The Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, commonly known as the Third Geneva Convention, is an international treaty that establishes standards for the humane treatment of prisoners of war during armed conflicts. The convention was first adopted in 1929 and then revised in 1949 to address the lessons learned from World War II.
The Third Geneva Convention outlines the rights and protections afforded to prisoners of war, who are individuals captured by a belligerent party during an armed conflict. Here are some key provisions of the convention:
- Humane Treatment: Prisoners of war must be treated humanely at all times. They are protected against violence, intimidation, insults, and public curiosity. They should also receive adequate medical care and nutrition.
- Non-Discrimination: Prisoners of war should be treated without any adverse distinction based on race, nationality, religious beliefs, or political opinions. They must be afforded equal treatment irrespective of their rank or status.
- Identification: Prisoners of war should at all times be identifiable as such. They should wear a special insignia (such as an armband) and carry identification cards that specify their status.
- Protection against Violence: Prisoners of war must be protected from acts of violence, physical harm, torture, and cruel treatment. They should not be subjected to medical or scientific experiments.
- Repatriation: At the end of hostilities, prisoners of war must be released and repatriated without delay. However, they may be held until the cessation of active hostilities if it is deemed necessary for security reasons.
- Judicial Guarantees: Prisoners of war have the right to a fair and regular judicial process. They should be tried in accordance with the laws and regulations of the detaining power.
- Red Cross Visits: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has the right to visit prisoners of war to ensure their humane treatment and compliance with the provisions of the convention.
- Personal Belongings: Prisoners of war should be allowed to keep their personal belongings, including clothing, valuables, and correspondence.
The Third Geneva Convention is one of the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 that collectively form the cornerstone of international humanitarian law. Its purpose is to protect individuals who are no longer taking part in the hostilities and are in the custody of a party to the conflict. The convention has been ratified by a large number of countries and is considered a fundamental legal framework for the treatment of prisoners of war.