Source: https://ihl-databases.icrc.org/customary-ihl/eng/docs/v2_rul_rule36
Timestamp: 2019-04-26 09:07:44+00:00

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Under paragraph D of the 1949 Karachi Agreement, India and Pakistan agreed that “no troops shall be stationed from south of Minimarg to the cease-fire line”.
Karachi Agreement Establishing a Cease-fire Line in the State of Jammu and Kashmir concluded between India and Pakistan, Karachi, 27 July 1949, § d.
Article I(6) and (10) of the 1953 Panmunjom Armistice Agreement stipulates that neither side shall execute any hostile act within, from, or against the established demilitarized zone and that the total number of military personnel from each side allowed to enter the zone cannot exceed 1,000 persons at one time under any circumstance.
Agreement between the Commander-in-Chief, United Nations Command, on the one hand, and the Supreme Commander of the Korean People’s Army and the Commander of the Chinese People’s Volunteers, on the other hand, concerning a Military Armistice in Korea, Panmunjom, 27 July 1953, Article I(6) and (10).
The 1974 Disengagement Agreement between Israel and Syria created a demilitarized zone on the Syrian side of the Golan Heights. This agreement is subject to international supervision.
Separation of Forces Agreement between Israel and Syria, Geneva, 31 May 1974.
2. The agreement [to establish a demilitarized zone] shall be an express agreement, may be concluded verbally or in writing, either directly or through a Protecting Power or any impartial humanitarian organization, and may consist of reciprocal and concordant declarations. The agreement may be concluded in peacetime, as well as after the outbreak of hostilities, and should define and describe, as precisely as possible, the limits of the demilitarized zone and, if necessary, lay down the methods of supervision.
d) any activity linked to the military effort must have ceased.
The Parties to the conflict shall agree upon the interpretation to be given to the conditions laid down in sub-paragraph d) and upon persons to be admitted to the demilitarized zone other than those mentioned in paragraph 4.
Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts (Protocol I), Geneva, 8 June 1977, Article 60. Article 60 was adopted by consensus. CDDH, Official Records, Vol. VI, CDDH/SR.42, 27 May 1977, p. 215.
The 1979 Peace Treaty between Israel and Egypt created a demilitarized zone in the Sinai, subject to international supervision. Egyptian civilian police are allowed to operate in the demilitarized zone set up pursuant to the agreement.
Treaty of Peace between the Government of the State of Israel and the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Washington, D.C., 26 March 1979.
Article 3 of the 1993 Agreement on Demilitarization of Srebrenica and Žepa provided that every military or paramilitary unit should either withdraw from the demilitarized zones or hand over their weapons.
Agreement on Demilitarization of Srebrenica and Žepa, concluded between Lt. Gen. Ratko Mladić and Gen. Sefer Halilović, in the presence of Lt. Gen. Philippe Morillon, Sarajevo, 8 May 1993, Article 3.
Under Article 5, ammunition, mines, explosives and combat supplies in the demilitarized zones were to be handed over to UNPROFOR, under whose control the demilitarized zones were placed.
Agreement on Demilitarization of Srebrenica and Žepa, concluded between Lt. Gen. Ratko Mladić and Gen. Sefer Halilović, in the presence of Lt. Gen. Philippe Morillon, Sarajevo, 8 May 1993, Article 5.
Demilitarised zones are areas in which, by express agreement between the parties to the conflict, military operations are not conducted. The aim of these zones is common to that of non-defended localities. The differences between the two areas relate to how they are established and their situation. A non-defended locality may be created by unilateral declaration, whereas a demilitarised zone is created by express agreement between the parties. From the commander’s point of view, protection granted to each zone is identical. Therefore, as long as sufficient notice is given of the zones and they are adequately marked, they are protected from attack.
Australia, Manual on Law of Armed Conflict, Australian Defence Force Publication, Operations Series, ADFP 37 – Interim Edition, 1994, § 737.
Australia, The Manual of the Law of Armed Conflict, Australian Defence Doctrine Publication 06.4, Australian Defence Headquarters, 11 May 2006, § 7.40; see also § 9.40.
Burundi, Règlement n° 98 sur le droit international humanitaire, Ministère de la Défense Nationale et des Anciens Combattants, Projet “Moralisation” (BDI/B-05), August 2007, Part I bis, p. 20.
Cameroon’s Instructor’s Manual (1992), while defining demilitarized zones as zones where all military activities have ceased, states that conditions regarding demilitarized zones are established by an express agreement between the belligerents.
Cameroon, Droit international humanitaire et droit de la guerre, Manuel de l’instructeur en vigueur dans les Forces Armées, Présidence de la République, Ministère de la Défense, Etat-major des Armées, Troisième Division, Edition 1992, p. 20, § 227.
A neutralized geographical zone can be established by mutual agreement between belligerents.
This refers to a demilitarized zone in which all war efforts must have ceased.
In this case, an express agreement … is signed between belligerents either in times of peace or after the opening of hostilities.
Cameroon, Droit des conflits armés et droit international humanitaire, Manuel de l’instructeur en vigueur dans les forces de défense, Ministère de la Défense, Présidence de la République, Etat-major des Armées, 2006, p. 280, § 642; see also p. 92, § 352.2, p. 94, § 352.27, p. 137, § 412.27 and p. 225, § 533.
Cameroon, Droit des conflits armés et droit international humanitaire, Manuel de l’instructeur en vigueur dans les forces de défense, Ministère de la Défense, Présidence de la République, Etat-major des Armées, 2006, p. 137, § 412.27.
The manual further states under the heading “Responsibility for Acts or Omissions of which Subordinates Are Accused” that commanders may be responsible if their subordinates “profit from a truce in order to consolidate their positions … with respect to demilitarized zones”.
Cameroon, Droit des conflits armés et droit international humanitaire, Manuel de l’instructeur en vigueur dans les forces de défense, Ministère de la Défense, Présidence de la République, Etat-major des Armées, 2006, p. 99, § 361; see also p. 141, § 421.
Canada’s LOAC Manual (1999) requires an agreement between the parties to a conflict in order to establish a demilitarized zone. According to the manual, the conditions that must normally be satisfied by a demilitarized zone are the same as those listed in Article 60(3) of the 1977 Additional Protocol I.
Canada, The Law of Armed Conflict at the Operational and Tactical Level, Office of the Judge Advocate General, 1999, p. 4-11, §§ 115–116.
1. It is prohibited for parties to a conflict to conduct military operations in or to attack an area that they have agreed to treat as a demilitarized zone.
d. any activity linked to the military effort must have ceased.
3. The party in control of a demilitarized zone shall mark it, so far as possible, by such signs as may be agreed upon by the adverse parties. Such signs shall be displayed where they are clearly visible, especially on the demilitarized zone’s perimeter and on highways.
c. a party unilaterally revokes the status of an area as a demilitarized zone where it has agreed not to do so.
Canada, The Law of Armed Conflict at the Operational and Tactical Levels, Office of the Judge Advocate General, 13 August 2001, § 457.1–4.
