Source: https://ihl-databases.icrc.org/customary-ihl/eng/print/v2_rul_rule109
Timestamp: 2019-04-20 01:29:47+00:00

Document:
Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded in Armies in the Field, Geneva, 22 August 1864, Article 6.
Hague Convention (IX) concerning Bombardment by Naval Forces in Time of War, The Hague, 18 October 1907, Article 16.
Convention (I) for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armed Forces in the Field, Geneva, 12 August 1949, Article 3; Convention (II) for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded, Sick and Shipwrecked Members of Armed Forces at Sea, Geneva, 12 August 1949, Article 3; Convention (III) relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, Geneva, 12 August 1949, Article 3; Convention (IV) relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, Geneva, 12 August 1949, Article 3.
Convention (I) for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armed Forces in the Field, Geneva, 12 August 1949, Article 4.
Convention (I) for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armed Forces in the Field, Geneva, 12 August 1949, Article 15.
Convention (II) for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded, Sick and Shipwrecked Members of Armed Forces at Sea, Geneva, 12 August 1949, Article 5.
Convention (II) for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded, Sick and Shipwrecked Members of Armed Forces at Sea, Geneva, 12 August 1949, Article 18.
Article 21, first paragraph, of the 1949 Geneva Convention II provides: “The Parties to the conflict may appeal to the charity of commanders of neutral merchant vessels, yachts or other craft, to take on board and care for wounded, sick or shipwrecked persons”.
According to Article 13 of the 1949 Geneva Convention IV, the obligation to search and care for the wounded applies to the “whole population of the countries in conflict”.
Convention (IV) relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, Geneva, 12 August 1949, Article 13.
Article 16, second paragraph, of the 1949 Geneva Convention IV provides: “As far as military considerations allow, each Party to the conflict shall facilitate the steps taken to search for the … wounded”.
The Parties to the conflict shall endeavour to conclude local agreements for the removal from besieged or encircled areas, of wounded [and] sick … and for the passage of ministers of all religions, medical personnel and medical equipment on their way to such areas.
Article 19 of the 1977 Additional Protocol I provides that neutral and other States not parties to the conflict shall apply the provisions of the Protocol to the wounded, sick and shipwrecked of the armed forces of the parties to the 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 19. Article 19 was adopted by consensus. CDDH, Official Records, Vol. VI, CDDH/SR.37, 24 May 1977, p. 71.
Article 8 of the 1977 Additional Protocol II provides: “Whenever circumstances permit, and particularly after an engagement, all possible measures shall be taken, without delay, to search for and collect the wounded, sick and shipwrecked”.
Standardization Agreement 2067, Edition 5, Control and Return of Stragglers, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Military Agency for Standardization, Brussels, 10 June 1987, § 7(b)(2).
Art. 10 Wounded and sick soldiers should be brought in and cared for, to whatever nation they belong.
Art. 11. Commanders in chief have power to deliver immediately to the enemy outposts hostile soldiers who have been wounded in an engagement, when circumstances permit and with the consent of both parties.
Art. 12. Evacuations, together with the persons under whose direction they take place, shall be protected by neutrality.
The Laws of War on Land, adopted by the Institute of International Law, Oxford, 9 September 1880, Articles 10–12.
Memorandum of Understanding on the Application of International Humanitarian Law between Croatia and the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Geneva, 27 November 1991, § 1.
In the 1991 Hague Statement on Respect for Humanitarian Principles, the Presidents of the six republics of the former Yugoslavia undertook “to apply the following fundamental principles: wounded and ill persons must be helped and protected in all circumstances”.
Agreement between Representatives of Mr. Alija Izetbegović (President of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina and President of the Party of Democratic Action), Representatives of Mr. Radovan Karadžić (President of the Serbian Democratic Party), and Representative of Mr. Miljenko Brkić (President of the Croatian Democratic Community), Geneva, 22 May 1992, § 2.1.
Agreement No. 3 between Representatives of Mr. Alija Izetbegović (President of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina and President of the Party of Democratic Action), Representative of Mr. Radovan Karadžić (President of the Serbian Democratic Party), and Representative of Mr. Miljenko Brkić (President of the Croatian Democratic Community) on the ICRC Plan of Action, Geneva, 6 June 1992, § III(2)(b).
Article 4(2) and (9) of Part IV of the 1998 Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and IHL in the Philippines provides that the wounded and sick shall be searched for and collected.
Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, The Hague, 16 March 1998, Part IV, Article 4(2) and (9).
Whenever circumstances permit, a suspension of fire shall be arranged, or other local arrangements made, to permit the search for … the wounded [and] the sick … left on the battlefield and allow for their collection.
Observance by United Nations Forces of International Humanitarian Law, Secretary-General’s Bulletin, UN Secretariat, UN Doc. ST/SGB/1999/13, 6 August 1999, Section 9.2.
Detainees who are wounded or sick will be cared for by the Detaining Power at first instance. Sick or wounded detainees will not be transferred as long as their recovery may be endangered by the journey, unless their safety, or the safety of others, imperatively demands it. Arrangements to transfer wounded or sick detainees will be expedited in order to reduce risk to their health or facilitate medical treatment.
Arrangement for the Transfer of Detainees between the Canadian Forces and the Ministry of Defence of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, signed on 18 December 2005 in Kabul by the Afghan Minister of Defence and the Canadian Chief of Defence Staff, § 6.
Argentina, Leyes de Guerra, RC-46-1, Público, II Edición 1969, Ejército Argentino, Edición original aprobado por el Comandante en Jefe del Ejército, 9 May 1967, § 3.003.
The manual adds: “Appeal can be made to the civilian population for the collection … of the wounded and sick”.
Argentina, Leyes de Guerra, RC-46-1, Público, II Edición 1969, Ejército Argentino, Edición original aprobado por el Comandante en Jefe del Ejército, 9 May 1967, § 3.006.
Argentina’s Law of War Manual (1989) provides that the wounded, sick and shipwrecked shall be searched for and collected.
Argentina, Leyes de Guerra, PC-08-01, Público, Edición 1989, Estado Mayor Conjunto de las Fuerzas Armadas, aprobado por Resolución No. 489/89 del Ministerio de Defensa, 23 April 1990, § 2.05.
Australia’s Commanders’ Guide (1994) and Defence Force Manual (1994) require that all possible measures be taken to search for and collect the shipwrecked, wounded and sick.
Australia, Law of Armed Conflict, Commanders’ Guide, Australian Defence Force Publication, Operations Series, ADFP 37 Supplement 1 – Interim Edition, 7 March 1994, § 858; Manual on Law of Armed Conflict, Australian Defence Force Publication, Operations Series, ADFP 37 – Interim Edition, 1994, §§ 668 and 986.
Belligerents should endeavour to conclude local agreements for the removal from besieged or encircled areas of wounded [and] sick … and for the passage of ministers of all religions, medical personnel and medical equipment on their way to such areas.
Australia, Law of Armed Conflict, Commanders’ Guide, Australian Defence Force Publication, Operations Series, ADFP 37 Supplement 1 – Interim Edition, 7 March 1994, § 926.
Commanders may make agreements for the exchange, removal and transport of the wounded left on the field, besieged or encircled areas and to allow the passage of medical personnel and chaplains proceeding to any such area.
The opposing parties are required to try and conclude local agreements for the removal from besieged or encircled areas of wounded [and] sick … and for the passage of ministers of all religions, medical personnel and medical equipment on their way to such areas.
Australia, Manual on Law of Armed Conflict, Australian Defence Force Publication, Operations Series, ADFP 37 – Interim Edition, 1994, § 735.
Australia, The Manual of the Law of Armed Conflict, Australian Defence Doctrine Publication 06.4, Australian Defence Headquarters, 11 May 2006, § 6.68.
Australia, The Manual of the Law of Armed Conflict, Australian Defence Doctrine Publication 06.4, Australian Defence Headquarters, 11 May 2006, § 9.91.
Belgium’s Law of War Manual (1983) refers to common Article 3 of the 1949 Geneva Conventions and provides that the wounded and sick shall be searched for.
Belgium, Droit de la Guerre, Dossier d’Instruction pour Soldat, à l’attention des officiers instructeurs, JS3, Etat-Major Général, Forces Armées belges, undated, p. 17.
Benin’s Military Manual (1995) provides: “Combatants shall participate in the search for …and evacuation of the wounded and sick”.
The manual also instructs soldiers to “collect … the wounded and sick, whether friend or foe”.
Benin, Le Droit de la Guerre, III fascicules, Forces Armées du Bénin, Ministère de la Défense nationale, 1995, Fascicule II, p. 18.
Benin, Le Droit de la Guerre, III fascicules, Forces Armées du Bénin, Ministère de la Défense nationale, 1995, Fascicule II, p. 12.
Burkina Faso’s Disciplinary Regulations (1994) provides: “Whenever circumstances permit, the wounded, sick and shipwrecked shall be collected”.
