Source: https://ihl-databases.icrc.org/customary-ihl/rus/docs/v2_rul_rule58
Timestamp: 2020-06-04 12:11:19
Document Index: 735345032

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 8', '§ 131', '§ 222', '§ 371', '§ 431', '§ 222', '§ 11', '§ 6', '§ 473', '§ 9', '§ 17', '§ 502', '§ 1704', '§ 5', '§ 14', '§ 12', '§ 27', '§ 28', '§ 39', '§ 61', '§ 5', '§ 10', '§ 3', '§ 3', '§ 5', '§ 223', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 5', '§ 15', '§ 504', '§ 105', '§ 268', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 105', '§ 12', '§ 108', '§ 105', '§ 102', '§ 407', '§ 2']

Customary IHL - Practice Relating to Rule 58. Improper Use of the White Flag of Truce
2. Практика\Ненадлежащее использование белого флага перемирия
Норма 58 (current)
Note: For practice concerning the simulation of surrender and concerning the simulation of an intention to negotiate under the white flag of truce as acts considered perfidious, see Rule 65, Sections D and E respectively. For practice concerning the use of the white flag of truce by parlementaires, see Rule 66, Section B.
Article 23(f) of the 1899 Hague Regulations provides: “It is especially prohibited … to make improper use of a flag of truce.”
Regulations concerning the Laws and Customs of War on Land, annexed to Convention (II) with Respect to the Laws and Customs of War on Land, The Hague, 29 July 1899, Article 23(f).
Article 23(f) of the 1907 Hague Regulations provides: “It is especially forbidden … to make improper use of a flag of truce.”
Regulations concerning the Laws and Customs of War on Land, annexed to Convention (IV) respecting the Laws and Customs of War on Land, The Hague, 18 October 1907, Article 23(f).
Article 38(1) of the 1977 Additional Protocol I provides: “It is … prohibited to misuse deliberately in an armed conflict … the flag of truce.”
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 38(1). Article 38 was adopted by consensus. CDDH, Official Records, Vol. VI, CDDH/SR.39, 25 May 1977, p. 103.
Article 23(2) of the draft Additional Protocol II submitted by the ICRC to the CDDH provided: “It is forbidden to make improper use of the flag of truce.”
This proposal was amended and adopted by consensus in Committee III of the CDDH.
CDDH, Official Records, Vol. XV, CDDH/III/SR.49, 4 June 1976, p. 109, § 8.
The approved text provided that it was “forbidden to misuse deliberately in armed conflict other internationally recognized protective emblems … including the flag of truce”.
CDDH, Official Records, Vol. XV, CDDH/236/Rev.1, 21 April–11 June 1976, p. 421.
Eventually, however, it was deleted by consensus in the plenary.
CDDH, Official Records, Vol. VII, CDDH/SR.52, 6 June 1977, p. 129.
Under Article 8(2)(b)(vii) of the 1998 ICC Statute, “[m]aking improper use of a flag of truce … resulting in death or serious personal injury” is a war crime in international armed conflicts.
Article 114 of the 1863 Lieber Code provides: “If it be discovered, and fairly proved, that a flag of truce has been abused for surreptitiously obtaining military knowledge, the bearer of the flag thus abusing his sacred character is deemed a spy.”
Instructions for the Government of Armies of the United States in the Field, prepared by Francis Lieber, promulgated as General Order No. 100 by President Abraham Lincoln, Washington D.C., 24 April 1863, Article 114.
Article 117 of the 1863 Lieber Code considers it “an act of bad faith, of infamy or fiendishness to deceive the enemy by flags of protection”.
Instructions for the Government of Armies of the United States in the Field, prepared by Francis Lieber, promulgated as General Order No. 100 by President Abraham Lincoln, Washington D.C., 24 April 1863, Article 117.
Article 13(f) of the 1874 Brussels Declaration especially forbids “[m]aking improper use of a flag of truce”.
Project of an International Declaration concerning the Laws and Customs of War, Brussels, 27 August 1874, Article 13(f).
Article 8(d) of the 1880 Oxford Manual provides: “It is forbidden … to make improper use … of the flag of truce.”
The Laws of War on Land, adopted by the Institute of International Law, Oxford, 9 September 1880, Article 8(d).