- to keep these victims separate, guaranteeing that there are no military objectives in the defined zones.
Thus, if the enemy respects the law, the victims run no risk of suffering from the effects of the hostilities. Attacks against these zones or localities are prohibited.
These zones are areas in which combat is excluded, established in order to protect the civilian population against attacks. They can be towns, villages, or even a stretch of land separating two enemy parties. They are created by an agreement concluded between the parties. All the military personnel, mobile weapons and mobile military equipment must be evacuated. Demilitarized zones must not be occupied, nor used in any manner whatsoever for military purposes. The party which is in control of such a zone must, so far as possible, mark its perimeter by such signs as may be agreed upon with the enemy.
Côte d’Ivoire, Droit de la guerre, Manuel d’instruction, Livre III, Tome 1: Instruction de l’élève officier d’active de 1ère année, Manuel de l’élève, Ministère de la Défense, Forces Armées Nationales, November 2007, pp. 35 and 37.
In order to protect the civilian population as a whole or particularly vulnerable persons (the sick, wounded, infirm, elderly, children, etc.), it is possible, by common agreement between the parties, to establish safety zones, both during the conflict (for example in the form of an “open town”), or “demilitarized zones” in time of peace. Such zones must not be attacked militarily. On the other hand, they must also no longer be defended against the advancing of the enemy. Their only objective is to ensure the physical survival of the population which is sheltered there.
Côte d’Ivoire, Droit de la guerre, Manuel d’instruction, Livre III, Tome 2: Instruction de l’élève officier d’active de 2ème année, Manuel de l’instructeur, Ministère de la Défense, Forces Armées Nationales, November 2007, pp. 21–22.
- any activity linked to the military effort must have ceased.
The Party which is in control of a demilitarized zone shall mark it, so far as possible, by such signs as may be agreed upon with the other Party. These signs shall be displayed where they are clearly visible, especially on the perimeter of the demilitarized zone and on roads.
Côte d’Ivoire, Droit de la guerre, Manuel d’instruction, Livre IV: Instruction du chef de section et du commandant de compagnie, Manuel de l’élève, Ministère de la Défense, Forces Armées Nationales, November 2007, pp. 42–43.
Croatia’s LOAC Compendium (1991) states that the following are not allowed in a demilitarized zone: a) the presence of combatants; b) the presence of mobile weapons; c) the presence of mobile military equipment; d) any act of hostility; and e) any activity related to the conduct of military operations.
Croatia, Compendium “Law of Armed Conflicts”, Republic of Croatia, Ministry of Defence, 1991, p. 11.
The prerequisites for establishing [a demilitarized zone] are equal to those applying to non-defended localities (Article 59 para. 2, 60 para. 3 of the 1977 Additional Protocol I). Demilitarized zones are created by an agreement concluded between the parties to the conflict either in peacetime or in case of conflict. It is prohibited for each party to the conflict to attack or occupy such zones (Article 60 para 1 of the 1977 Additional Protocol I).
Germany, Humanitarian Law in Armed Conflicts – Manual, DSK VV207320067, edited by The Federal Ministry of Defence of the Federal Republic of Germany, VR II 3, August 1992, English translation of ZDv 15/2, Humanitäres Völkerrecht in bewaffneten Konflikten – Handbuch, August 1992, § 461.
Hungary’s Military Manual (1992) states that the establishment of a demilitarized zone requires that there are “no combatants; no mobile weapons; no mobile military equipment; no hostile acts; no activity linked to the military effort”.
Hungary, A Hadijog, Jegyzet a Katonai, Föiskolák Hallgatói Részére , Magyar Honvédség Szolnoki Repülötiszti Föiskola, 1992, p. 23.
These specific protected zones which are open to all non-combatants are regulated by an express agreement concluded verbally or in writing between the two Parties to the conflict. Such an agreement may be concluded in peacetime as well as after the outbreak of hostilities.
d) that any activity linked to the military effort must cease.
Kenya, Law of Armed Conflict, Military Basic Course (ORS), 4 Précis, The School of Military Police, 1997, Précis No. 4, pp. 6-7.
Madagascar’s Military Manual (1994) provides that the term “demilitarized zone” means a zone from which all combatants as well as all mobile weapons and military material have been evacuated, and in which fixed military establishments are not used for harmful purposes, no hostile act can be committed by the authorities and the population, and all activities linked to the military effort have ceased. It states that demilitarized zones are created by agreement between the parties concerned.
Madagascar, Le Droit des Conflits Armés, Ministère des Forces Armées, August 1994, Fiche No. 3-SO, § I.
The Military Manual (1993) of the Netherlands describes the establishment of demilitarized zones on the basis of Article 60 of the 1977 Additional Protocol I.
Netherlands, Toepassing Humanitair Oorlogsrecht, Voorschift No. 27-412/1, Koninklijke Landmacht, Ministerie van Defensie, 1993, p. V-16/V-17, § 14.
0554. It is prohibited for the parties to a conflict to extend their military operations to demilitarized zones. The parties to a conflict may agree to confer demilitarized status on a zone. Such agreement may be concluded verbally or in writing. It should describe, as precisely as possible, the limits of the demilitarized zone and may lay down methods of supervision. A demilitarized zone may also be agreed between States in peacetime.
- all activities linked to the military effort must have ceased.
These arrangements may be made more specific, by agreement.
0556. The presence of persons who enjoy special protection (e.g. civil defence personnel) and police units is not incompatible with the conditions laid down. The party in control of the demilitarized zone must mark it as well as possible with the agreed distinctive signs. These signs must be clearly visible and displayed specifically on boundaries and main roads. If one party breaches the set requirements in a significant area (e.g., uses the zone for military purposes), the zone then forfeits demilitarized status and the opposing party is released from the agreed obligations.
There are still no examples of demilitarized zones under AP I [1977 Additional Protocol I].
There are, however, demilitarized zones on the strength of other treaties and decrees. One example is the peace treaty between the Allies and Italy in 1947, whereby certain zones were designated as such. Under resolution 186 of the United Nations Security Council (1964), UNFICYP set up a demilitarized buffer zone in Cyprus on both sides of the original line of confrontation, to facilitate supervision.
Netherlands, Humanitair Oorlogsrecht: Handleiding, Voorschift No. 27-412, Koninklijke Landmacht, Militair Juridische Dienst, 2005, §§ 0554–0556.
New Zealand’s Military Manual (1992) provides: “The parties to a conflict may agree that a particular area shall constitute a demilitarized zone, in which case military operations may only be carried on in that area to the extent permitted by the agreement.” With respect to the rules and the procedure to be adopted in relation to the establishment of demilitarized zones, the manual refers to Article 60 of the 1977 Additional Protocol I. It also notes that agreements establishing the zones may be oral or in writing, may be arranged either directly or through the medium of a protecting power or any impartial humanitarian organization, or may also arise by way of reciprocal and concordant declarations.