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. 80; see also Part I bis, p. 25.
A combatant who comes across a wounded [person] must not only spare him. He also has an obligation to provide active assistance. He is obliged, if operations permit, to search for and collect the wounded [and] to care for them …[and] to … evacuate them from areas of combat.
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. 84; see also Part I bis, p. 26.
Cameroon’s Disciplinary Regulations (1975) states: “When operational circumstances permit, the wounded, sick and shipwrecked must be collected”.
Cameroon, Règlement de discipline dans les Forces Armées, Décret No. 75/700, 6 November 1975, Article 31.
Cameroon’s Instructor’s Manual (1992) provides that the wounded and shipwrecked shall be searched for and collected.
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. 96.
The manual also states that evacuation of wounded and sick can take place during combat, after combat or during a cease-fire.
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. 67.
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. 31; see also pp. 51, 77 and 107.
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. 124, § 404; see also p. 166, § 463.
Cameroon’s Disciplinary Regulations (2007) states: “Every soldier must: … collect, protect and care for the wounded, sick and shipwrecked as far as operational circumstances permit”.
Cameroon, Règlement de discipline générale dans les forces de défense, Décret N° 2007/199, Président de la République, 7 July 2007, Article 31.
Canada, The Law of Armed Conflict at the Operational and Tactical Level, Office of the Judge Advocate General, 1999, p. 9-1, § 8.
The manual also provides: “If circumstances permit, the parties to a conflict must endeavour to conclude local agreements for the removal from besieged areas of wounded [and] sick”.
In the case of land engagement, agreements between commanders, whether by armistice or cease-fire, may be made for the exchange, removal and transport of the wounded left on the field. In both land and sea engagements, arrangements may also be made for the removal of the wounded and sick from a besieged area and for the passage of medical personnel and chaplains proceeding to such an area.
Canada, The Law of Armed Conflict at the Operational and Tactical Level, Office of the Judge Advocate General, 1999, p. 9-1, § 10.
Canada’s Code of Conduct (2001) instructs soldiers “to take all possible measures to search for and collect the wounded and sick from all sides, opposing forces or not, as well as civilians”.
1. Following an engagement, parties to a conflict are obliged to take all possible measures to search for and collect without delay the wounded, sick and shipwrecked.
1. In land warfare, a belligerent compelled to abandon its wounded and sick is obliged, so far as military considerations permit, to leave medical personnel and equipment to care for them. Their presence does not, however, exempt the Detaining Power from providing any additional assistance that may be necessary.
Canada, The Law of Armed Conflict at the Operational and Tactical Levels, Office of the Judge Advocate General, 13 August 2001, §§ 904.1, 904.3 and 913.1.
b. The wounded and sick shall be collected and cared for.
Canada, The Law of Armed Conflict at the Operational and Tactical Levels, Office of the Judge Advocate General, 13 August 2001, § 1708.1.
In the same chapter, the manual further provides: “After any engagement and whenever circumstances permit, all possible steps must be taken without delay to search for and collect the wounded, sick and shipwrecked”.
Canada, Prisoner of War Handling, Detainees, Interrogation and Tactical Questioning in International Operations, B-GJ-005-110/FP-020, National Defence Headquarters, 1 August 2004, p. 3B-5, § B006.2.d.
Following an engagement in which you were involved, you have an obligation, without delay, to take all possible measures to search for and collect the wounded and sick from all sides, opposing forces or not, as well as civilians. It is understood however that this obligation only comes into play once the area has been secured. This includes the obligation to protect them against theft and ill-treatment and to ensure their adequate care. There is also an obligation to search for, protect and pay proper respect for the dead. Whenever circumstances permit, a suspension of fire shall be arranged or local arrangements made to permit the removal of the sick, wounded and dead, and the exchange and transport of the wounded and sick.
Central African Republic, Le Droit de la Guerre, Fascicule No. 1: Formation élémentaire toutes armés (FETA), formation commune de base (FCB), certificat d’aptitude technique No. 1 (Chef d’équipe), Ministère de la Défense, Forces Armées Centrafricaines, 1999, Chapter III, Section II.
Central African Republic, Le Droit de la Guerre, Fascicule No. 2: Formation pour l’obtention du certificat technique No. 2 (Chef de Groupe), du certificat Inter-Armé (CIA), du certificat d’aptitude de Chef de Patrouille (CACP), Ministère de la Défense, Forces Armées Centrafricaines, 1999, Chapter I, Fundamental Rules, § 3.
Central African Republic, Le Droit de la Guerre, Fascicule No. 2: Formation pour l’obtention du certificat technique No. 2 (Chef de Groupe), du certificat Inter-Armé (CIA), du certificat d’aptitude de Chef de Patrouille (CACP), Ministère de la Défense, Forces Armées Centrafricaines, 1999, Chapter II, Section III, 3.2; see also Chapter V, Section II, § 5.
Central African Republic, Le Droit de la Guerre, Fascicule No. 2: Formation pour l’obtention du certificat technique No. 2 (Chef de Groupe), du certificat Inter-Armé (CIA), du certificat d’aptitude de Chef de Patrouille (CACP), Ministère de la Défense, Forces Armées Centrafricaines, 1999, Chapter III, Section II, § 2.2.
Central African Republic, Le Droit de la Guerre, Fascicule No. 3: Formation pour l’obtention du Brevet d’Armes No. 1, du Brevet d’Armes No. 2 et le stage d’Officier de Police Judiciaire (OPJ), Ministère de la Défense, Forces Armées Centrafricaines, 1999, Chapter II, Section II, § 2.2.
The Central African Republic’s Disciplinary Regulations (2009) states: “In accordance with the international conventions signed or approved by the Central African Government, it is stipulated that during combat servicemen must: … collect … the wounded, sick and shipwrecked whenever circumstances permit”.
Central African Republic, Décret 09.411 portant règlement de discipline générale dans les Armées, Ministre de la Défense Nationale, des Anciens Combattants, des Victimes de Guerre, du Désarmement et de la Restructuration de l’Armée, 10 December 2009, Article 12(10).
Chad’s Instructor’s Manual (2006) states that, on the battlefield, and as soon as possible, “the conflicting parties shall search for … the wounded and sick”.
Chad, Droit international humanitaire, Manuel de l’instructeur en vigueur dans les forces armées et de sécurité, Ministère de la Défense, Présidence de la République, Etat-major des Armées, 2006, p. 63.
The manual further requires soldiers to “collect … the wounded and sick, regardless of whether they are friend or foe”.
Colombia’s Circular on Fundamental Rules of IHL (1992) provides that the “parties to the conflict shall collect and assist the wounded and sick in their power”.
Colombia, Transcripción Normas Fundamentales del Derecho Humanitario Aplicables en los Conflictos Armados, Circular No. 033/DIPL-SERPO-526, Policía Nacional, Dirección General, Santafé de Bogotá, 14 May 1992, § 3.
Colombia’s Basic Military Manual (1995) states: “The wounded and sick must be collected”.
Colombia, Derecho Internacional Humanitario – Manual Básico para las Personerías y las Fuerzas Armadas de Colombia, Ministerio de Defensa Nacional, 1995, p. 28.
Colombia’s Instructors’ Manual (1999) provides: “The wounded, sick and shipwrecked shall be collected”.
Colombia, Derechos Humanos & Derecho Internacional Humanitario – Manual de Instrucción de la Guía de Conducta para el Soldado e Infante de Marina, Ministerio de Defensa Nacional, Oficina de Derechos Humanos, Fuerzas Militares de Colombia, Santafé de Bogotá, 1999, p. 24.
Colombia’s Soldiers’ Manual (1999) provides that wounded enemy combatants shall be collected.
Colombia, Derechos Humanos & Derecho Internacional Humanitario – Guía de Conducta para el Soldado e Infante de Marina, Ministerio de Defensa Nacional, Oficina de Derechos Humanos, Fuerzas Militares de Colombia, Santafé de Bogotá, 1999, p. 20.
The Congo’s Disciplinary Regulations (1986) instructs soldiers “to collect … the wounded, the sick and shipwrecked whenever circumstances permit”.
Congo, Décret No. 86/057 du 14 janvier 1986 portant Règlement du Service dans l’Armée Populaire Nationale, 1986, Article 32.
Collect, protect and care for the wounded, shipwrecked and sick, whether they be friends, enemies or civilians.
- The wounded, shipwrecked and sick enemies no longer take part in combat.
- As human beings, they are in need of assistance and protection.
6. Search and collect shipwrecked enemies.
7. Collect them when the situation allows.
9. Hand them over to the closest medical personnel or to your superior.
Côte d’Ivoire, Droit de la guerre, Manuel d’instruction, Livre I: Instruction de base, Ministère de la Défense, Forces Armées Nationales, November 2007, pp. 21, 22 and 23–25; see also Droit de la guerre, Manuel d’instruction, Livre II: Instruction du gradé et du cadre, Manuel de l’instructeur, Ministère de la Défense, Forces Armées Nationales, November 2007, p. 16; 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, p. 39; 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, p. 65.
