The International Convention concerning the Laws and Customs of War on Land is also known as the Hague Convention IV of 1907. It is one of the key international treaties that governs the conduct of armed conflicts on land.
The Hague Convention IV was adopted at the Second Hague Peace Conference held in 1907. It was a significant milestone in the development of international humanitarian law and aimed to establish regulations and principles to be followed by belligerent nations during times of war.
The convention consists of a preamble and sixty-five articles, covering various aspects of the conduct of hostilities on land. Some of the key provisions include:
- Definition of combatants and non-combatants: The convention establishes the distinction between lawful combatants (those who have the right to participate in hostilities) and non-combatants (civilians and other individuals who are not taking part in the hostilities). It provides protections for non-combatants and outlines the conditions under which combatants may be attacked.
- Protection of property: The convention outlines rules regarding the protection of civilian property during armed conflicts. It prohibits pillaging, destruction of property unless militarily necessary, and requisitions, among other provisions.
- Treatment of prisoners of war: The convention establishes rules for the humane treatment of prisoners of war. It requires that prisoners be treated with respect, prohibits torture and cruel treatment, and provides guidelines for their internment and repatriation.
- Rules of warfare: The convention sets out specific rules governing the conduct of hostilities, including the prohibition of certain weapons and tactics. It addresses issues such as the use of poison or poisoned weapons, the prohibition of attacks on undefended towns and villages, and the protection of cultural property.
It’s important to note that the Hague Convention IV of 1907 has been supplemented and expanded upon by subsequent treaties and customary international law, including the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their additional protocols. These later agreements have further developed and refined the rules and protections for individuals affected by armed conflicts.
Overall, the Hague Convention IV of 1907 represents a significant step in the establishment of international norms and laws governing the conduct of war on land. Its provisions aim to mitigate the suffering caused by armed conflicts and protect the rights of individuals who are not actively participating in the hostilities.