New Zealand, Interim Law of Armed Conflict Manual, DM 112, New Zealand Defence Force, Headquarters, Directorate of Legal Services, Wellington, November 1992, § 412(4).
Nigeria’s Military Manual (1994) notes that preplanned protected zones, including demilitarized zones, are established by agreement between belligerent parties or can be internationally recognized.
Nigeria, International Humanitarian Law (IHL), Directorate of Legal Services, Nigerian Army, 1994, p. 43, § 14.
d. any activity linked to the military effort has ceased.
Peru, Manual de Derecho Internacional Humanitario para las Fuerzas Armadas, Resolución Ministerial Nº 1394-2004-DE/CCFFAA/CDIH-FFAA, Lima, 1 December 2004, Annex 9, Glossary of Terms; see also § 100.f.
(e) permit the marking of … demilitarized zones with distinctive signs.
Peru, Manual de Derecho Internacional Humanitario para las Fuerzas Armadas, Resolución Ministerial Nº 1394-2004-DE/CCFFAA/CDIH-FFAA, Lima, 1 December 2004, § 25.b.(2)(a) and (e); see also §§ 27.h.(1).(c) and 104.c.
Peru, Manual de Derecho Internacional Humanitario y Derechos Humanos para las Fuerzas Armadas, Resolución Ministerial No. 049-2010/DE/VPD, Lima, 21 May 2010, p. 418.
Peru, Manual de Derecho Internacional Humanitario y Derechos Humanos para las Fuerzas Armadas, Resolución Ministerial No. 049-2010/DE/VPD, Lima, 21 May 2010, § 28(h)(c), p. 240–241.
(e) Allow the marking with distinctive emblems of … demilitarized zones.
Peru, Manual de Derecho Internacional Humanitario y Derechos Humanos para las Fuerzas Armadas, Resolución Ministerial No. 049-2010/DE/VPD, Lima, 21 May 2010, § 26(2)(e), p. 233; see also § 92(b)(5), p. 294.
demilitarised zone is a zone from which, on agreement between the parties to the conflict, all combatants and mobile military objectives have been evacuated and the fixed military objectives located therein are not used for hostile purposes, the authorities and the population refrain from acts of hostility and any military activities are terminated.
Russian Federation, Regulations on the Application of International Humanitarian Law by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 8 August 2001, § 1.
battle-free areas from which, on agreement between the parties to the conflict, military personnel, mobile military equipment and other military activities have been removed or ceased to protect the occupants from attack.
Sierra Leone, The Law of Armed Conflict. Instructor Manual for the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), Armed Forces Education Centre, September 2007, pp. 28–29.
Spain’s LOAC Manual (1996) notes that demilitarized zones are areas established by an agreement between the belligerents and designed to protect especially vulnerable sectors of the population from the effects of war. The manual refers to Article 60 of the 1977 Additional Protocol I.
Spain, Orientaciones. El Derecho de los Conflictos Armados, Publicación OR7-004, 2 Tomos, aprobado por el Estado Mayor del Ejército, Division de Operaciones, 18 March 1996, Vol. I, §§ 1.3.e.(2) and 7.3.b.(5).
Spain’s LOAC Manual (2007) states that the zones in which military operations are not permitted include demilitarized zones.
Spain, Orientaciones. El Derecho de los Conflictos Armados, Tomo 1, Publicación OR7–004, (Edición Segunda), Mando de Adiestramiento y Doctrina, Dirección de Doctrina, Orgánica y Materiales, 2 November 2007, § 1.2.c.(2); see also § 7.3.b.(5).
It is in the mutual interest of the parties to the conflict to establish protected areas where particularly vulnerable sectors of the population can be kept safe from the effects of war. In addition to those specifically provided for in the law of armed conflict, which are listed below, other protected areas can be organized through special agreements.
These are areas where military operations cannot be carried out and are accorded this status by express agreement of the parties to the conflict.
Spain, Orientaciones. El Derecho de los Conflictos Armados, Tomo 1, Publicación OR7–004, (Edición Segunda), Mando de Adiestramiento y Doctrina, Dirección de Doctrina, Orgánica y Materiales, 2 November 2007, §§ 1.3.e and 1.3.e.(2).
Article 60 does not only imply prohibition of the setting-up of fixed defence establishments within [a demilitarized area] … [I]t is also prohibited to undertake military operations within the zone – always provided that the parties do not decide otherwise. A demilitarised zone shall not be open to occupation by the adversary, as in the case with non-defended localities.
The manual recalls that “the conditions required for a [demilitarized] area are the same as for non-defended localities”, with the only difference that the condition relating to activity supporting military operations “has been extended to apply to any activity connected with the military”.
Sweden, International Humanitarian Law in Armed Conflict, with reference to the Swedish Total Defence System, Swedish Ministry of Defence, January 1991, Section 3.4.3, pp. 87–88.
Switzerland’s Basic Military Manual (1987) states, with reference to Article 60 of the 1977 Additional Protocol I, that demilitarized zones can be established by military commanders of the parties to the conflict.
Switzerland, Lois et coutumes de la guerre (Extrait et commentaire), Règlement 51.7/II f, Armée Suisse, 1987, Article 12(2).
The manual points out that demilitarized zones, as well as non-defended localities, may be established through specific reciprocal declarations and that a unilateral declaration is not sufficient to create them.
Switzerland, Lois et coutumes de la guerre (Extrait et commentaire), Règlement 51.7/II f, Armée Suisse, 1987, Article 32(2) and (4).
The conditions for the setting-up of a demilitarized zone are the same as for non-defended localities, namely: all combatants as well as mobile weapons and military equipment must be evacuated; no hostile use shall be made of fixed military installations or establishments; no acts of hostility shall be committed by the authorities or by the population; any activity in support of the military effort must cease; and the zone must be marked by distinctive signs.
Switzerland, Lois et coutumes de la guerre (Extrait et commentaire), Règlement 51.7/II f, Armée Suisse, 1987, Article 32(2).
“Demilitarized zone” means any zone from which all combatants, as well as mobile weapons and mobile military equipment, have been evacuated upon agreement of the parties to the armed conflict. No acts of hostility shall be committed by the authorities or by the population of the zone.
Demilitarized zones shall be marked by signs agreed between parties to the armed conflict.
Ukraine, Manual on the Application of IHL Rules, Ministry of Defence, 11 September 2004, § 1.2.49; see also § 1.2.51.
5.39.2. Demilitarized zones may only be set up by agreement between the parties to the conflict. Their precise status will depend on the terms of the agreement but, generally speaking, these zones will not be used by any party for the conduct of military operations. Their purpose is to protect the areas themselves, or the people in them, from hostilities or as refuges for the civilian population.
f. may specify conditions to be complied with or provide interpretation of terms, for example, on the meaning of “fixed military installations”, “acts of hostility”, “activity linked to the military effort” or “purposes related to the conduct of military operations”, or specify perimeter signs or specify who may be admitted to the demilitarized zone or as to what is to happen in the event of a breach of any of the conditions or if the fighting draws near to the zone.