- evacuate wounded friends and enemies towards the superior units.
Côte d’Ivoire, Droit de la guerre, Manuel d’instruction, Livre II: Instruction du gradé et du cadre, Manuel de l’instructeur, Ministère de la Défense, Forces Armées Nationales, November 2007, pp. 17–18; see also 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, p. 40; 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, p. 65.
Croatia’s LOAC Compendium (1991) provides: “Whenever the tactical situation permits, the wounded, sick and shipwrecked shall be collected … [and] evacuated”.
Croatia, Compendium “Law of Armed Conflicts”, Republic of Croatia, Ministry of Defence, 1991, p. 45.
Croatia’s Commanders’ Manual (1992) stipulates that the wounded and shipwrecked shall be searched for and collected.
Croatia, Basic Rules of the Law of Armed Conflicts – Commanders’ Manual, Republic of Croatia, Ministry of Defence, 1992, p. 10, Rule No. 71.
Croatia’s Soldiers’ Manual (1992) instructs soldiers to search for and collect the wounded, sick and shipwrecked members of the adversary’s armed forces.
Croatia’s Instructions on Basic Rules of IHL (1993) instructs soldiers to collect the wounded and sick.
Croatia, Instructions “Basic Rules of International Humanitarian Law Applicable in Armed Conflicts”, Republic of Croatia, Ministry of Defence, 1993, p. 11, Nos. 1–3.
g) Organize … if necessary [the] transfer [of the wounded] to the corresponding medical institutions.
Cuba, Reglamento de Orden Interior de las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias, 2002, Ministerio de las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias, aprobado por Orden No. 349 del Ministro de las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias, Havana, 30 September 2002, Article 159(g).
Djibouti’s Disciplinary Regulations (1982) states: “Combatants must … collect … the wounded, sick and shipwrecked insofar as operational circumstances permit”.
Djibouti, Décret no. 82-028/PR/DEF du 5 mai 1982 portant règlement de la discipline générale dans les Forces armées, Article 30(2).
The manual also states with regard to “wounded enemy combatants”: “[C]ollect them [and] care for them”.
Djibouti, Manuel sur le droit international humanitaire et les droits de l’homme applicables au travail du policier, Ministère de l’Intérieur, Direction Générale de la Police, 2004, p. 7.
Dominican Republic, La Conducta en Combate según las Leyes de la Guerra, Escuela Superior de las FF. AA. “General de Brigada Pablo Duarte”, Secretaría de Estado de las Fuerzas Armadas, May 1980, p. 8.
Ecuador, Aspectos Importantes del Derecho Internacional Marítimo que Deben Tener Presente los Comandantes de los Buques, Academia de Guerra Naval, 1989, § 11.4.
The manual contains similar provisions with respect to the shipwrecked.
Ecuador, Aspectos Importantes del Derecho Internacional Marítimo que Deben Tener Presente los Comandantes de los Buques, Academia de Guerra Naval, 1989, § 11.6.
France’s LOAC Manual (2001) restates Article 15 of the 1949 Geneva Convention I and Article 18 of the 1949 Geneva Convention II.
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, pp. 37 and 64.
Germany’s Military Manual (1992) states that a cease-fire may be concluded for “humanitarian purposes, in particular searching and collecting the wounded and the shipwrecked”.
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, § 233.
The manual adds: “At all times, all possible measures shall be taken to collect the wounded and sick and shipwrecked”.
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, § 605.
Greece, Hellenic Territorial Army Regulation of Internal Service Code, Presidential Decree 130/1984 (Military Regulation 20-1), as amended, Article 14(c).
Simultaneously, the duty to provide care is combined with the duty to search and rescue, in cases when during an armed conflict the sinking of an enemy vessel occurs. If it is a war-ship the shipwrecked shall be considered as prisoners of war. If the shipwrecked are civilians (i.e. in case of sinking of a merchant vessel which constitutes a legitimate military target), the aforementioned protection shall be afforded. Search and rescue of shipwrecked and wounded and the collection of the dead may create an acute problem as to who is responsible to care and which way. The duty to care is practically attached to military medical vessels or to requisitioned vessels converted for that purpose. Until the time of arrival and reception of persons in need of care to the above vessels, the search and rescue operation is performed by belligerent vessels navigating in the vicinity. There is no established practice indicating the cessation of hostilities for this purpose in the vicinity. Even if such an agreement has been concluded, in order to facilitate the fulfillment of this supreme humanitarian duty, there is no guarantee whatsoever that war-ships shall not become targets for submarines. Since the issue remains unregulated in treaty law, consequences of war and military necessity of the moment seem to be the crucial factors for the determination of taking over search and rescue operations, thus endangering the fate of war-ships. Another controversial aspect of the issue is that the care department of the ship enjoys protection (art. 28 of the IInd Geneva Convention), although the ship as a whole is allowed be destructed.
Greece, International Law Manual, Hellenic Navy General Staff, Directorate A2, Division IV, 1995, Chapter 7, Part I, § 6.
Guinea, Soldier’s Manual, Ministry of National Defence, 2010, p. 9.
Under the heading “Rules of conduct in combat”, the manual states: “Collect … the wounded and sick”.
Guinea, Soldier’s Manual, Ministry of National Defence, 2010, p. 15.
Hungary’s Military Manual (1992) provides: “Whenever the tactical situation permits, the wounded, sick and shipwrecked shall be collected … [and] evacuated”.
Hungary, A Hadijog, Jegyzet a Katonai, Föiskolák Hallgatói Részére, Magyar Honvédség Szolnoki Repülötiszti Föiskola, 1992, p. 73.
According to India’s Police Regulations (1962), police forces “should make arrangements for the rapid evacuation to hospital by ambulance of the sick and of persons injured by police fire”.
India, West Bengal Police Regulations, Regulation No. 156, Government of West Bengal, Calcutta, 1962, Article 156(a); Madras Police Standing Orders (1951), Article 667; Police Manual for Handling Civil Disturbances, Home Ministry, Government of Maharashtra, Bombay, 1986, Article 13(xvi).
Indonesia, The Basics of International Humanitarian Law, 1982, Legal Division of the Indonesian Armed Forces, 1982, § 37.
Ireland, Basic Guide to the Law of Armed Conflict, TP/TRG/01-2005, Director of Defence Forces Training, Department of Defence, July 2005, p. 6; see also p. 13.
Italy, Regole elementari di diritto di guerra, SMD-G-012, Stato Maggiore della Difesa, I Reparto, Ufficio Addestramento e Regolamenti, Rome, 1991, p. 29.
Italy, Regole elementari di diritto di guerra, SMD-G-012, Stato Maggiore della Difesa, I Reparto, Ufficio Addestramento e Regolamenti, Rome, 1991, § 75.
Kenya’s LOAC Manual (1997) refers to common Article 3 of the 1949 Geneva Conventions and states that the “wounded and sick shall be collected and cared for”.
Kenya, Law of Armed Conflict, Military Basic Course (ORS), 4 Précis, The School of Military Police, 1997, Précis No. 2, p. 6 and Précis No. 3, p. 14.
The manual states: that “combatants are required to search for and collect the wounded and sick” and states that this principle also applies to wounded enemy combatants.
Kenya, Law of Armed Conflict, Military Basic Course (ORS), 4 Précis, The School of Military Police, 1997, Précis No. 2, pp. 13 and 15 and Précis No. 3, p. 11.
Lebanon’s Teaching Manual (1997) instructs members of the armed forces to search for and collect enemy wounded in the field as well as shipwrecked at sea.
Lebanon, Law of Armed Conflict, Military Basic Course (ORS), 4 Précis, The School of Military Police, 1997, pp. 77–78.
Madagascar, Le Droit des Conflits Armés, Ministère des Forces Armées, August 1994, Fiche No. 7-O, §§ 16 and 22, Fiche No. 2-T, § 21, Fiche No. 5-SO, § C and Fiche No. 4-T, § 2.2(22).
The manual also states: “Local arrangements may be concluded for the search, collection, exchange … [and] evacuation of the wounded and shipwrecked”.
Madagascar, Le Droit des Conflits Armés, Ministère des Forces Armées, August 1994, Fiche No. 7-SO, § B.
Mali’s Army Regulations (1979) provides that “refusal to collect and protect the wounded, sick and shipwrecked whenever circumstances permit” is a violation of the laws and customs of war.
Mexico, Manual de Derecho Internacional Humanitario para el Ejército y la Fuerza Área Mexicanos, Ministry of National Defence, June 2009, § 408.
In a section on the 1949 Geneva Convention II, the manual also states: “After each engagement, parties to the conflict must take all possible measures to search for and collect the shipwrecked, wounded and sick”.
