israel and lebanon, page-3

geneva convention - rules of war Geneva Convention - Rules of War

The first modern international rules of war known as the Geneva Conventions were set down in Switzerland in 1864. This treaty was approved by all the European countries, by the U.S., and by some countries in Asia and South America. All of them have more or less honored its provisions in time of war. Additions have been added when agreed upon.

We should remind ourselves that these conventions were established according to moral values which for the most part reflect a Biblical view of human life and justice. However, there are some nations, religions, and/or cultures that do not hold to these same values, do not adhere to the Judeo-Christian ethical system, and even consider the death of others to be of little or no consequence.

Section I, Article 3 states among other prohibitions that "The presence or movements of the civilian population or individual civilians must not be used to try to shield military objectives from attack or to shield, favour or impede military operations."
According to the rules of war, armed forces are directed to take all precautions to avoid civilian casualties in war. This means that armed forces may not use civilian populations for shields and cover for conducting warfare. So also they are directed not make use of legally neutral locations or means (i.e., mosques, churches, ambulances) to make war.

As always, the age-old problem is that while the moral forces attempt to adhere to the values expressed by the Geneva Conventions, those lacking the same moral compass not only ignore them, they purposefully flout them. No one should try to say that in the majority of wars, there are not sides which are more concerned with morality and those that are less. On the surface, it may not be obvious; the media and popular opinion may turn it upside down; those who are serious and concerned will discern the truth.

Basic rules of the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols

quote from Article IV (emphasis RKNEWS)
Protection of civilian persons and populations in time of war Additional Protocol I, Part IV
Geneva Convention relative to the protection of civilian persons in time of war (Convention IV of 12 August 1949)

 6. Precautionary measures

 To implement the rules protecting civilian persons and property, those who plan or decide upon an attack are bound to take certain precautions. They must do everything feasible to verify that the objectives to be attacked are definitely military objectives. They must choose means and methods of attack which avoid, or at least reduce to a minmum, incidental losses and damage which could be caused to civilians and civilian property. They must refrain from launching an attack if it seems clear that such losses or damage would be excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated, and even cancel or suspend it if it becomes apparent that such is the case. Advance warning must be given in good time to the civilian population of attacks which may affect them when circumstances permit.

Finally, the location of military objectives in the vicinity of civilian populations and civilian property shall be avoided as far as possible and all other necessary precautions must also be taken (shelters, signs, etc.).[P. I. 57, 58]

 7. Civil defence

Civil defence organizations have humanitarian tasks. They are intended to protect the civilian population against the dangers of hostilities or disasters and to help it recover from their immediate effects, as well as to ensure the conditions necessary for its survival (warning, evacuation, shelters, rescue, medical services, fire-fighting, public services, etc.). These organizations and their personnel are entitled to perform their tasks except in case of imperative military necessity and must be respected and protected. Objects used for civil defence purposes may not be destroyed or diverted from their proper use except by the Party to which they belong.[P. I, 61, 62]

Created by admin. Last modified on 2002-10-21 09:34:14