5.39.5. The party controlling the demilitarized zone is responsible for marking it with agreed signs, especially on its perimeter and on highways.
5.39.7. A material breach by one party of its obligations under sub-paragraphs 5.39.1 or 5.39.6 will release the other party from its obligations under the agreement but the zone will continue to benefit from any other protection available under international law.
United Kingdom, The Manual of the Law of Armed Conflict, Ministry of Defence, 1 July 2004, §§ 5.39.1–5.39.7; see also § 10.39.
With regard to internal armed conflict, the manual provides that (in addition to the prohibition on attacks against undefended localities) “[t]he other rules on protective zones applicable in international armed conflicts may be applied by analogy to internal armed conflicts”.
United Kingdom, The Manual of the Law of Armed Conflict, Ministry of Defence, 1 July 2004, § 15.25.2.
United States, Air Force Pamphlet 110-34, Commander’s Handbook on the Law of Armed Conflict , Judge Advocate General, US Department of the Air Force, 25 July 1980, § 3-6(b).
The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia’s Military Manual (1988) contains provisions regarding the establishment of demilitarized zones, which mirror the conditions prescribed by the 1977 Additional Protocol I.
Yugoslavia, Socialist Federal Republic of, Propisi o Primeri Pravila Medjunarodnog Ratnog Prava u Oruzanim Snagama SFRJ, PrU-2, Savezni Sekretarijat za Narodnu Odbranu (Pravna Uprava), 1988, § 78.
The Act Establishing the Demilitarized Zone, annexed to the 1990 Effective and Definitive Cease-fire Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Nicaragua and the Nicaraguan Resistance (1990), provides that “in the demilitarized zone, there shall be no artillery, no offensive troops of any kind, no militia and no paramilitary or security forces” and that “the police of the villages situated within the demilitarized zone shall be disarmed”.
Nicaragua, Act Establishing the Demilitarized Zone, Effective and Definitive Cease-fire Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Nicaragua and the Nicaraguan Resistance, annexed to Note verbale dated 23 April to the UN Secretary-General, UN Doc. A/44/941-S/21272, 25 April 1990, Annex II, pp. 8–9, §§ 2 and 4.
The Report on the Practice of Colombia notes that the government has ordered the demilitarization of certain regions of the country in order to enable a constructive dialogue to be developed concerning the demobilization and reintegration of armed opposition groups. Another purpose of these zones is to carry out humanitarian operations, such as the release of persons deprived of freedom.
Report on the Practice of Colombia, 1998, Chapter 1.8.
Acte d’engagement signé par le CNDP-Mouvement Politico-Militaire, la PARECO/FAP, les Mai-Mai Kasindien, les Mai-Mai Kifuafua, les Mai-Mai Vurondo, les Mai-Mai Mongol, l’UJPS, les Mai-Mai Rwenzori et le Simba avec l’engagement solennel des Représentants de la Communauté Internationale, facilitateurs du présent acte d’engagement – les Nations-Unies, la Conférence Internationale sur la Région des Grands Lacs, les Etats-Unis d’Amérique, l’Union Africaine, l’Union Européenne et le Gouvernement (Pledge of Commitment signed by the CNDP-Mouvement Politico-Militaire, PARECO/FAP, Mai-Mai Kasindien, Mai-Mai Kifuafua, Mai-Mai Vurondo, Mai-Mai Mongol, UJPS, Mai-Mai Rwenzori and Simba with the solemn commitment of the representatives of the international community, facilitators of this pledge of commitment – the United Nations, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, the United States of America, the European Union and the Government), Goma, 23 January 2008, Article IV, § 4.
According to the Report on the Practice of Kuwait, the Kuwaiti Government considers that military troops or their materiel are barred from entering the demilitarized zone in northern Kuwait. This protection is ensured by representatives of the Ministry of the Interior, who are not allowed to enter the area with high-calibre weapons. Allegations of violations by the Iraqi party must be transmitted to UNIKOM for appropriate action.
Report on the Practice of Kuwait, 1997, Chapter 1.8.
Neutral territory is the territory of a State that is not party to a conflict and has chosen to remain neutral, either permanently or in relation to a given conflict.
Neutral territories are to be distinguished from neutral zones (neutralised zones, hospital and safety zones, and demilitarised zones) set aside within the territory of one or more parties to the conflict, for example to receive Wounded and sick as well as Civilians and non-combatants.
Switzerland, Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, ABC of International Humanitarian Law, 2009, p. 31.
According to the Report on the Practice of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, “the opinio iuris and the customary nature of rules relevant to the establishment of demilitarised zones in the FRY is absolutely clear”.
Report on the Practice of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, 1997, Chapter 1.8.
In 1994, in a statement by its President on the situation in Croatia, the UN Security Council denounced the continuing violation of the demilitarized status of Prevlaka. Referring, inter alia, to the movement of heavy weapons and of Croatian special police and the entry of a navy missile boat of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia into the demilitarized zone, the Security Council underlined its concern in this regard and called upon the parties to cease such violations.
UN Security Council, Statement by the President, UN Doc. S/PRST/1997/23, 25 April 1997.
In a report in 1990, the UN Secretary-General referred to complaints made to ONUCA by leaders of the Nicaraguan resistance concerning the continued presence of armed civilians and militia personnel in some of the demilitarized zones.
UN Secretary-General, Report on ONUCA, UN Doc. S/21341, 4 June 1990, § 2.
In a report concerning UNIKOM in 1997, the UN Secretary-General denounced a number of violations in the demilitarized zone on the Iraq-Kuwait border. He noted that 10 of the 14 ground violations were related to the presence of military and armed personnel in this zone. Insofar as air violations were concerned, they involved overflights by aircraft of types used by the coalition forces.
UN Secretary-General, Report on UNIKOM, UN Doc. S/1997/255, 26 March 1997, § 4.
In a 1998 report regarding UNCRO in Croatia, whose mandate included the demilitarization of the Prevlaka peninsula, the UN Secretary-General considered the presence of Yugoslav troops in the north-western part of the demilitarized zone as the most significant long-standing violation in this area.
UN Secretary-General, Report on the UN Observer Mission in Prevlaka, UN Doc. S/1998/578, 26 June 1998, § 5.
To fulfil its task of disseminating IHL, the ICRC has delegates around the world teaching armed and security forces that: “Preplanned protected zones are established by agreement between belligerent Parties … [including] … demilitarized zones”.
Frédéric de Mulinen, Handbook on the Law of War for Armed Forces, ICRC, Geneva, 1987, § 418.
Article I(6) of the 1953 Panmunjom Armistice Agreement provides: “Neither side shall execute any hostile act … against the demilitarised zone”.
Agreement between the Commander-in-Chief, United Nations Command, on the one hand, and the Supreme Commander of the Korean People’s Army and the Commander of the Chinese People’s Volunteers, on the other hand, concerning a Military Armistice in Korea, Panmunjom, 27 July 1953, Article I(6).