The manual also states that Article 3(2) common to the 1949 Geneva Conventions provides that “the wounded and sick must be collected”.
Mexico, Manual de Derecho Internacional Humanitario para el Ejército y la Fuerza Área Mexicanos, Ministry of National Defence, June 2009, § 85(C); see also § 107(C).
Mexico, Cartilla de Derecho Internacional Humanitario, Ministry of National Defence, 2009, § 14(p).
Morocco’s Disciplinary Regulations (1974) instructs soldiers “to collect and protect the wounded and sick when circumstances permit”.
Morocco, Règlement de Discipline Général dans les Forces Armées Royales, Dahir No. 1-74-383 du 15 rejeb 1394, 5 August 1974, Article 25.
The Military Manual (1993) of the Netherlands states: “Particularly after an engagement, wounded and sick shall be searched for and collected”.
Netherlands, Toepassing Humanitair Oorlogsrecht, Voorschift No. 27-412/1, Koninklijke Landmacht, Ministerie van Defensie, 1993, p. VI-2.
The manual adds: “Whenever circumstances permit, a cease-fire or a suspension of fire should be sought to enable the … removal of the wounded”.
In the case of non-international armed conflicts, the manual states that the “wounded, sick and shipwrecked must be searched for and collected”.
The Military Handbook (1995) of the Netherlands provides that the “wounded … shall be searched for and collected when the circumstances permit it”.
The IFOR Instructions (1995) of the Netherlands instruct soldiers to “collect the wounded … whether friend or foe”.
Netherlands, IFOR Instructiekaart, geweldsinstructie, First Edition, 18 December 1995, § 6.
The Military Manual (2005) of the Netherlands states: “After a battle, in particular, the wounded and sick must be searched for and collected. As soon as circumstances permit, a truce or ceasefire must be sought … to facilitate the collection, exchange and removal of the wounded …”.
Netherlands, Humanitair Oorlogsrecht: Handleiding, Voorschift No. 27-412, Koninklijke Landmacht, Militair Juridische Dienst, 2005, § 0607.
New Zealand’s Military Manual (1992) provides: “The Parties to a conflict are obliged to take all possible measures to search for and collect, without delay, the wounded, sick and shipwrecked”.
In the case of a land engagement, agreements between the commanders, whether by armistice or cease-fire, may be made for the exchange, removal and transport of the wounded left on the field. In both land and sea engagements, arrangements may be made for the removal of the wounded and sick from a besieged or encircled area and for the passage of medical personnel and chaplains proceeding to such an area.
New Zealand, Interim Law of Armed Conflict Manual, DM 112, New Zealand Defence Force, Headquarters, Directorate of Legal Services, Wellington, November 1992, § 1003(1); see also § 314(2).
With regard to non-international armed conflict, the manual states: “After any engagement and whenever circumstances permit, all possible steps must be taken, without delay, to search for and collect the wounded, sick and shipwrecked”.
Nicaragua’s Military Manual (1996) provides that, in internal armed conflicts, the wounded and sick shall be collected.
Nicaragua, Manual de Comportamiento y Proceder de las Unidades Militares y de los Miembros del Ejército de Nicaragua en Tiempo de Paz, Conflictos Armados, Situaciones Irregulares o Desastres Naturales, Ejército de Nicaragua, Estado Mayor General, Asesoría Jurídica del Nicaragua, 1996, Article 6.
Nigeria’s Military Manual (1994) states: “As soon as the tactical situation permits, necessary measures shall be taken to search for [and] collect … the wounded [and] shipwrecked”.
Nigeria, International Humanitarian Law (IHL), Directorate of Legal Services, Nigerian Army, 1994, p. 13, § 4; see also p. 39, § 5(f) and (h) and p. 46, § 16(g).
Nigeria’s Manual on the Laws of War states: “At all times and particularly after a campaign, the belligerents must immediately take all possible measures to search for and collect the wounded and sick”.
Nigeria, The Laws of War, by Lt. Col. L. Ode PSC, Nigerian Army, Lagos, undated, § 34.
Whenever possible, an armistice or cease-fire should be arranged or local arrangements should be made to enable the transfer, exchange and carriage of the wounded who have been left on the battlefield.
Nigeria’s Soldiers’ Code of Conduct states: “The wounded enemy shall be collected”.
Nigeria, Code of Conduct for Combatants, “The Soldier’s Rules”, Nigerian Army, undated, § 6.
Nigeria, Code of Conduct for Combatants, “The Soldier’s Rules”, Nigerian Army, undated, § 8.
(1) search for and collect the wounded, sick and shipwrecked.
Peru, Manual de Derecho Internacional Humanitario para las Fuerzas Armadas, Resolución Ministerial Nº 1394-2004-DE/CCFFAA/CDIH-FFAA, Lima, 1 December 2004, § 86.a.(1).
Peru, Manual de Derecho Internacional Humanitario para las Fuerzas Armadas, Resolución Ministerial Nº 1394-2004-DE/CCFFAA/CDIH-FFAA, Lima, 1 December 2004, § 71.a.
(4) They must provide their subordinates with the means necessary to fulfil their mission and effect evacuation correctly.
(5) They are responsible for evacuating prisoners of war and medical personnel as soon as the tactical situation permits. Evacuation must be carried out at a safe distance from military objectives.
Peru, Manual de Derecho Internacional Humanitario para las Fuerzas Armadas, Resolución Ministerial Nº 1394-2004-DE/CCFFAA/CDIH-FFAA, Lima, 1 December 2004, § 24.c.(3)–(5); see also § 102.
Peru, Manual de Derecho Internacional Humanitario y Derechos Humanos para las Fuerzas Armadas, Resolución Ministerial No. 049-2010/DE/VPD, Lima, 21 May 2010, § 77(a)(1), p. 277.
Peru, Manual de Derecho Internacional Humanitario y Derechos Humanos para las Fuerzas Armadas, Resolución Ministerial No. 049-2010/DE/VPD, Lima, 21 May 2010, § 72(b), p. 271.
(3) [Commanders] must formulate an evacuation plan, in collaboration with the civilian authorities, and give instructions and specify measures for each evacuation line (for example, evacuation lines for prisoners of war, the sick and wounded …).
Peru, Manual de Derecho Internacional Humanitario y Derechos Humanos para las Fuerzas Armadas, Resolución Ministerial No. 049-2010/DE/VPD, Lima, 21 May 2010, § 25(c)(3)–(5), p. 228.
Coordination and liaison with national and local government agencies should be pursued in undertaking the following immediate tasks after [the] conduct of operations … rescue, evacuation and hospitalization.
Philippines, Protection and Rehabilitation of Innocent Civilians Affected by AFP Counterinsurgency Operations, Directive to Commanders of Major Services and Area Commands, Office of the Chief of Staff, General Headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Ministry of National Defense, 15 July 1988, Guideline 4(d) and (h).
The Soldier’s Rules (1989) of the Philippines instructs soldiers to “care for the wounded and sick, be they friendly or foe”.
Philippines, Soldier’s Rules, in Handbook on Discipline, Annex C(I), General Headquarters, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City, 1989, § 5.
In the aftermath of military or law enforcement operations involving a firefight that results in unavoidable casualties, caring for the wounded … must be a paramount concern of all commanders and troops at all levels … To increase their chances of survival, their immediate evacuation to the nearest clinic or hospital must be ensured.
Philippines, Safety of Innocent Civilians and Treatment of the Wounded and Dead, Directive to Commanders of Major Services and Area Commands, Office of the Chief of Staff, General Headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Ministry of National Defence, 6 September 1989, § 4.
The Joint Circular on Adherence to IHL and Human Rights (1991) of the Philippines provides that members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police must at the earliest possible opportunity turn the enemy hors de combat (e.g. wounded, surrendered/captured) “over to higher echelons of command/office for proper disposition”.
Philippines, Implementation Guidelines for Presidential Memorandum Order No. 393, dated 9 September 1991, Directing the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippines National Police to Reaffirm their Adherence to the Principles of Humanitarian Law and Human Rights in the Conduct of Security/Police Operations, Joint Circular Number 2-91, Department of National Defense, Department of Interior and Local Government, 1991, § 2(a)(3).
Romania’s Soldiers’ Manual (1991) requires that wounded and sick enemy combatants be collected.
The manual further provides that wounded and sick enemy combatants shall be evacuated from the combat zone.
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, § 47.
Organizing and furnishing logistic support of the forces’ combat operations in compliance with international humanitarian law includes … evacuation of the wounded [and] the sick … from the area of operations.
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, § 151.
The Russian Federation’s Combat Manual (2005) states that “if circumstances permit, the wounded, sick and shipwrecked, which are not engaged in hostile activities, must be collected and cared for”.
Rwanda’s Military Instructions (1987) states that immediate evacuation of wounded persons to the nearest clinic or hospital should be ensured.