Based on several documents supplying evidence of outrages committed during the First World War, the 1919 Report of the Commission on Responsibility lists violations of the laws and customs of war which should be subject to criminal prosecution, including “misuse of flags”.
Paragraph 6 of the 1991 Memorandum of Understanding on the Application of IHL between Croatia and the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia requires that hostilities be conducted in accordance with Article 38 of the 1977 Additional Protocol I.
Paragraph 2.5 of the 1992 Agreement on the Application of IHL between the Parties to the Conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina requires that hostilities be conducted in accordance with Article 38 of the 1977 Additional Protocol I.
The UNTAET Regulation No. 2000/15 establishes panels with exclusive jurisdiction over serious criminal offences, including war crimes. According to Section 6(1)(b)(vii), “[m]aking improper use of a flag of truce … resulting in death or serious personal injury” is a war crime in international armed conflicts.
Argentina’s Law of War Manual (1969) provides that the improper use of the flag of parlementaires is a breach of good faith. It states, however, that the use said to be “improper” applies only in combat operations.
Argentina’s Law of War Manual (1989) states: “It is prohibited … to deliberately abuse … internationally recognized protective emblems, signs or signals, including the flag of parlementaires.”
Australia’s Commanders’ Guide (1994) provides: “The following examples constitute grave breaches or serious war crimes likely to warrant institution of criminal proceedings: … misusing or abusing … any … protected emblem for the purpose of gaining protection to which the user would not otherwise be entitled.”
Australia’s Defence Force Manual (1994) provides: “Deliberate misuse of … protective symbols and emblems, signs and signals, including the flag of truce … is … prohibited.”
The manual further states: “The following examples constitute grave breaches or serious war crimes likely to warrant institution of criminal proceedings: … misusing or abusing … any … protected emblem for the purpose of gaining protection to which the user would not otherwise be entitled.”
Australia’s LOAC Manual (2006) states: “Deliberate misuse of … protective symbols and emblems, signs and signals, including the flag of truce … is … prohibited.”
• to make improper use of the flag of truce.
Belgium’s Teaching Manual for Officers (1994) states: “It is prohibited to abuse the protective signs provided for by the [1949 Geneva] Conventions and [the 1977 Additional Protocol I]. Example: camouflaging arms and ammunition in a vehicle or a building flying … the white flag.”
Belgium, Droit de la Guerre, Manuel d’Instruction pour Officiers, Etat-Major Général, Division Opérations, 1994, Part I, Title II, p. 33.
Burkina Faso’s Disciplinary Regulations (1994) provides that, under the laws and customs of war, it is prohibited “to use improperly the flag of parlementaires”.
Burundi’s Regulations on International Humanitarian Law (2007) states that “[i]t is prohibited to improperly use … the white flag”.
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. 94; see also Part I bis, pp. 38 and 22.
Cameroon’s Disciplinary Regulations (1975) provides that, under the laws and customs of war, it is prohibited “to use improperly the flag of parlementaires”.
Cameroon’s Instructor’s Manual (1992) states that the improper use of distinctive signs and signals is an unlawful deception.
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. 30, § 131.2 and p. 89, § 222.
Cameroon’s Instructor’s Manual (2006) lists “improperly using distinctive signs and signals” as one of several “prohibited deceptions”.
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. 103, § 371; see also p. 147, § 431 and p. 222. § 222.
The Central African Republic’s Disciplinary Regulations (2009) states: “During combat, it is also prohibited for servicemen to … make improper use of the flag of parlementaires”.
The Congo’s Disciplinary Regulations (1986) provides that, under the laws and customs of war, it is prohibited “to use [improperly] the flag of parlementaires”.
b. to misuse deliberately other internationally recognized protective emblems, signs or signals, including the flag of truce.
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, p. 49.
Djibouti’s Disciplinary Regulations (1982) states: “It is prohibited for combatants to … make improper use of the flag of truce”.
Ecuador’s Naval Manual (1989) states: “Use of the white flag to gain a military advantage over the enemy is unlawful.”
The manual also states: “Protective signs and symbols may be used only to identify personnel, objects, and activities entitled to protected status which they designate. Any other use is forbidden by international law.”
Ecuador, Aspectos Importantes del Derecho Internacional Marítimo que Deben Tener Presente los Comandantes de los Buques, Academia de Guerra Naval, 1989, § 11.10.5.
