Special Considerations

It's important for customers to keep an eye out on how much they spend
on bank fees and, is possible, how to avoid them because they can add up. The
national average for monthly checking account maintenance fees in the United States
amounted to $14.13 or $169.56 for a year, according to Money Rates. That's the
highest amount surveyed by the site in seven years. Keep in mind, this figure doesn't
include things like overdraft fees, transfer and withdrawal fees, charges to use the ATM
and others. To minimize the amount paid in fees, it's important to maintain monthly
minimum balances, limit the number of withdrawals, avoid bouncing checks, and
making credit card payments on time.

What Is SWIFT?
SWIFT is the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, a
strategic, global member-owned cooperative and the world's leading provider of secure
financial messaging services. Founded in 1973, it was created in order to replace the
older telex system. SWIFT connects over. 11,000 banks and financial institutions in over
200 countries and is governed by the G-10 central banks, meaning those of Belgium,
Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, United
States, and Switzerland.

The central banks of other major economies also play an important role in
SWIFT, including those of Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Korea, Russia, Saudi
Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, and Turkey. SWIFT is crucial to the functioning of the
global economy, allowing it to run smoothly through secure financial messaging
between banks all over the world, and amongst other things - easing secure
international money transfers.

What Is a SWIFT Code?

 A SWIFT code is an alphanumeric code to identify specific banks around the
world. It is a type of Bank Identification Code (BIC), and the two terms are often used
interchangeably. The SWIFT code, or a variation on it, is an important part of
international money transfers. SWIFT codes are often used for international wire
transfers and currency exchanges.

SWIFT codes are used to identify the recipient's bank network, and when used
together with other information like bank identifiers and account numbers, they can
verify exactly where transferred money should be deposited. Entering a SWIFT code
allows for the faster and easier exchange and deposit of currency around the world.

SWIFT codes are made up of several different areas. The first four characters
are letters and specify the bank's name. The next two characters are also letters and
define the country code where the bank is located. The next two characters are
alphanumeric and help to specify the bank's location. There may be a final three
alphanumeric characters that provide further details on the bank.

SWIFT codes are related to bank identifiers, BIC, IBAN, ACH, SWIFT- BIC,
SWIFT ID, CLABE, Canadian transit numbers, routing numbers, account numbers and
sort codes.

To see the SWIFT codes of individual banks in countries such as the US, UK,
Canada, and the Philippines, take a look at the lists.

What Are Bank Fees?

The term bank fees refers to any charges imposed by financial institutions on
their personal and business customers for account set-up, maintenance, and minor

transactional services. These fees may be charged on a one-time or ongoing

basis. Examples of bank fees range from account maintenance charges, withdrawal and
transfer fees, automated teller machine (ATM) fees, non-sufficient fund (NSF) fees, late
payment charges, and others.

Understanding Bank Fees

Banks charge fees for the services they provide their personal and commercial
clients and they seemingly lurk everywhere. For instance, banks charge customers fees
just to have certain deposit accounts open. In other cases, they may charge service
fees to conduct transactions or as penalties for things like bouncing checks. Certain
fees apply to all customers across the board, while others may be waived under certain
conditions.

Bank fees are the fees you or a beneficiary could pay to a bank as the result of
transferring, exchanging, or otherwise paying for or receiving an international money
transfer.

Bank fees, also known as "bank charges" or "processing fees", are just one type
of fee you may be charged when transferring money, with other potential fees including
exchange rate margins, fixed fees and commission fees.

What makes bank fees different from other fees associated with money transfers
is that bank fees. tend to be outside the control of your bank or currency exchange
provider. As such, you'll only be charged a bank fee if it's necessary to complete the
transfer.

When Are Bank Fees Charged?

Circumstances in which banks may be required to charge a bank fee in addition
to other fees might include:

• Wire transfers into or out of sender or beneficiary accounts.