Rwanda, Cours d’organisation destiné aux commandants de compagnie, Ecole Supérieure Militaire, Kigali, 4ème édition, 1987, pp. 41–42.
Senegal’s Disciplinary Regulations (1990) provides: “The wounded, sick and shipwrecked shall be collected”.
Senegal, Le DIH adapté au contexte des opérations de maintien de l’ordre, République du Sénégal, Ministère des Forces Armées, Haut Commandement de la Gendarmerie et Direction de la Justice Militaire, Cabinet, 1999, p. 20.
Sierra Leone, The Law of Armed Conflict. Instructor Manual for the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), Armed Forces Education Centre, September 2007, p. 37.
Sierra Leone, The Law of Armed Conflict. Instructor Manual for the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), Armed Forces Education Centre, September 2007, p. 38.
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, § 7.5.a; see also §§ 5.2.d.(5), 10.6.b.(3) and 10.6.c.
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, § 2.4.a.(1); see also § 2.6.b.(1).
The manual further states that “wounded and sick enemies shall be evacuated as soon as possible” and “in the same conditions as our own troops”.
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, §§ 5.2.(d).4 and 7.3.(a).11.
In besieged or encircled areas where there is civilian population, it shall be endeavoured to conclude local agreements with the enemy to organize the evacuation of the wounded [and] sick … and the passage of medical and religious personnel.
At all times, and particularly after an engagement, the parties to a conflict must take all possible measures to search for and collect those wounded … during the fighting.
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, § 7.5.a; see also §§ 5.2.d.(5) and 10.3.e.(1).
If a party to the conflict is compelled to abandon wounded or sick people to the enemy, it should, “as far as military considerations permit”, leave with them a part of its medical personnel and material to assist in their care.
“Whenever circumstances permit”, agreements should be made for the removal, exchange and transport of the wounded left on the battlefield.
“As far as military considerations allow”, each party to the conflict should facilitate the steps taken to search for the … wounded.
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, § 2.4.a.(1).
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, § 5.2.d.(5); see also § 7.3.a.(11).
A ceasefire … [can be] established for humanitarian reasons to facilitate the removal, exchange and transport of the wounded left on the battlefield, for the removal and exchange of the wounded and sick from a besieged or encircled area or for the passage of medical and religious personnel and equipment on their way to such areas.
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, § 2.6.b.(1).
In besieged or encircled areas where there are civilians, efforts must be made to conclude local agreements with the enemy for the evacuation of the wounded [and] sick … and for the passage of medical personnel and equipment on their way to such areas.
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, § 9.4.a.
Switzerland’s Basic Military Manual (1987) provides: “At all times, and especially following an engagement, all means should be taken to search for and collect the wounded”.
Switzerland, Lois et coutumes de la guerre (Extrait et commentaire), Règlement 51.7/II f, Armée Suisse, 1987, Article 71.
Local arrangements or a temporary cease-fire shall be concluded to permit the removal, exchange and transport of wounded and sick left on the battlefield and for the evacuation or exchange of wounded and sick from a besieged or encircled area.
Switzerland, Lois et coutumes de la guerre (Extrait et commentaire), Règlement 51.7/II f, Armée Suisse, 1987, Article 71; see also Article 12(2).
In combat, the disarmament, rescue of and the provision of first aid to the wounded, sick and shipwrecked begins as soon as the situation allows. For security reasons this usually does not happen spontaneously. The superiors make the necessary arrangements. No distinction may be made between friend and enemy or between civilian and military personnel. Purely medical criteria determine the priority in medical treatment. No one may be punished for having cared for the wounded or sick.
Switzerland, Bases légales du comportement à l’engagement (BCE), Règlement 51.007/IVf, Swiss Army, issued based on Article 10 of the Ordinance on the Organization of the Federal Department for Defence, Civil Protection and Sports of 7 March 2003, entry into force on 1 July 2005, § 174.
Togo’s Military Manual (1996) states: “Combatants shall participate in the search for and evacuation of the wounded and sick”.
The manual instructs soldiers “to collect and care for the wounded and sick, whether friend or foe”.
Togo, Le Droit de la Guerre, III fascicules, Etat-major Général des Forces Armées Togolaises, Ministère de la Défense nationale, 1996, Fascicule II, p. 18.
2.5.2.1. Both during combat and after the accomplishment of the combat mission the commander of a large or small unit (command) shall take all measures to search for and collect the wounded, sick … and shipwrecked ([or] persons who suffered from an aircraft crash) … regardless of their identity.
Ukraine, Manual on the Application of IHL Rules, Ministry of Defence, 11 September 2004, §§ 1.4.12 and 2.5.2.1.
The UK Military Manual (1958) provides: “At all times, and particularly after an engagement, the belligerents must immediately take all possible measures to search for and collect the wounded and sick”.
United Kingdom, The Law of War on Land being Part III of the Manual of Military Law, The War Office, HMSO, 1958, § 342.
Belligerents should endeavour to conclude local agreements for the removal from besieged or encircled areas of wounded [and] sick … and for the passage of ministers of all religions and medical personnel and medical equipment on their way to such areas.
United Kingdom, The Law of War on Land being Part III of the Manual of Military Law, The War Office, HMSO, 1958, § 29; see also § 343.
The UK LOAC Pamphlet (1981) states: “Combatants are required to search for and collect the shipwrecked, wounded and sick and to ensure their adequate care”.
United Kingdom, The Law of Armed Conflict, D/DAT/13/35/66, Army Code 71130 (Revised 1981), Ministry of Defence, prepared under the Direction of The Chief of the General Staff, 1981, Section 7, p. 26, § 2.
In appropriate local circumstances, arrangements should be made for the evacuation by sea of the wounded and sick and for the passage of medical and religious personnel and equipment especially to besieged areas.
The Pamphlet restates the provisions of common Article 3 of the 1949 Geneva Conventions.
United Kingdom, The Law of Armed Conflict, D/DAT/13/35/66, Army Code 71130 (Revised 1981), Ministry of Defence, prepared under the Direction of The Chief of the General Staff, 1981, Section 12, p. 42, § 2.
It further states: “A local cease-fire may be arranged for the removal from besieged or encircled areas of the wounded and sick”.
The parties to a conflict are under an obligation “at all times, and particularly after an engagement … without delay [to] take all possible measures to search for and collect the wounded and sick, to protect them against pillage and ill-treatment, and to ensure their adequate care”. The convention envisages “whenever circumstances permit”, an armistice, suspension of fire or local arrangements to permit the removal, exchange and transport of the wounded left on the battlefield. Similarly, local arrangements may be concluded to enable the removal or exchange of wounded and sick from a besieged or encircled area, and for the passage of medical and religious personnel and equipment on their way to that area.
United Kingdom, The Manual of the Law of Armed Conflict, Ministry of Defence, 1 July 2004, § 7.4.
The parties to a conflict are also under an obligation, particularly after an engagement, to take all possible measures, consistent with their own security, “to search for and collect the shipwrecked, wounded and sick …”.
In its chapter on internal armed conflict, the manual provides that the “the wounded, sick and shipwrecked … are to be collected and cared for”.
United Kingdom, The Manual of the Law of Armed Conflict, Ministry of Defence, 1 July 2004, § 15.29.
With regard to internal armed conflicts in which the 1977 Additional Protocol II is applicable, the manual specifies: “Whenever circumstances permit, and particularly after an engagement, all possible measures shall be taken without delay to search for and collect the wounded, sick and shipwrecked”.
The US Field Manual (1956) reproduces common Article 3 of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, Articles 15 and 18 of the 1949 Geneva Convention I, and Article 18 of the 1949 Geneva Convention II.
United States, Field Manual 27-10, The Law of Land Warfare, US Department of the Army, 18 July 1956, as modified by Change No. 1, 15 July 1976, §§ 11, 216, 219 and 256.
The US Air Force Pamphlet (1976) refers to Article 15 of the 1949 Geneva Convention I and states that it “includes, inter alia, an obligation to search for and collect wounded and sick”.
United States, Air Force Pamphlet 110-31, International Law – The Conduct of Armed Conflict and Air Operations, US Department of the Air Force, 1976, § 12-3(a).
Article 15 [of the 1949 Geneva Convention I] … authorizes the conclusion of local arrangements between the parties for removal or exchange of wounded and sick from a besieged or encircled area, and for the passage of medical and religious personnel and equipment on their way thereto.
United States, Air Force Pamphlet 110-31, International Law – The Conduct of Armed Conflict and Air Operations, US Department of the Air Force, 1976, § 12-2a.
Parties are encouraged to conclude local arrangements for the removal of the wounded and sick by sea from besieged or encircled areas, and for the passage of medical and religious personnel and equipment on their way thereto.
United States, Air Force Pamphlet 110-31, International Law – The Conduct of Armed Conflict and Air Operations, US Department of the Air Force, 1976, § 12-3a.