In addition, the manual states: “The following acts constitute war crimes: … misuse [and] abuse … of flags of truce.”
Ecuador, Aspectos Importantes del Derecho Internacional Marítimo que Deben Tener Presente los Comandantes de los Buques, Academia de Guerra Naval, 1989, § 6.2.5(11).
France’s Disciplinary Regulations (1975), as amended, provides that, under international conventions, it is prohibited “to use improperly the flag of parlementaires”.
France’s LOAC Manual (2001) states: “It is prohibited … to use improperly … the white flag.”
Germany’s Military Manual (1992) provides: “It is prohibited to make improper use of a flag of truce.”
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, § 473.
Italy’s IHL Manual (1991) states that it is prohibited “to use improperly … the flag of parlementaires”.
Italy, Manuale di diritto umanitario, Introduzione e Volume I, Usi e convenzioni di Guerra, SMD-G-014, Stato Maggiore della Difesa, I Reparto, Ufficio Addestramento e Regolamenti, Rome, 1991, Vol. I, § 9(2).
The manual further states that grave breaches of international conventions and protocols, including “the improper … use of international protective signs”, constitute war crimes.
Lebanon’s Army Regulations (1971) prohibits combatants from unlawfully using the white flag.
Lebanon, Règlement Général de l’Armée, No. 1/400, Ministère de la Défense, Commandement de l’Armée, 14 January 1971, § 17.
Madagascar’s Military Manual (1994) states that the abuse of the white flag is prohibited.
Mali’s Army Regulations (1979) stipulates that, under the laws and customs of war, it is prohibited “to use improperly the flag of parlementaires”.
Morocco’s Disciplinary Regulations (1974) provides that, under the laws and customs of war, it is prohibited “to use improperly the flag of parlementaires”.
New Zealand’s Military Manual (1992) states: “Improper use of protective symbols … is prohibited.”
New Zealand, Interim Law of Armed Conflict Manual, DM 112, New Zealand Defence Force, Headquarters, Directorate of Legal Services, Wellington, November 1992, § 502.7.
The manual includes the white flag among the “protective symbols”.
New Zealand, Interim Law of Armed Conflict Manual, DM 112, New Zealand Defence Force, Headquarters, Directorate of Legal Services, Wellington, November 1992, Annex B, § B42.
The manual further states that “improperly using a flag of truce” is a war crime.
New Zealand, Interim Law of Armed Conflict Manual, DM 112, New Zealand Defence Force, Headquarters, Directorate of Legal Services, Wellington, November 1992, § 1704.2.f.
Nigeria’s Military Manual (1994) notes that it is prohibited “to make improper use of flag of truce”.
Nigeria, International Humanitarian Law (IHL), Directorate of Legal Services, Nigerian Army, 1994, p. 40, § 5(l)(v).
Nigeria’s Manual on the Laws of War provides that “improper use of the flag of truce” is an “illegitimate tactic”.
Nigeria, The Laws of War, by Lt. Col. L. Ode PSC, Nigerian Army, Lagos, undated, § 14.
The manual also states that the “abuse of … a white flag” is a war crime.
Nigeria’s Soldiers’ Code of Conduct states that it is prohibited “to make improper use of flag of truce”.
Nigeria, Code of Conduct for Combatants, “The Soldier’s Rules”, Nigerian Army, undated, § 12(f).
Peru’s IHL Manual (2004) states: “It is prohibited to make improper use of the … white flag (flag of truce).”
Peru, Manual de Derecho Internacional Humanitario para las Fuerzas Armadas, Resolución Ministerial Nº 1394-2004-DE/CCFFAA/CDIH-FFAA, Lima, 1 December 2004, § 27.e.(8).(e).
Peru’s IHL and Human Rights Manual (2010) states: “It is prohibited to make improper use of the … white flag (flag of truce).”
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(e)(8)(e), p. 238–239.
Under the Republic of Korea’s Military Regulation 187 (1991), illegal use of the white flag is a war crime.
Senegal’s Disciplinary Regulations (1990) provides that, under the laws and customs of war, it is prohibited “to use improperly the flag of parlementaires”.
South Africa’s LOAC Manual (1996) defines the “abuse of … a flag of truce” as a grave breach of the law of war and a war crime.