It is prohibited for the Parties to the conflict to extend their military operations to zones on which they have conferred by agreement the status of demilitarized zone, if such extension is contrary to the terms of this agreement.
Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts (Protocol I), Geneva, 8 June 1977, Article 60(1). Article 60 was adopted by consensus. CDDH, Official Records, Vol. VI, CDDH/SR.42, 27 May 1977, p. 215.
If one of the Parties to the conflict commits a material breach of the provisions of paragraphs 3 or 6 [concerning the conditions to be fulfilled by a zone to be established as a demilitarized zone and the prohibition to use the zone for purposes related to the conduct of military operations], the other Party shall be released from its obligations under the agreement conferring upon the zone the status of demilitarized zone. In such an eventuality, the zone loses its status but shall continue to enjoy the protection provided by the other provisions of this Protocol and the other rules of international law applicable in armed conflict.
Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts (Protocol I), Geneva, 8 June 1977, Article 60(7). Article 60 was adopted by consensus. CDDH, Official Records, Vol. VI, CDDH/SR.42, 27 May 1977, p. 215.
Under Article 85(3)(d) of the 1977 Additional Protocol I, “making … demilitarized zones the object of attack” is a grave breach of the Protocol.
Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts (Protocol I), Geneva, 8 June 1977, Article 85(3)(d). Article 85 was adopted by consensus. CDDH, Official Records, Vol. VI, CDDH/SR.44, 30 May 1977, p. 291.
Pursuant to Article 20(e)(iii) of the 1996 ILC Draft Code of Crimes against the Peace and Security of Mankind, “[a]ttack, or bombardment, by whatever means, of … demilitarized zones” is a war crime.
Draft Code of Crimes against the Peace and Security of Mankind, adopted by the International Law Commission, reprinted in Report of the International Law Commission on the work of its forty-eighth session, 6 May–26 July 1996, UN Doc. A/51/10, 1996, Article 20(e)(iii).
Australia, Manual on Law of Armed Conflict, Australian Defence Force Publication, Operations Series, ADFP 37 – Interim Edition, 1994, § 943; see also § 737 and Law of Armed Conflict, Commanders’ Guide, Australian Defence Force Publication, Operations Series, ADFP 37 Supplement 1 – Interim Edition, 7 March 1994, § 928.
The manual further provides that “making … demilitarised zones the object of attack” constitutes a grave breach or a serious war crime likely to warrant institution of criminal proceedings.
Australia, Manual on Law of Armed Conflict, Australian Defence Force Publication, Operations Series, ADFP 37 – Interim Edition, 1994, § 1315(k); see also Law of Armed Conflict, Commanders’ Guide, Australian Defence Force Publication, Operations Series, ADFP 37 Supplement 1 – Interim Edition, 7 March 1994, § 1305(k).
Australia, The Manual of the Law of Armed Conflict, Australian Defence Doctrine Publication 06.4, Australian Defence Headquarters, 11 May 2006, § 9.44.
• making … demilitarised zones the object of attack.
Benin’s Military Manual (1995) prohibits attacks on demilitarized zones.
Burundi’s Regulations on International Humanitarian Law (2007) lists “an attack against … demilitarized zones” as a violation of the law of war.
Burundi, Règlement n° 98 sur le droit international humanitaire, Ministère de la Défense Nationale et des Anciens Combattants, Projet “Moralisation” (BDI/B-05), August 2007, Part I bis, p. 46; see also Part I bis, pp. 68 and 115.
Cameroon’s Instructors’ Manual (1992) mentions the duty to avoid hostilities from the air over demilitarized zones and emphasizes that, while these zones cannot be made the object of an attack, it is also prohibited to launch an attack from a demilitarized zone.
Cameroon, Droit International Humanitaire et Droit de la Guerre, Manuel de l’Instructeur en vigueur dans les Forces Armées, Présidence de la République, Ministère de la Défense, Etat-major des Armées, Troisième Division, Edition 1992, p. 113, § 423(1).
Cameroon’s Instructor’s Manual (2006) states that in air operations “[demilitarized zones] must not be the object of bombardments, nor constitute the basis for launching attacks”.
Cameroon, Droit des conflits armés et droit international humanitaire, Manuel de l’instructeur en vigueur dans les forces de défense, Ministère de la Défense, Présidence de la République, Etat-major des Armées, 2006, p. 259, § 614.
The manual further states that “an attack against … demilitarized zones” constitutes a grave breach of IHL.
Canada, The Law of Armed Conflict at the Operational and Tactical Level, Office of the Judge Advocate General, 1999, p. 4-11, § 115.
The manual further states that an area loses its status as a demilitarized zone if used “for purposes related to the conduct of military operations where it has agreed not to do so”.
Canada, The Law of Armed Conflict at the Operational and Tactical Level, Office of the Judge Advocate General, 1999, p. 4-11, § 118(b).
The manual considers that “making … demilitarized zones the object of attack” constitutes a grave breach of the 1977 Additional Protocol I.
Canada, The Law of Armed Conflict at the Operational and Tactical Level, Office of the Judge Advocate General, 1999, p. 16-3, § 16(d).
b. a party uses the demilitarized zone for purposes related to the conduct of military operations where it has agreed not to do so.
Canada, The Law of Armed Conflict at the Operational and Tactical Levels, Office of the Judge Advocate General, 13 August 2001, § 457.1 and 4.b.
In its chapter on “War crimes, individual criminal liability and command responsibility”, the manual provides that “making … demilitarized zones the object of attack” constitutes a grave breach of the 1977 Additional Protocol I.
Canada, The Law of Armed Conflict at the Operational and Tactical Levels, Office of the Judge Advocate General, 13 August 2001, § 1608.2.d.
The Central African Republic’s Instructor’s Manual (1999) states in Volume 3 (Instruction for non-commissioned officers studying for the level 1 and 2 certificates and for future officers of the criminal police): “The following prohibitions must be respected: … attacking or bombarding … demilitarized zones”.
Chad’s Instructor’s Manual (2006) states that it is prohibited to attack “protected zones or areas”.
The manual further states that attacks on “demilitarized zones” are a grave breach of the 1977 Additional Protocol I and thus a war crime.
Attacks against these zones or localities are prohibited.
These zones are areas in which combat is excluded, established in order to protect the civilian population against attacks … Demilitarized zones must not be occupied, nor used in any manner whatsoever for military purposes.
In order to protect the civilian population as a whole or particularly vulnerable persons … it is possible, by common agreement between the parties, to establish safety zones … Such zones must not be attacked militarily. On the other hand, they must also no longer be defended against the advancing of the enemy.
It is prohibited for the Parties to the conflict to lead military operations or attacks in an area which they have agreed to treat as a demilitarized zone.
- one Party unilaterally revokes the status of demilitarized zone of an area when it has agreed not to do so.
Croatia’s Commanders’ Manual (1992) imposes a duty to issue appropriate instructions when military activities are conducted near demilitarized zones, in order to ensure the protection of such zones.