The US Soldier’s Manual (1984) instructs soldiers to evacuate sick and wounded captives to the rear through medical channels “as soon as possible”.
United States, Your Conduct in Combat under the Law of War, Publication No. FM 27-2, Headquarters Department of the Army, Washington, November 1984, p. 17.
Parties to the conflict must, after each engagement and without delay, take all possible measures to search for and collect the wounded and sick on the field of battle … Shipwrecked persons include those in peril at sea or in other waters as a result of either the sinking, grounding, or other damage to the vessel in which they are embarked, or of the downing or distress of an aircraft. It is immaterial whether the peril was the result of enemy action or nonmilitary causes.
When circumstances permit, an armistice or cease-fire should be arranged to enable the wounded and sick to be located and removed to safety and medical care.
Following each naval engagement at sea, the belligerents are obligated to take all possible measures, consistent with the security of their forces, to search for and rescue the shipwrecked.
Likewise, a similar duty extends to shipwrecked persons, whether military or civilian. Shipwrecked persons include those in peril at sea or in other waters as a result of the sinking, grounding, or other damage to a vessel in which they are embarked, or of the downing or distress of an aircraft. It is immaterial whether the peril was the result of enemy action or nonmilitary causes. Following each naval engagement at sea, the belligerents are obligated to take all possible measures, consistent with the security of their forces, to search for and rescue the shipwrecked.
United States, The Commander’s Handbook on the Law of Naval Operations, NWP 1-14M/MCWP 5-12.1/COMDTPUB P5800.7, issued by the Department of the Navy, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations and Headquarters, US Marine Corps, and Department of Homeland Security, US Coast Guard, July 2007, § 11.6; see also § 8.6.1.
(2) The wounded and sick shall be collected.
At all times and especially after an engagement, all necessary measures shall be taken without delay to search for and collect the wounded and sick.
Whenever circumstances permit, a cease-fire may be arranged in order to collect, exchange or transport wounded and sick left on the battlefield.
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, § 164.
At all times and especially after an engagement, all appropriate measures shall be taken without delay to … transport [the wounded and sick] to appropriate medical units … A cease-fire may be arranged in order to … transport wounded and sick left on the battlefield.
Zimbabwe, Code of Conduct for Combatants, Joint publication of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and the International Committee of the Red Cross Regional Delegation in Harare, 1993, p. 4.
Zimbabwe, Code of Conduct for Combatants, Joint publication of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and the International Committee of the Red Cross Regional Delegation in Harare, 1993, p. 6.
Azerbaijan’s Law concerning the Protection of Civilian Persons and the Rights of Prisoners of War (1995) provides that, in both international and non-international armed conflicts, at any time and especially after an engagement, the wounded and sick shall be searched for and evacuated from the battlefield.
Azerbaijan, Law concerning the Protection of Civilian Persons and the Rights of Prisoners of War, 1995, Article 24.
Botswana’s Geneva Conventions Act (1970) provides for the obligation to search for the wounded and sick.
Botswana, Geneva Conventions Act, 1970, Schedule 1, Article 15.
Where a wounded or sick serviceman is deliberately abandoned on a battlefield, if the circumstances are flagrant, the persons who are directly responsible for the offence shall be sentenced to fixed-term imprisonment of not more than five years.
China, Criminal Law, 1979, as amended in 1997, Article 444.
Colombia’s Penal Code (2000) provides for the punishment of “anyone who, during an armed conflict, … abandons the wounded and sick”.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Code of Military Justice (1972), as amended in 1980, provides for the punishment of any member of the armed forces who does not assist persons in danger.
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Code of Military Justice, 1972, as amended in 1980, Article 519.
Combatants must collect, protect and care for the wounded, sick and shipwrecked without any discrimination on the grounds of race, gender, religion, nationality, ideology or ethnic group.
France, Code of Defence, 2004, as amended in 2008, Article D4122-8.
Iraq’s Military Penal Code (1940) punishes any person who abandons the wounded or fails to bring the wounded to a designated location.
Iraq, Military Penal Code, 1940, Article 115(c).
Ireland’s Geneva Conventions Act (1962), as amended in 1998, provides that any “minor breach” of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, including violations of Articles 4 and 15 of the Geneva Convention I, Articles 5 and 18 of the Geneva Convention II and Articles 16 and 17 of the Geneva Convention IV, and of the 1977 Additional Protocol I, including violations of Article 19, as well as any “contravention” of the 1977 Additional Protocol II, including violations of Article 8, are punishable offences.
Italy’s Wartime Military Penal Code (1941) provides for the punishment of any military medical personnel who, during or after an engagement, fail to provide assistance to the wounded, sick or shipwrecked.
Italy, Wartime Military Penal Code, 1941, Article 190.
Nicaragua’s Military Penal Code (1996) provides for the punishment of the soldier who fails to search for and rescue the wounded, sick and shipwrecked, irrespective of the party to which they belong.
Nicaragua, Military Penal Code, 1996, Article 56(2).
Peru’s Decree on the Use of Force by the Armed Forces (2010) states: “The wounded and sick shall be collected”.
Peru, Decree on the Use of Force by the Armed Forces, 2010, Article 8.2.2.
A commander who causes serious harm … to the sick, wounded or shipwrecked, by not according them the treatment prescribed by law or by international agreements … shall be punished, unless the act constitutes a more serious offence, by military confinement for not less than three years.
Spain’s Royal Ordinance for the Armed Forces (1978) punishes the failure to search for and rescue the wounded and sick of both parties.
Under Spain’s Military Criminal Code (1985), failure to use the available means to search and rescue the wounded, sick and shipwrecked constitutes an offence against the laws and customs of war.
Spain, Military Criminal Code, 1985, Article 77(1).
Spain’s Royal Ordinances for the Armed Forces (2009) states: “Whenever circumstances for the accomplishment of the mission and the security of the unit permit, [members of the armed forces] must take, without delay, all possible measures to search for the wounded, sick and shipwrecked”.
Uruguay’s Military Penal Code (1943), as amended, provides for the punishment of “failure to assist, when possible, an enemy who surrenders in case of shipwreck, fire, explosion, earthquake or similar circumstances”.
Uruguay, Military Penal Code , 1943, as amended, Article 58(20; see also Article 58(21).
Venezuela’s Code of Military Justice (1998), as amended, provides for the punishment of anyone who denies or obstructs assistance to the wounded and sick.
Venezuela, Code of Military Justice, 1998, as amended, Article 474(4).
Viet Nam’s Penal Code (1990) provides for the punishment of anyone who “intentionally leaves behind a soldier killed or wounded on the battlefield” or for the failure to “care for or give medical treatment to a wounded soldier”.
Viet Nam’s Penal Code (1999) provides for the punishment of anyone “who deliberately leaves war-wounded and/or war dead on the battlefield or leaves war-wounded untended and untreated, thus causing serious consequences”.
In accordance with [Article 3 common to the four Geneva Conventions of 1949] … , in cases of non-international armed conflicts in the territory of one of the Parties, each party to the conflict shall be bound to apply certain minimum guarantees without affecting their legal status as parties to the conflict, including: … The wounded and sick shall be collected and cared for.
Colombia, Constitutional Court, Constitutional Case No. C-203/05, Judgment of 8 March 2005, § 5.4.2.2.
Taking into account … the development of customary international humanitarian law applicable in internal armed conflicts, the Constitutional Court notes that the fundamental guarantees stemming from the principle of humanity, some of which have attained ius cogens status, … [include] the obligation to collect … the wounded and sick.
[O]ur combat forces are required to abide by the rules of humanitarian law regarding the care of the wounded, the ill and the bodies of the deceased. The fact that medical personnel have abused their position in hospitals and in ambulances has made it necessary for the IDF to act in order to prevent such activities but does not, in and of itself, justify sweeping breaches of humanitarian rules. Indeed, this is also the position of the state. This stance is required not only under the rules of international law on which the petitioners have based their arguments here, but also in light of the values of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.
… It is appropriate not to make the transfer of wounded contingent upon the relaying of their names and identification numbers. However, we see no fault in the attempt to receive this information when it is attainable, assuming that receipt of this data is not a condition for transport outside of the combat area and does not cause unreasonable delay in transport.
Israel, High Court of Justice, Physicians for Human Rights v. Commander of IDF Forces in the Gaza Strip, Judgment, 30 May 2004, § 23.
17. … [T]he rules of customary international law – … demand that the wounded should be allowed to be evacuated from the site of the hostilities … – apply to the combat operations that are being carried out in the “Cast Lead” operation and bind the actions of the IDF [Israel Defence Forces].
“The wounded and sick, as well as the infirm, and expectant mothers, shall be the object of particular protection and respect. As far as military considerations allow, each Party to the conflict shall facilitate the steps taken to search for the killed and wounded ...” (Emphasis supplied).