South Africa, Presentation on the South African Approach to International Humanitarian Law, Appendix A, Chapter 4: International Humanitarian Law (The Law of Armed Conflict), National Defence Force, 1996, §§ 39(e) and 41. This manual is also included in Chapter 4 of the Draft Civic Education Manual of 1997.
South Africa’s Revised Civic Education Manual (2004) provides that “[a]buse of … a flag of truce” is regarded as a grave breach of the law of armed conflict and a war crime.
South Africa, Revised Civic Education Manual, South African National Defence Force, 2004, Chapter 4, §§ 61(e) and 57.
Examples of Punishments that can be Imposed for War Crimes or Grave Breaches
- Misuse of protected signs: 10 years imprisonment.
South Africa, Advanced Law of Armed Conflict Teaching Manual, School of Military Justice, 1 April 2008, as amended to 25 October 2013, Learning Unit 5, pp. 236 and 238.
Spain’s LOAC Manual (1996) provides that the improper use – to identify persons and objects not protected – of the white flag is a prohibited deception.
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, § 5.3.c; see also § 10.8.e.(1).
The manual also states that the white flag may not be used for other than its intended purpose.
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, § 3.3.b.(2).
It is prohibited to make improper use of the following distinctive signs and signals for any purpose other than the intended one:
(e) the white flag (flag of truce).
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, § 3.3.b.(2).(e); see also § 5.3.c.
Sweden’s IHL Manual (1991) considers that the prohibition of improper use of recognized emblems, as contained in Article 38 of the 1977 Additional Protocol I, is part of customary international law.
In land combat it is not unusual for one of the parties to attempt to win a tactical advantage by concealing the character of his own forces prior to attack, in order to mislead or surprise the adversary … A flag of truce may not, however, be used for such purposes.
Sweden, International Humanitarian Law in Armed Conflict, with reference to the Swedish Total Defence System, Swedish Ministry of Defence, January 1991, Section 3.2.1.1.b, p. 30.
- I shall use the distinctive emblems, white flag and uniform in accordance with the rules (cf. Rule 10). These also protect my comrades and me;
I am familiar with the international protective signs and their meaning.
Switzerland, The Ten Basic Rules of the Law of Armed Conflict, Aide-memoire 51.007/IIIe, Swiss Army, issued based on Article 10 of the Ordinance for Organization of the Federal Department for Defence, Civil Protection and Sports dated 7 March 2003, entry into force on 1 July 2005, Rules 8 and 10.
The Aide-Memoire also states with regard to the white flag: “Prohibited is/are … Improper use of the White Flag in order to achieve a military advantage.”
223 Misuse of a distinctive sign and the feigning of protected status are prohibited in any place and at any time. Examples: … using the white flag to feign surrender and then opening fire on the approaching enemy …
237 The following in particular are criminal offences: improper use of international distinctive signs[.]
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, §§ 223 and 237.
Ukraine’s IHL Manual (2004) states: “The following methods of warfare shall be prohibited: … misuse of … the white flag of truce”.
Ukraine, Manual on the Application of IHL Rules, Ministry of Defence, 11 September 2004, § 1.3.2.
The UK Military Manual (1958) provides: “Improper use of a flag of truce or of signals of surrender is forbidden. The flag must not be used merely to gain time to effect a retreat or bring up reinforcements.”
In connection with the requirements for granting the status of combatant, the manual notes in particular that irregular troops should be warned against improper conduct with flags of truce.
The manual further states: “In addition to the ‘grave breaches’ of the 1949 [Geneva] Conventions, … the following are examples of punishable violations of the laws of war, or war crimes: … abuse of … a flag of truce”.
The UK LOAC Pamphlet (1981) provides: “It is forbidden … to make improper use in combat of a flag of truce.”
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 4, p. 12, § 2d.
The UK LOAC Manual (2004) states: “It is prohibited to … misuse deliberately in an armed conflict other internationally recognized protective emblems, signs or signals, including the flag of truce.”
United Kingdom, The Manual of the Law of Armed Conflict, Ministry of Defence, 1 July 2004, § 5.10.
In its chapter on negotiations between belligerents, the manual states:
With regard to internal armed conflict, the manual provides: “It is prohibited to make improper use of the flag of truce.”
United Kingdom, The Manual of the Law of Armed Conflict, Ministry of Defence, 1 July 2004, § 15.13.
f. to make improper use of a flag of truce.
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, § 504(e).
