotbetheobjectofattack.Actsorthreatsofviolencetheprimarypur-pose ofwhich is to spread terror among the civilian population areprohibited.

3. CiviliansshallenjoytheprotectionaffordedbythisSection,unlessandforsuchtimeastheytakeadirectpartinhostilities.

4. Indiscriminateattacksareprohibited.Indiscriminateattacksare:a) thosewhicharenotdirectedataspecificmilitaryobjective;b) thosewhichemployamethodormeansofcombatwhichcannotbe

directedataspecificmilitaryobjective;orc) thosewhich employ amethodormeans of combat the effects of

whichcannotbelimitedasrequiredbythisProtocol; andconsequently, ineachsuchcase,areofanature tostrikemilitary

objectivesandciviliansorcivilianobjectswithoutdistinction.

5. Amongothers, thefollowingtypesofattacksaretobeconsideredasindiscriminate:a) anattackbybombardmentbyanymethodsormeanswhichtreatsas

asinglemilitaryobjectiveanumberofclearlyseparatedanddistinctmilitaryobjectiveslocatedinacity,town,villageorotherareacon-tainingasimilarconcentrationofciviliansorcivilianobjects;and


b) anattackwhichmaybeexpectedtocauseincidentallossofcivilianlife,injurytocivilians,damagetocivilianobjects,oracombinationthereof,whichwouldbeexcessive in relation to theconcreteanddirectmilitaryadvantageanticipated.

6. Attacksagainstthecivilianpopulationorciviliansbywayofreprisalsareprohibited.

7. Thepresenceormovementsofthecivilianpopulationorindividualci-viliansshallnotbeusedtorendercertainpointsorareasimmunefrommilitaryoperations,inparticularinattemptstoshieldmilitaryobjec-tivesfromattacksortoshield,favourorimpedemilitaryope

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Geneva Conventions - Additional Protocols