“The army must do everything possible, subject to the state of the fighting, to allow the evacuation of local inhabitants that were wounded in the fighting” (para. 23).
Israel, High Court of Justice, Physicians for Human Rights v. Prime Minister of Israel, Judgment, 19 January 2009, §§ 17 and 20.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Headquarters of the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces, Office of the Commander in Chief, Instructions to the 4th Corps, No. 1/297-536, 13 November 1993, Report on the Practice of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2000, Chapter 5.1.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Headquarters of the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces, Office of the Commander in Chief, Instructions to the 3rd Corps, No. 1/297-590, 5 December 1993, Report on the Practice of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2000, Chapter 5.1.
and instructions of the army general to the 5th Corps in December 1993 regarding the evacuation of the wounded and sick.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Headquarters of the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces, Office of the Commander in Chief, Instructions to the 5th Corps, No. 1/297-625, 13 December 1993, Report on the Practice of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2000, Chapter 5.1.
In 2010, in the History and Geography Textbook for 8th Grade, Djibouti’s Ministry of National Education and Higher Education, under the heading “Basic rules of IHL” and in a section on “Treatment”, stated: “Wounded, sick or shipwrecked enemy combatants shall be searched for [and] collected”.
In application of its long dated experience, Egypt considers the search for and care of wounded [and] sick … as a tradition which should be respected at all times and in any circumstance, particularly in time of military operations.
In February 1987, the French Government issued a communiqué in relation to the besieged Palestinian camps in southern Lebanon and invited “the entire international community to mobilize and act in solidarity so that … wounded can be safely evacuated”.
France, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Communiqué on Palestinian camps under siege in Lebanon, 11 February 1987, Politique étrangère de la France, February 1987, p. 103.
France, Etat-major de la Force d’Action Rapide, Ordres pour l’Opération Mistral, 1995, Section 6, § 62.
According to the Report on the Practice of the Islamic Republic of Iran, during the Iran–Iraq War, Iran evacuated wounded Iraqi combatants to safe places, in accordance with the principles of Islamic law.
Report on the Practice of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 1997, Chapter 5.1.
In 2009, in a report on Israeli operations in Gaza between 27 December 2008 and 18 January 2009 (the “Gaza Operation”, also known as “Operation Cast Lead”), Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that “a special medical coordination centre was set up in the Gaza District CLA [Coordination and Liaison Administration] … which dealt with assistance to civilians in danger and with evacuation of the wounded … from areas of hostilities”.
Report on the Practice of Jordan, 1997, Chapter 5.1.
Report on the Practice of Malaysia, 1997, Interview with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Chapter 5.1.
The Maritime Police Unit is responsible for the rescue of any shipwrecked vessel notwithstanding the fact that the vessel is an enemy vessel. Enemy vessels, which are shipwrecked in the course of battle, are only provided with assistance upon surrender. Once enemy ships are no longer seaworthy, no further attack is permitted. Enemy personnel are left to carry out their own evacuation and life saving procedures.
There exists a practice of searching for those parachuting in distress.
Report on the Practice of Malaysia, 1997, Interviews with members of the armed forces, Chapter 5.1.
If persons are wounded during actions in which Dutch soldiers are involved, then they will be treated in accordance with international humanitarian law. International humanitarian law contains, amongst others, the obligation to take all possible measures to trace the wounded and sick.
Netherlands, Lower House of Parliament, Statement by the Minister of Defence, Handelingen, 2004–2005 Session, 14 September 2005, Appendix No. 2405, p. 4848.
Philippines, Presidential Human Rights Committee, Resolution No. 91-001 Providing for Guidelines on Evacuations, 26 March 1991, § 5.
In an armed conflict where guerilla warfare is the strategy used, distinguishing between civilians and combatants is very difficult. This is precisely the reason why the Philippines have adopted the same rules for both civilians and combatants with regard to the search for … the wounded [and] sick.
7. We should not abandon our wounded on the battlefield. We should rather fight tenaciously to rescue them and evacuate them to safety.
The publication also described traditional Somali practice as follows: “Examining the actual treatment of the war-wounded in traditional Somali conflicts, we find that, generally, Somalis followed the practice of sparing the enemy’s wounded who were found lying on the battlefield. These were rather taken home”.
Somalia, Spared from the Spear, 1998, p. 43.
Article 85 entitled “Principle of Humanity”, contained in Title IV on Operations [of the Royal Ordinances for the Armed Forces (2009)] clearly embodies the spirit of the  Geneva Convention and its  Additional Protocols, as it provides that “[the] … conduct [of members of the armed forces] in any conflict or military operation must conform to the applicable rules of the international treaties on international humanitarian law to which Spain is a party”.
That is further developed in Chapter VI on Ethics in Operations, which goes into specific duties under international humanitarian law … the search for the wounded, sick, [and] shipwrecked.
Wounded and sick are defined as members of the armed forces or Civilians, who are in need of medical attention and who renounce all acts of hostility. According to this definition, a wounded combatant who continues to make use of a weapon does not qualify.
International humanitarian law calls on all parties to a conflict to treat the wounded and sick in a humane way, i.e. to shelter, rescue and protect them and to provide medical care. No distinction is to be made, except of a medical nature, and Women are given special consideration. The same rules apply to shipwrecked persons, i.e. to all members of the armed forces and civilians in danger at sea or in any other body of water. Wounded, sick and shipwrecked Combatants are to be accorded Prisoner of war status.
Immediately after the attack upon the Belgrano, Conqueror herself came under attack from the Argentine escorting destroyers and, to evade this, moved away from the area … When on 4th May Conqueror signalled she was returning to that area, she was ordered not to attack warships engaged in rescuing survivors from the Belgrano.
United Kingdom, House of Commons, Annex to a letter of the Prime Minister in reply to a question, Hansard, 29 October 1984, Vol. 65, Written Answers, cols. 786–9, § 13.
According to the Report on US Practice, it is the opinio juris of the United States that, whenever circumstances permit, all possible measures should be taken to search for the wounded and sick in accordance with Article 8 of the 1977 Additional Protocol II.
The Report on the Practice of Zimbabwe states: “Zimbabwe seems to regard as customary, the rules of international practice codified in the Geneva Conventions as regards the search for … the wounded”.
Report on the Practice of Zimbabwe, 1998, Chapter 5.1.
In a resolution adopted in 1978 on the situation in Lebanon, the UN Security Council called upon the belligerents to allow ICRC units into the conflict area to evacuate the wounded.
UN Security Council, Res. 436, 6 October 1978, § 2, voting record: 15-0-0.
In a resolution adopted in 1985, the UN General Assembly appealed to the Government of El Salvador to “permit the International Committee of the Red Cross to continue to evacuate those wounded and maimed by war to where they can receive needed medical attention”.
UN General Assembly, Res. 40/139, 13 December 1985, § 9; see also Res. 41/157, 4 December 1986, § 8, voting record: 100-2-42-15.
In a resolution adopted in 1986, the UN Commission on Human Rights reiterated the request to the Government of El Salvador and the opposition forces to cooperate fully with the humanitarian organizations dedicated to alleviating the suffering of the civilian population, wherever these organizations operate in the country, and to permit the International Committee of the Red Cross to continue to evacuate those wounded and maimed by the war to places where they can receive medical attention they need.
UN Commission on Human Rights, Res. 1986/39, 12 March 1986, § 6, voting record: 39-0-4.
In a resolution adopted in 1988, the UN Commission on Human Rights requested the Government of El Salvador and the Farabundo Martí para la Liberación Nacional (FMLN) “with the intention of humanizing the conflict, to continue to apply the agreements for the evacuation of war-wounded for medical attention unaffected by new [ex]changes and negotiations”.
UN Commission on Human Rights, Res. 1988/65, 10 March 1988, § 11, adopted without a vote.
This request was reiterated in a subsequent resolution adopted in 1989.
UN Commission on Human Rights, Res. 1989/68, 8 March 1989, § 11, adopted without a vote.
In a resolution adopted in 1991, the UN Commission on Human Rights called upon the parties to the conflict in El Salvador to guarantee respect for IHL, “particularly with regard to the evacuation of the war-wounded and maimed in order that they may receive prompt medical attention”.
UN Commission on Human Rights, Res. 1991/75, 6 March 1991, § 9, adopted without a vote.
UN Commission on Human Rights, Res. 2004/10, 15 April 2004, preamble and § 10, voting record: 31-7-15.
Welcomes the implementation of the agreement reached by both contending parties to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross to evacuate the war-wounded and disabled of the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front without the need for exchanges or prior negotiations in order for them to receive the necessary medical care.
UN Sub-Commission on Human Rights, Res. 1987/18, 2 September 1987, § 4.