The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia’s Military Manual (1988) provides: “It is forbidden to use, during combat, in order to mislead the enemy … the flag of parlementaires and the white flag in general.”
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, § 105(1).
Algeria’s Code of Military Justice (1971) punishes:
any individual, whether military or not, who, in time of war, in an area of operations … in violation of the laws and customs of war, improperly uses the distinctive signs and emblems defined by international conventions for the respect of persons, objects and places protected by these conventions.
Algeria, Code of Military Justice, 1971, Article 299.
Australia’s War Crimes Act (1945) considers “any war crime within the meaning of the instrument of appointment of the Board of Inquiry [set up to investigate war crimes committed by enemy subjects]” as a war crime, including misuse of flags of truce.
A person shall not, without the consent in writing of the Minister or of a person authorized in writing by the Minister to give consents … use for any purpose whatsoever any of the following:
such … emblems, identity cards, signs, signals, insignia or uniforms as are prescribed for the purpose of giving effect to [the 1977 Additional Protocol I].
The relevant provisions in this Act were removed in 2002 and incorporated into the Criminal Code Act 1995.
Australia’s ICC (Consequential Amendments) Act (2002) incorporates in the Criminal Code the war crimes defined in the 1998 ICC Statute, including “improper use of a flag of truce” in international armed conflicts.
Australia, ICC (Consequential Amendments) Act, 2002, Schedule 1, § 268.41.
Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code (1999) provides that “the misuse of the white flag … which as a result caused death or serious injury to body of a victim” constitutes a war crime in international and non-international armed conflicts.
Belarus’s Criminal Code (1999) provides that it is a war crime to “use intentionally, during hostilities, in violation of international treaties, … signs protected by international law”.
Belarus, Criminal Code, 1999, Article 138.
30. improper use of the white flag of truce … , when it results in loss of life or serious injury
Belgium, Penal Code, 1867, as amended on 5 August 2003, Chapter III, Title I bis, Article 136 quater, § 1(30).
16 bis improper use of the white flag of truce … , when it results in loss of life or serious injury.
Belgium, Law relating to the Repression of Grave Breaches of International Humanitarian Law, 1993, as amended on 23 April 2003, Article 1 ter, § 1(16 bis).
Under the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Criminal Code (1998), “whoever misuses or carries without authorization … any … international symbols recognized as the protection of certain objects from military operations” commits a war crime.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Federation, Criminal Code, 1998, Article 166(1).
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska, Criminal Code, 2000, Article 445(1).
(1) Whoever misuses or carries without authorization … any … international symbols recognized as the protection of certain objects from military operations,
(2) Whoever perpetrates the criminal offence referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article during a state of war or imminent war …
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Criminal Code, 2003, Article 184.
Burkina Faso’s Code of Military Justice (1994) punishes the improper use, in violation of the laws and customs of war, of the distinctive insignia and emblems for the protection of persons, objects and locations as defined in international conventions, in time of war and in an area of military operations.
Burkina Faso, Code of Military Justice, 1994, Article 205.
g) making improper use of a flag of truce … , resulting in death or serious personal injury.
Burundi, Law on Genocide, Crimes against Humanity and War Crimes, 2003, Article 4(B)(g).
7°. Making improper use of a flag of truce … , resulting in death or serious personal injury.
Burundi, Penal Code, 2009, Article 198(2)(7°).
China’s Law Governing the Trial of War Criminals (1946) provides that “indiscriminate use of the Armistice Flags” constitutes a war crime.
China, Law Governing the Trial of War Criminals, 1946, Article 3(31).
Côte d’Ivoire’s Penal Code (1981), as amended in 1998, punishes “anyone who, in an area of military operations, uses, in violation of the laws and customs of war, the distinctive insignia and emblems, defined by international conventions, to ensure respect for protected persons, objects and places”.
Côte d’Ivoire, Penal Code, 1981, as amended in 1998, Article 473.
Under Croatia’s Criminal Code (1997), “whoever misuses or carries without authorization … recognized international signs used to mark objects for the purpose of protection against military operations” commits a war crime.
Croatia, Criminal Code, 1997, Article 168(1).
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Code of Military Justice (1972), as amended in 1980, punishes “any individual, whether military or not, who, in time of war … improperly uses the distinctive signs and emblems defined by international conventions to ensure respect for the persons, objects and places protected under these conventions”.