Croatia, Basic Rules of the Law of Armed Conflicts – Commanders’ Manual, Republic of Croatia, Ministry of Defence, 1992, Article 48.
Djibouti’s Manual on International Humanitarian Law (2004) states that the following “are currently considered as war crimes, … if committed against any person not or no longer participating in hostilities: … attacking … demilitarized zones”.
Ecuador’s Naval Manual (1989) provides that demilitarized zones established by agreement must not be attacked.
Ecuador, Aspectos Importantes del Derecho Internacional Marítimo que Deben Tener Presente los Comandantes de los Buques, Academia de Guerra Naval, 1989, § 8.5.1.3.
In prohibiting attacks against demilitarized areas, France’s LOAC Manual (2001) is guided by Article 60(1) of the 1977 Additional Protocol I.
France, Manuel de droit des conflits armés, Ministère de la Défense, Direction des Affaires Juridiques, Sous-Direction du droit international humanitaire et du droit européen, Bureau du droit des conflits armés, 2001, p. 125.
Germany’s Military Manual (2001) provides that “it is prohibited for each party to the conflict to attack or occupy [demilitarized] zones”.
The manual points out that, if one of the parties to the conflict breaches the provisions concerning the conditions for the establishment of demilitarized zones, the zone in question will lose its special protection”.
Germany, Humanitarian Law in Armed Conflicts – Manual, DSK VV207320067, edited by The Federal Ministry of Defence of the Federal Republic of Germany, VR II 3, August 1992, English translation of ZDv 15/2, Humanitäres Völkerrecht in bewaffneten Konflikten – Handbuch, August 1992, § 462.
The manual further provides that grave breaches of IHL are in particular “launching attacks against … demilitarized zones”.
Hungary, A Hadijog, Jegyzet a Katonai, Föiskolák Hallgatói Részére, Magyar Honvédség Szolnoki Repülötiszti Föiskola, 1992, p. 65.
The manual further states that such zones “shall be respected and be taken over without combat”.
Hungary, A Hadijog, Jegyzet a Katonai, Föiskolák Hallgatói Részére, Magyar Honvédség Szolnoki Repülötiszti Föiskola, 1992, p. 72.
Where protected zones or localities (… demilitarized zones …) have been agreed upon, the competent commanders shall issue instructions for action and behaviour near and towards such zones or localities.
Italy, Regole elementari di diritto di guerra, SMD-G-012, Stato Maggiore della Difesa, I Reparto, Ufficio Addestramento e Regolamenti, Rome, 1991, § 47.
Italy, Regole elementari di diritto di guerra, SMD-G-012, Stato Maggiore della Difesa, I Reparto, Ufficio Addestramento e Regolamenti, Rome, 1991, § 70.
Italy’s IHL Manual (1991) qualifies “indiscriminate attacks against … demilitarized zones” as war crimes.
According to Kenya’s LOAC Manual (1997), demilitarized zones are protected from “attack and military operations”.
Kenya, Law of Armed Conflict, Military Basic Course (ORS), 4 Précis, The School of Military Police, 1997, Précis No. 2, p. 13.
The Military Manual (1993) of the Netherlands states: “The parties to the conflict are prohibited from extending their military operations to demilitarized zones.” It also states that “attacking … demilitarized zones” in violation of IHL constitutes a grave breach.
Netherlands, Toepassing Humanitair Oorlogsrecht, Voorschift No. 27-412/1, Koninklijke Landmacht, Ministerie van Defensie, 1993, p. V-16, § 14 and p. IX-5.
Netherlands, Humanitair Oorlogsrecht: Handleiding, Voorschift No. 27-412, Koninklijke Landmacht, Militair Juridische Dienst, 2005, § 0554.
Netherlands, Humanitair Oorlogsrecht: Handleiding, Voorschift No. 27-412, Koninklijke Landmacht, Militair Juridische Dienst, 2005, § 1036.
Netherlands, Humanitair Oorlogsrecht: Handleiding, Voorschift No. 27-412, Koninklijke Landmacht, Militair Juridische Dienst, 2005, § 1221.
Any material breach of [the conditions for a zone to be established as a demilitarized zone] releases the other Party from its obligations under the agreement and the zone loses its special status. It shall, however, continue to enjoy the normal protection provided by the customary and treaty law of armed conflict.
New Zealand, Interim Law of Armed Conflict Manual, DM 112, New Zealand Defence Force, Headquarters, Directorate of Legal Services, Wellington, November 1992, § 412(5).
The manual further states that “making … demilitarized zones the object of attack” constitutes a grave breach of the 1977 Additional Protocol I.
New Zealand, Interim Law of Armed Conflict Manual, DM 112, New Zealand Defence Force, Headquarters, Directorate of Legal Services, Wellington, November 1992, § 1703(3)(d).
Nigeria’s Military Manual (1994) states: “Preplanned protected zones are established by agreement between belligerent parties … [including] demilitarised zones”.
South Africa’s LOAC Manual (1996) qualifies attacks against demilitarized zones as grave breaches of the 1977 Additional Protocol I.
South Africa’s Revised Civic Education Manual (2004) provides that “[a]ny attack on [a] demilitarised zone” is a grave breach of the law of armed conflict and a war crime.
According to Spain’s LOAC Manual (1996), demilitarized zones are areas in which military operations may not be carried out and against which attacks are prohibited. The manual refers to Article 60 of the 1977 Additional Protocol I.
Spain, Orientaciones. El Derecho de los Conflictos Armados, Publicación OR7-004, 2 Tomos, aprobado por el Estado Mayor del Ejército, Division de Operaciones, 18 March 1996, Vol. I, §§ 4.5.b.(3)(b) and 7.3.b.(5).
The manual further states that “launching an attack against demilitarized zones” constitutes a war crime.
It is prohibited to extend military operations to zones on which the parties to the conflict have conferred by agreement the status of demilitarized zone, if such extension is contrary to the terms of the agreement.
If one of the parties commits an act of hostility in any such area or uses it for purposes relating to military operations, the other party is released from its obligations in this regard.
Spain, Orientaciones. El Derecho de los Conflictos Armados, Tomo 1, Publicación OR7–004, (Edición Segunda), Mando de Adiestramiento y Doctrina, Dirección de Doctrina, Orgánica y Materiales, 2 November 2007, § 4.5.b.(3).(b); see also § 7.3.b.(5).
Switzerland’s Basic Military Manual (1987) prohibits attacks on demilitarized zones by any means.
Switzerland, Lois et coutumes de la guerre (Extrait et commentaire), Règlement 51.7/II f, Armée Suisse, 1987, Article 32(1).
The manual considers that demilitarized zones lose their protected status as soon as they are improperly used for military purposes.
Switzerland, Lois et coutumes de la guerre (Extrait et commentaire), Règlement 51.7/II f, Armée Suisse, 1987, Article 32(4).
