The Rules of War

War is a devastating event that is focused on the goal of killing or incapacitating the enemy. Yet there exists etiquette of sorts; rules of conduct that apply to nearly every eventuality of war that every combatant is supposed to respect and obey. These guidelines were drafted into the Geneva Convention of 1949, and strive to impart humanity into the ultimate adversarial situation.

The provisions of the Geneva Convention state that the conventions apply to all forms of declared war. It also applies in situations wherein foreign country, with or without active resistance, has occupied another country.

In times of war, the Geneva Convention seeks to protect the civilians to the extent possible, as well as medical personnel, journalists and impartial observers, such as those from the United Nations. It also sets a code of conduct for the behavior of the combatants themselves, especially in terms of the handling of prisoners of war, and what individuals are to be considered civilians or exempt.

Specifically, provisions seek to protect those who are not taking part in the hostilities, including civilians, army personnel who are injured or who have refused to fight, or who are being detained. The guidelines set forth in the Geneva Convention require that these individuals be treated humanely, without any distinction founded on race, colour, religion, or sex. These individual are to be treated as neutral and are not to be included in the conflict. The Geneva Convention also calls for the establishment of neutral areas with the region of conflict wherein neutral parties such as Medical personnel can carry out there mission, and wounded can be treated without danger of further combat related injury. All Parties engaged in the conflict must agree upon the location of the neutral zone and they must also agree upon how the zone is to be administrated including how food and medical provisions shall be delivered. All of this information is to be set forth in a written agreement that is signed by representatives of all combatant parties. The agreement must also define the beginning and the duration of the neutral zone.

The Geneva Convention guidelines are very specific regarding the treatment of detainees by the opposing party. The guidelines state that all prisoners of war should be treated humanely and provided with appropriate shelter, food, medical treatment and good sanitation and hygienic conditions. The guidelines specifically forbid all acts of coercion, including humiliating and degrading treatment that demeans the individual or his or her religious beliefs, nationality, sex or political beliefs. All acts of physical or mental torture are specifically forbidden. The taking of non-combatant or neutral parties as hostages is outlawed.

The Geneva Convention specifically declares that the wounded and sick must be cared for, including enemy troops and recommends that impartial humanitarian organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, may provide Medical and humanitarian services to all parties during the conflict. While doing so, they are to be regarded as neutral.

Spies, to some extent, forfeit some of the protection afforded under the Geneva Convention. Nonetheless, when detained, a person suspected of spying has the right to a fair trial and humane treatment.