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Code of Military Justice, 1972, as amended in 1980, Article 455.
Under Estonia’s Penal Code (2001), “exploitative abuse … of the flag of truce” is a war crime.
Estonia, Penal Code, 2001, § 105.
Fiji’s Geneva Conventions Promulgation (2007), as amended in 2009, states:
Part IV—Misuse of the Red Cross and Other Emblems, Signs, Signals, Identity Cards, Insignia and Uniforms
Use of red cross, red crescent and other emblems, etc.
12.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, it shall not be lawful for any person, without the consent in writing of the Minister of Home Affairs or a person authorized in writing by the Minister to give consent under this section, to use or display for any purpose whatsoever any of the following:
(j) such other flags … as are prescribed for the purpose of giving effect to the Conventions or Protocols.
Fiji, Geneva Conventions Promulgation, 2007, as amended in 2009, § 12(1)(j).
Finland’s Criminal Code (1889), as amended in 2008, provides that any person who “misuses a white flag” shall be “sentenced for a war crime to imprisonment for at least one year or for life”.
Finland, Criminal Code, 1889, as amended in 2008, Chapter 11, Section 5(1)(11).
any individual, military or not, who, in time of war, in the area of operations of a force or unit, in violation of the laws and customs of war, uses improperly the distinctive signs and emblems defined by international conventions to ensure the respect for persons, objects and places protected by those conventions.
The offence by any person, military or not, who in times of war, in the area of operations of a force or unit, in violation of the laws and customs of war, improperly uses the distinctive signs and emblems defined by the international conventions to ensure the respect for persons, objects and places protected by these conventions, is punished with five years’ imprisonment.
France’s Code of Defence (2004), as amended in 2008, states: “[Combatants] are … prohibited to improperly use the flag of parlementaire”.
Under Georgia’s Criminal Code (1999), any war crime provided for by the 1998 ICC Statute, which is not explicitly mentioned in the Code, such as “making improper use of a flag of truce, … resulting in death or serious personal injury” in international armed conflicts, is a crime.
Germany’s Law Introducing the International Crimes Code (2002) punishes anyone who, in connection with an international or a non-international armed conflict, “makes improper use … of the flag of truce … thereby causing a person’s death or serious injury”.
Iraq’s Law of the Supreme Iraqi Criminal Tribunal (2005) identifies the following as a serious violation of the laws and customs of war applicable in international armed conflicts: “Making improper use of a flag of truce … resulting in death or serious personal injury”.
Iraq, Law of the Supreme Iraqi Criminal Tribunal, 2005, Article 13(2)(H).
Under Ireland’s Geneva Conventions Act (1962), as amended in 1998, any “minor breach” of the 1977 Additional Protocol I, including violations of Article 38(1), is a punishable offence.
Italy’s Law of War Decree (1938), as amended in 1992, provides that it is prohibited “to use improperly the flag of parlementaires”.
Italy, Law of War Decree, 1938, as amended in 1992, Article 36(1).
Italy’s Wartime Military Penal Code (1941) punishes anyone who “uses improperly … the flag of parlementaires”.
Italy, Wartime Military Penal Code, 1941, Article 180(4).
Under Mali’s Penal Code (2001), “using the flag of parlementaires … and, thereby, causing loss of human lives or serious injuries” is a war crime in international armed conflicts.
Mali, Penal Code (2001), Article 31(i)(7).
Nicaragua’s Military Penal Code (1996) punishes any soldier who, in time of war and in an area of military operations, “unlawfully displays the flag of parlementaires”.
Nicaragua, Military Penal Code, 1996, Article 50(1).
Norway, Military Penal Code, 1902, as amended in 1981, 1902, § 108(b).
Norway’s Penal Code (1902), as amended in 2008, states: “Any person is liable to punishment for a war crime who in connection with an armed conflict … makes improper use of a flag of truce … resulting in death or serious injury.”
Norway, Penal Code, 1902, as amended in 2008, § 105(c).
Any member of the military or police who in the context of an international or non-international armed conflict kills or seriously injures a person by making improper use of … the flag of truce … shall be imprisoned for a period of no less than ten and no more than 20 years.
If the person intentionally causes the death of another person the penalty shall be no less than 20 and no more than 30 years imprisonment.
Peru, Code of Military and Police Justice, 2006, Article 100.