The manual further provides that “launching an attack against … demilitarized zones” constitutes a grave breach of the 1977 Additional Protocol I.
Switzerland, Lois et coutumes de la guerre (Extrait et commentaire), Règlement 51.7/II f, Armée Suisse, 1987, Article 193(1)(d).
Togo’s Military Manual (1996) prohibits attacks on demilitarized zones.
Ukraine, Manual on the Application of IHL Rules, Ministry of Defence, 11 September 2004, § 1.2.50; see also §§ 1.2.51 and 1.8.5.
United Kingdom, The Manual of the Law of Armed Conflict, Ministry of Defence, 1 July 2004, § 5.39.
With regard to internal armed conflict, the manual provides that (in addition to the prohibition on attacks against undefended localities “[t]he other rules on protective zones applicable in international armed conflicts may be applied by analogy to internal armed conflicts”.
(4) making non-defended localities and demilitarized zones the object of attack.
The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia’s Military Manual (1988) prohibits attacks against demilitarized zones.
Under Armenia’s Penal Code (2003), “targeting … demilitarized zones” during an armed conflict constitutes a crime against the peace and security of mankind.
Armenia, Penal Code, 2003, Article 390.3(4).
Australia’s Geneva Conventions Act (1957), as amended in 2002, provides that “a person who, in Australia or elsewhere, commits a grave breach … of [the 1977 Additional Protocol I] is guilty of an indictable offence”.
Australia, Criminal Code Act, 1995, as amended to 2007, Chapter 8, § 268.98, p. 371.
Australia’s ICC (Consequential Amendments) Act (2002) incorporates in the list of war crimes of the Criminal Code grave breaches of the 1977 Additional Protocol I, including “attacking … demilitarised zones”.
Australia, ICC (Consequential Amendments) Act, 2002, Schedule 1, § 268.98.
Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code (1999) provides that “directing attacks against … demilitarized zones” constitutes a war crime in international and non-international armed conflicts.
Azerbaijan, Criminal Code, 1999, Article 116(7).
Belarus’s Criminal Code (1999) provides that it is a war crime to “direct attacks against demilitarized zones”.
Belarus, Criminal Code, 1999, Article 136(2).
Under the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Criminal Code (1998), it is a war crime to order that “demilitarized zones be indiscriminately targeted” or to carry out such targeting.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Federation, Criminal Code, 1998, Article 154(2).
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska, Criminal Code, 2000, Article 433(2).
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Criminal Code, 2003, Article 173(2)(b).
Under Croatia’s Criminal Code (1993), “indiscriminate attacks affecting … demilitarized zones” are war crimes.
Croatia, Criminal Code, 1993, Article 120(2).
Croatia’s Criminal Code (1997), as amended to 2006, states that a war crime is committed by “whoever violates the rules of international law in time of war, armed conflict or occupation by ordering [or committing] an attack against … demilitarized zones”.
Croatia, Criminal Code, 1997, as amended in June 2006, Article 158(2).
The Czech Republic’s Criminal Code (1961), as amended in 1999, provides for the punishment of “a commander who, contrary to the provisions of international law on means and methods of warfare, intentionally: … (b) leads an attack against a … demilitarized zone”.
Czech Republic, Criminal Code, 1961, as amended in 1999, Article 262(2)(b).
Under Estonia’s Penal Code (2001), “an attack against … a demilitarized zone” is a war crime.
Estonia, Penal Code, 2001, § 106.
Under Georgia’s Criminal Code (1999), “making … demilitarized zones the object of attack” in an international or non-international armed conflict is a punishable crime.
Georgia, Criminal Code, 1999, Article 411(1)(d).
Germany’s Law Introducing the International Crimes Code (2002) provides for the punishment of anyone who, “in connection with an international armed conflict or with an armed conflict not of an international character, … directs an attack by military means against … demilitarized zones”.
Germany, Law Introducing the International Crimes Code, 2002, Article 1, § 11(1)(2).
Under Hungary’s Criminal Code (1978), as amended in 1998, “a military commander who, in violation of the rules of international law concerning warfare, … takes offensive against … a weapon-free zone” commits a war crime.
Hungary, Criminal Code, 1978, as amended in 1998, Section 160(b).
Ireland, Geneva Conventions Act as amended, 1962, Section 3(1).
The Act adds that any “minor breach” of the 1977 Additional Protocol I, including violations of Article 60, is also a punishable offence.
Ireland, Geneva Conventions Act as amended, 1962, Section 4(1) and (4).
Jordan’s Military Penal Code (2002) states that the following shall be deemed a war crime when committed in the event of armed conflict: “Intentionally directing attacks on … demilitarized zones”.
Jordan, Military Penal Code, 2002, Article 41(a)(12).
Under Lithuania’s Criminal Code (1961), as amended in 1998, “a military attack against … a demilitarized zone” constitutes a war crime.
Lithuania, Criminal Code, 1961, as amended in 1998, Article 337.
Under the International Crimes Act (2003) of the Netherlands, it is a crime, during an international armed conflict, to commit “the following acts, when they are committed intentionally and in violation of the relevant provisions of Additional Protocol (I) and cause death or serious injury to body or health: … making … demilitarized zones the object of attack”.
Netherlands, International Crimes Act, 2003, Article 5(2)(c)(iv).
According to Niger’s Penal Code (1961), as amended in 2003, “putting under attack … demilitarized zones” is a war crime.
Niger, Penal Code as amended, 1961, Article 208.3(14).
Norway, Penal Code, 1902, as amended in 2008, § 106(e).
2. Attacks by any means civilian objects, provided that they are protected as such under International Humanitarian Law, in particular … demilitarized zones.
Peru, Military and Police Criminal Code, 2010, Article 91(2).
1° the death penalty or life imprisonment where he has committed a crime provided for in point 1°, 2°, 3°, 9°, 11° or 16° of Article 8 of this law.
Serbia’s Criminal Code (2005) states that ordering or committing an attack against “demilitarized zones”, in violation of international law, constitutes a war crime.
Serbia, Criminal Code, 2005, Article 372(2).
(e) … paragraph … 3 … of Article 85 of the First Protocol [on, inter alia, the grave breach of making non-defended localities and demilitarized zones the object of attack].
Slovakia’s Criminal Code (1961), as amended, provides for the punishment of “a commander who, contrary to the provisions of international law on means and methods of warfare, intentionally: … (b) leads an attack against a … demilitarized zone”.
Slovakia, Criminal Code, 1961, as amended, Article 262(2)(b).
Under Slovenia’s Penal Code (1994), “a random attack … on demilitarized areas” is a war crime.
Slovenia, Penal Code, 1994, Article 374(2).
Spain’s Penal Code (1995) provides for the punishment of “anyone who, in the event of armed conflict, should … knowingly violate the protection due to … demilitarized zones … which are duly identified with signs or the appropriate distinctive signals”.
Spain, Penal Code, 1995, Article 612(1).
1. Knowingly violating the protection owed to … demilitarized zones which are marked by the appropriate distinctive signs.