In a resolution adopted in 1989 on the situation in El Salvador, the UN Sub-Commission on Human Rights expressed regret that “the Government of El Salvador has continued to prevent the International Committee of the Red Cross from evacuating the war-wounded and maimed to other countries and frequently does not even allow it to transfer the seriously wounded to a local emergency hospital”. It reminded “the Government of El Salvador that in accordance with Additional Protocol II to the Geneva Conventions … it may not prevent [the] evacuation [of the war-wounded and disabled] by the International Committee of the Red Cross so that they may receive the medical attention they require”.
UN Sub-Commission on Human Rights, Res. 1989/9, 31 August 1989, preamble and § 4; see also § 7.
In 1996, in a report concerning Liberia, the UN Secretary-General reported that the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL) had facilitated discussions on the evacuation of the wounded.
UN Secretary-General, 15th progress report on UNOMIL, UN Doc. S/1996/47, 23 January 1996, § 26.
In 2000, in his report on the establishment of a Special Court for Sierra Leone, the UN Secretary-General stated that common Article 3 of the 1949 Geneva Conventions and Article 4 of the 1977 Additional Protocol II “have long been considered customary international law”.
In two resolutions adopted in 1995 in the context of the conflict in Chechnya, the European Parliament called on “the Russian and Chechen sides to call an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to permit the retrieval of the … wounded”.
European Parliament, Resolution on the humanitarian situation in Chechnya and the neighbouring republics of Ingushetia, Daghestan and Northern Ossetia, 16 February 1995, § 1; Resolution on human rights in Chechnya, 16 March 1995, § 2.
In its judgment in the Nicaragua case (Merits) in 1986, the ICJ held that the rules contained in common Article 3 of the 1949 Geneva Conventions reflect what in 1949 in the Corfu Channel case (Merits) the Court had called “elementary considerations of humanity”.
ICJ, Nicaragua case (Merits), Judgment, 27 June 1986, § 218.
A State’s obligation to ensure humane treatment of enemy soldiers can be severely tested in the heated and confused moments immediately following capture or surrender and during evacuation from the battlefront to the rear. Nevertheless, customary international law as reflected in [the 1949] Geneva Conventions I and III … requires the wounded and sick to be collected.
In the Aloeboetoe and Others case before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in 1988, the facts as stated in the petition alleged that following an incident in which a group of soldiers arrested and shot a number of “unarmed maroons (bushnegroes)” on suspicion of membership of the Jungle Commando, “the representative of the International Red Cross received a permit to evacuate Mr. Aside [a seriously injured man] after negotiating with the authorities [of Suriname] for 24 hours”.
Inter-American Court of Human Rights, Aloeboetoe and Others case, Judgment, 4 December 1991, § 15.
Civil defence units and personnel shall participate in the search for victims, particularly when there are civilian casualties.
Local arrangements shall be concluded for the search [and] removal … of the wounded and shipwrecked.
Frédéric de Mulinen, Handbook on the Law of War for Armed Forces, ICRC, Geneva, 1987, §§ 483–484 and 535.
It is also thought that “evacuation through the appropriate channel shall be organised and start as rapidly as the tactical situation permits” and that “local arrangements shall be concluded for the … evacuation of the wounded and shipwrecked”.
Frédéric de Mulinen, Handbook on the Law of War for Armed Forces, ICRC, Geneva, 1987, §§ 507 and 535; see also § 581.
On numerous occasions, the ICRC has acted as a neutral intermediary and provided its good offices in order to facilitate the negotiation of truces or cease-fire agreements for the removal of wounded and sick.
François Bugnion, Le Comité International de la Croix-Rouge et la Protection des Victimes de la Guerre, ICRC, Geneva, 1994, pp. 557–564.
IRRC, No. 354, June 1948, pp. 401–407; IRRC, No. 356, August 1948, pp. 552–553; IRRC, No. 357, September 1948, pp. 618–620; ICRC, Report of Mission of Mr de Reyner, 31 March 1948; ICRC, Report of Mission of Dr Lehner and Mrs Torin, 15 June 1948; ICRC, Report of Mission of Mr de Reyner, January 1948–July 1949.
IRRC, No. 456, December 1956, p. 720.
IRRC, No. 515, November 1961, p. 530; Keesing’s Contemporary Archives, 1961, pp. 18341–18343.
IRRC, No. 558, June 1965, p. 283; IRRC, No. 559, July 1965, pp. 335–337; ICRC, Annual Report 1965, Geneva, 1966, pp. 39–42; Keesing’s Contemporary Archives, 1965, pp. 20813–20818.
IRRC, No. 584, August 1967, pp. 371–372; Keesing’s Contemporary Archives, 1967, p. 22188.
IRRC, No. 622, October 1970, pp. 618–624; Keesing’s Contemporary Archives, 1970, p. 24230.
IRRC, No. 660, December 1973, pp. 728–729; IRRC, No. 662, February 1974, pp. 92–93; ICRC, Annual Report 1973, Geneva, 1974, pp. 12–13; ICRC, Annual Report 1974, Geneva, 1975, p. 20; Keesing’s Contemporary Archives, 1973, pp. 26202–26203.
IRRC, No. 692, August 1976, pp. 477–478; IRRC, No. 693, September 1976, pp. 545–546; ICRC, Annual Report 1976, Geneva, 1977, p. 6; ICRC, Annual Report 1981, Geneva, 1982, pp. 52–53; Keesing’s Contemporary Archives, 1976, pp. 28119–28121.
IRRC, No. 713, September–October 1978, p. 293; IRRC, No. 717, May–June 1979, pp. 160–161; IRRC, No. 718, July–August 1979, pp. 206–207; Keesing’s Contemporary Archives, 1978, p. 29375.
IRRC, No. 716, March–April 1979, pp. 95–96; IRRC, No. 723, May–June 1980, pp. 148–150; Keesing’s Contemporary Archives, 1981, p. 30693.
• during the Israeli offensive in Lebanon (August and September 1982).
IRRC, No. 737, September–October 1982, p. 305; ICRC, Annual Report 1982, Geneva, 1983, pp. 56–57; Keesing’s Contemporary Archives, 1983, pp. 31914–31920.
In an appeal issued in 1983 in the context of the Iran–Iraq War, the ICRC pointed to grave violations of IHL committed by both countries, including “abandoning of enemy wounded on the battlefield”.
ICRC, Conflict between Iraq and Iran: ICRC Appeal, IRRC, No. 235, 1983, p. 221.
ICRC, Memorandum on the Applicability of International Humanitarian Law, 14 December 1990, § I, IRRC, No. 280, 1991, p. 24.
In a communication to the press in 1991, the ICRC urged all the parties to the conflict in Somalia to help the Red Cross and Red Crescent “in evacuating the wounded”.
ICRC, Communication to the Press No. 91/49, Desperate situation in Mogadishu, 29 November 1991.
In a communication to the press in 1993, the ICRC enjoined the parties to the conflict in Somalia “to collect … wounded and sick”.
ICRC, Communication to the Press No. 93/17, Somalia: ICRC appeals for compliance with international humanitarian law, 17 June 1993.
In 1994, in a Memorandum on Compliance with International Humanitarian Law by the Forces Participating in Opération Turquoise in the Great Lakes region, the ICRC emphasized: “All the wounded and sick must be collected … without distinction, in accordance with the provisions laid down primarily in the First and Fourth Geneva Conventions”.
ICRC, Memorandum on Compliance with International Humanitarian Law by the Forces Participating in Opération Turquoise, 23 June 1994, § I, reprinted in Marco Sassòli and Antoine A. Bouvier, How Does Law Protect in War?, ICRC, Geneva, 1999, p. 1308.
In a communication to the press issued in 1996 in the context of the conflict in Chechnya, the ICRC called upon the parties to do everything possible to facilitate the evacuation of the wounded and sick to hospitals.
ICRC, Communication to the Press No. 96/10, Chechen conflict: ICRC appeal, 8 March 1996, § 2.
In another communication to the press later the same year, the ICRC appealed to the parties to provide security guarantees to enable its delegates to evacuate the wounded.
ICRC, Communication to the Press No. 96/25, Russian Federation/Chechnya: ICRC calls on all parties to observe a truce, 10 August 1996, § 1.
ICRC, Communication to the Press No. 00/42, ICRC appeal to all involved in violence in the Near East, 21 November 2000.
In 1984, in the context of the conflict in East Timor, a statement issued by the head of the FRETILIN external delegation referred to an incident in which a Forças Armadas de Libertação Nacional de Timor-Leste (FALINTIL) unit was forced to withdraw when Indonesian helicopters intervened to evacuate the wounded after an attack.
São Tomé and Principe, Documents on the question of East Timor submitted to the UN Secretariat, UN Doc. A/39/345-S/16668, 16 July 1984, Annex, p. 14.
Turku Declaration of Minimum Humanitarian Standards, adopted by an expert meeting convened by the Institute for Human Rights, Åbo Akademi University, Turku/Åbo, 30 November–2 December 1990, Article 13, IRRC, No. 282, 1991, p. 335.

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