Poland’s Penal Code (1997) punishes “any person who, during hostilities, uses … any … sign protected by international law”, in violation thereof.
Poland, Penal Code, 1997, Article 126(2).
The Republic of Korea’s ICC Act (2007) provides for the punishment of anyone who commits the war crime of “[making] improper use … of the flag of truce …, resulting in a person’s death or serious personal injury” in both international and non-international armed conflicts.
6. making improper use of a flag of truce … , resulting in death or serious personal injury.
Senegal, Penal Code, 1965, as amended in 2007, Article 431-3(b)(6).
Under Slovenia’s Penal Code (1994), “whoever abuses or carries without authorization … internationally recognized symbols used for the protection … against military operations” commits a war crime.
Slovenia, Penal Code, 1994, Article 386(1).
Somalia’s Military Criminal Code (1963) states: “A penalty of military confinement for up to seven years shall be applied to anyone who improperly uses … the flag of truce.”
Somalia, Military Criminal Code, 1963, Article 364.
Spain’s Military Criminal Code (1985) punishes any soldier who “displays improperly the flag of parlementaires”.
Spain, Military Criminal Code, 1985, Article 75(1).
Spain’s Penal Code (1995) punishes “anyone who, during an armed conflict, … uses improperly … the flag of parlementaires or of surrender”.
4. Improperly using the protective or distinctive signs, emblems or signals established and recognized under international treaties to which Spain is a party.
Subject to the provisions of the Criminal Act of 1991, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, whoever intentionally misuses the flag of truce … the result of such acts being death, or considerable casualty among enemy personnel.
Sudan, Armed Forces Act, 2007, Article 155.
Under Sweden’s Penal Code (1962), as amended in 1998, “misuse of … the flag of parlementaires” constitutes a crime against international law.
In times of war, the following persons are subject to military criminal law in addition to the persons mentioned in Articles 3 and 4 [of the present code]:
3. enemy parlementaires and persons who accompany them if they abuse their situation to commit crimes.
Switzerland, Military Criminal Code, 1937, as amended in 2007, Article 5(3).
g. makes improper use of a flag of truce[.]
Switzerland, Military Criminal Code, 1927, taking into account amendments entered into force up to 2011, Articles 110 and 112c (1)(g).
Switzerland, Penal Code, 1937, taking into account amendments entered into force up to 2011, Articles 264b and 264g (1)(g).
15. Making improper use of a flag of truce … resulting in death or serious personal injury.
Uruguay, Law on Cooperation with the ICC, 2006, Article 26.2 and 26.3.15.
Under the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia’s Penal Code (1976), as amended in 2001, the use of a prohibited method of combat is a war crime.
The commentary specifies that: “The following methods of combat are banned under international law: … abuse of the flag of parlementaires, … the white flag”.
Yugoslavia, Socialist Federal Republic of, Penal Code, 1976, as amended in 2001, commentary on Article 148(1); see also Article 153(1).
Emblems (distinctive sign)
Other emblems with a protective function include the white flag for Combatants who wish to parley or surrender, and a blue triangle on an orange ground, as the emblem of Civil defence. Improper use of these emblems is prohibited by law.
Switzerland, Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, ABC of International Humanitarian Law, 2009, pp. 18–19.
A training video on IHL produced by the UK Ministry of Defence illustrates the rule that the false use of emblems is forbidden.
In 1970, in a report on respect for human rights in armed conflicts, the UN Secretary-General stated:
As was felt by the experts convened by the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1969, the prohibition of the improper use of the white flag … contained in article 23(f) [of the 1907 Hague Regulations], should be strongly reaffirmed.
UN Secretary-General, Report on respect for human rights in armed conflicts, UN Doc. A/8052, 2 March 1970, § 102.
To fulfil its task of disseminating IHL, the ICRC has delegates around the world teaching armed and security forces that: “It is prohibited to make improper use (that is to mark other persons and objects than those entitled to) of … the white flag (flag of truce)”.
Frédéric de Mulinen, Handbook on the Law of War for Armed Forces, ICRC, Geneva, 1987, § 407(e).
In a working paper on war crimes submitted in 1997 to the Preparatory Committee for the Establishment of an International Criminal Court, the ICRC included “improper use of a flag of truce”, when committed in an international armed conflict, in its list of war crimes to 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, § 2(x).