Spain, Penal Code, 1995, as amended on 25 November 2003, Article 612(1).
c. … demilitarized zones that are not military objectives.
Switzerland, Military Criminal Code, 1927, taking into account amendments entered into force up to 2011, Articles 110 and 112(1)(c).
Switzerland, Penal Code, 1937, taking into account amendments entered into force up to 2011, Articles 264b and 264d (1)(c).
Tajikistan’s Criminal Code (1998), in the section on “Serious violations of international humanitarian law”, provides for the punishment of “wilful breaches of norms of international humanitarian law committed in an international or non-international armed conflict, i.e. … making … demilitarized zones the object of attack”.
Tajikistan Criminal Code, 1998, Article 403(1).
41. Launching attacks against demilitarized zones.
Uruguay, Law on Cooperation with the ICC, 2006, Article 26.2 and 26.3.41.
Yemen’s Military Criminal Code (1998), in a part on war crimes, provides for the punishment of “unjustified attacks against demilitarized zones”.
Yemen, Military Criminal Code, 1998, Article 21(8).
The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia’s Penal Code (1976), as amended in 2001, provides for the punishment of “any person who may order the following in violation of the rules of international law during armed conflict or occupation: … indiscriminate attacks on … demilitarized zones”.
Yugoslavia, Socialist Federal Republic, Penal Code, 1976, as amended in 2001, Article 142(2).
[The] … laws [of war] prohibit attacks on civilians or persons uninvolved in the conflict and on non-military targets … In order to avoid harming the latter, specific zones are drawn and some are declared off-limits: … [such as] demilitarized [zones].
Venezuela, Supreme Tribunal of Justice, Ballestas case, Judgment, 10 December 2001, p. 8.
The Report on the Practice of Angola notes that Article 60 of the 1977 Additional Protocol I prohibits attacks against demilitarized zones.
Report on the Practice of Angola, 1998, Chapter 5.
In a letter dated 6 March 1994 addressed to the UNPROFOR Command, the Commander-in-chief of the Headquarters of Bosnian Armed Forces denounced the killing and imprisonment of civilians in the demilitarized zones of Srebrenica and Žepa. The UN forces were requested to re-establish the previous positions of the lines, which had been shifted by the adverse party in the attempt to take over the demilitarized zone, and to deploy observers in the zones.
Report on the Practice of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2000, Chapter 1.8.
The Report on the Practice of Botswana states that demilitarized zones established by agreement between the belligerents shall not be attacked.
Report on the Practice of Botswana, 1998, Chapter 1.8.
In 1996, in a letter to the President of the UN Security Council, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea transmitted a statement concerning the situation in the area of the military demarcation line. In the statement, claiming that the military authorities of the Republic of Korea had disregarded the armistice agreement, the spokesperson of the Panmunjom Mission of the Korean People’s Army drew up a list of alleged violations of the demilitarized zone. He declared, inter alia, that the Republic of Korea had introduced tanks, various kinds of artillery pieces and heavy weapons, as well as a large number of armed military personnel, into the zone, and had even built large military facilities there. According to the spokesperson, the area’s status did not correspond to the real meaning of a demilitarized zone since it had been armed and turned into a new attack position. The spokesperson thus stated that the Korean People’s Army did not consider itself any longer bound by the article of the armistice agreement concerning the demilitarized zone, and announced that since the status of this zone could not be maintained any longer, “self-defensive measures” would be considered.
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Letter dated 5 April 1996 to the President of the UN Security Council, UN Doc. S/1996/253, 8 April 1996.
According to the Report on the Practice of Egypt, “Egypt thinks that protection of … demilitarized zones … consists in refraining from launching attacks against … these areas”, which implies that “attacks against such places are prohibited”.
Report on the Practice of Egypt, 1997, Chapter 1.8.
The Report on the Practice of the Islamic Republic of Iran notes that the Islamic Republic of Iran objected on several occasions to the bombardment of demilitarized zones by Iraqi forces during the Iran–Iraq War, but adds that no other relevant practice could be found in this regard and that, therefore, no conclusion can be drawn from Iranian practice concerning the prohibition on the targeting of demilitarized zones.
Report on the Practice of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 1997, Chapter 1.8.
The Report on the Practice of Nigeria states that it is Nigeria’s opinio juris that the protection of demilitarized zones is part of customary international law.
Report on the Practice of Nigeria, 1997, Chapter 1.8.
The Report on the Practice of Pakistan notes that a demilitarized zone was created under the 1949 Karachi Agreement. The report emphasizes that Pakistan has been respecting the said zone and has periodically reported violations of it by India to the UN Observer Group. The report, referring to a statement by a spokesperson of Pakistan’s Foreign Office made in 1997, also underlines that Pakistan has formally opposed any suggestion of terminating UNMOGIP.
Report on the Practice of Pakistan, 1998, Chapter 1.8, referring to Statement by the Foreign Office spokesperson, 24 April 1997.
The Report on the Practice of Rwanda notes that, although no practice was found regarding demilitarized zones, the President of the Military Tribunal confirmed that such zones would be protected according to the modalities agreed upon by the belligerents.
Report on the Practice of Rwanda, 1997, Chapter 1.8, referring to an interview with the President of Rwanda’s Military Tribunal, 23 October 1997.
The Report on the Practice of the Syrian Arab Republic asserts that the Syrian Arab Republic considers Article 60 of the 1977 Additional Protocol I to be part of customary international law.
Report on the Practice of the Syrian Arab Republic, 1997, Chapter 1.8.
To fulfil its task of disseminating IHL, the ICRC has delegates around the world teaching armed and security forces that an attack against a demilitarized zone constitutes a grave breach of the law of war.
In a working paper on war crimes submitted in 1997 to the Preparatory Committee for the Establishment of an International Court, the ICRC proposed that “making demilitarized zones the objects of attack”, when committed in an international armed conflict, be subject to the jurisdiction of the Court.
ICRC, Working paper on war crimes submitted to the Preparatory Committee for the Establishment of an International Criminal Court, New York, 14 February 1997, § 1(b)(iv).

References: § 737
 § 7
 § 9
 § 227
 § 642
 § 352
 § 352
 § 412
 § 533
 § 412
 § 361
 § 421
 § 457
 § 461
 § 14
 § 412
 § 14
 § 100
 § 25
 § 28
 § 26
 § 92
 § 1
 § 1
 § 7
 § 1
 § 1
 § 10
 § 15
 § 3
 § 78
 § 4
 § 2
 § 4
 § 5
 § 418
 § 943
 § 737
 § 928
 § 1315
 § 1305
 § 9
 § 423
 § 614
 § 115
 § 118
 § 16
 § 457
 § 1608
 § 8
 § 462
 § 47
 § 70
 § 14
 § 0554
 § 1036
 § 1221
 § 412
 § 1703
 § 4
 § 7
 § 1
 § 5
 § 268
 § 268
 § 106
 § 11
 § 106
 § 1