• Transfers that are sent via SWIFT or other banking protocols.
• Beneficiary banks charging a fee to receive a transfer.
• Intermediary banks charging fees to process money in transit.
 Bank fees sometimes mean that either you or your beneficiary (or both) could
lose more in fees than had been initially indicated due to circumstances beyond your
bank's control.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Bank fees are imposed by financial institutions on their customers for

account set-up, maintenance, and minor transactions.
• These fees may be charged on a one- time or ongoing basis.
• Fees make up a big portion of bank revenue.
• Types of bank fees include account maintenance fees, withdrawal and
transfer fees, and ATM fees.

Special Considerations
It's important for customers to keep an eye out on how much they spend on bank
fees and, is possible, how to avoid them because they can add up. The national
average for monthly checking account maintenance fees electronically. You can link
bank accounts at the same bank or between different financial institutions. For example,
linking external bank accounts is something you may do if you're opening a new
account with an online bank.
Let's say you have a checking account at your local brick-and-mortar bank and
decide to open an online savings account. The bank requires you to make your initial
deposit using an ACH electronic funds transfer. You could link your existing checking
account to your new online savings account to schedule the transfer deposit.
Linking bank accounts doesn't make them the same account. It just makes it
easier for you to move money from checking to savings or vice versa. And as
mentioned in the online savings account example above, it may sometimes be
necessary to link a checking account so that you can deposit money to an online
savings account if you're not able to do so at a branch or ATM.
 Is It Safe to Link Bank Accounts?
The short answer is yes, it's safe to link bank accounts. Linking bank accounts is
as safe as any other banking activity. The level of security provided depends on your
bank or credit union. For example, some banks allow you to set up multifactor
authentication or biometric login (fingerprint or facial recognition) when logging in to
your mobile banking app. This creates an added layer of security, in addition to your
unique username and password.
Keeping your banking information safe, especially if you primarily bank online, is
important. Identity thieves and fraudsters can wreak havoc with your bank accounts if
you're not taking steps to protect them.
If you're unsure what safety measures your bank offers, you can check online or
call a branch to ask. Also, keep in mind that you may need to contact more than one
bank if you're linking accounts at different financial institutions to make transfers.
Americans piled up an estimated $2.5 trillion in extra savings during the
pandemic. But now, that money is dwindling as people use their cash reserves to deal
with the worst inflation in over 40 years. According to a new Forbes Advisor survey, a
full two-thirds of Americans say they're raiding their savings as prices for goods and
services spike.
A fresh government inflation reading shows consumer prices in May were up
8.6% from a year earlier the biggest annual increase since 1981. Inflation is hurting
workers, with wages not able to keep pace. From May 2021 to May 2022, real wages
adjusted for inflation dropped 3.0%, widening the gap between earnings and costs of
goods and services.
Although it's unclear why older age groups are less likely to tap their savings,
rising rent might be forming a dividing line between the generations during this
inflationary time.
In April, the national median monthly rent jumped 15%, according to a report by
Redfin. And in some places-including Austin (46%) and Portland, Oregon (33%) -the
spike was much higher.
Older households have the highest homeownership rate, so their housing costs
are likely fixed. Younger Americans are more likely to rent. In the first quarter of this
year, about 79% of people ages 65 and older owned their homes compared to just 39%
of those under 35.

As Inflation Presses On, Financial Strategy Is Essential

The Federal Reserve is fighting inflation with interest rate hikes and other
monetary policy changes. But there's no way of knowing when inflation will begin to
subside-or, at worst, whether the Fed's moves will trigger a recession.
Consumers can adjust to inflation in various ways, from cutting back on spending
to consolidating debt. Some might also consider switching jobs for higher pay or a better
health insurance or retirement savings plan.
Inflation is making it challenging for many people to save money, but putting
money aside is essential for a solid financial plan.

When to Tap Your Savings

While it's not the best idea to use savings to cover today's higher prices for
gasoline, food and just about everything else, it beats one alternative: turning to your
credit cards. The interest rates are often high, and they're going up.
In the survey, 64% say they expect interest rates will climb over the next 12
months. The Fed's rate hikes have a nearly direct impact on many credit card rates, and
as those rates rise you'll find yourself with a lot more debt from purchases you finance
with plastic. If you must use a credit card, look into the best cards with 0% interest rates.
If you're currently living off your emergency savings, make a plan to bring in more
money, cut down on expenses, or a combination of both-before your savings are
completely gone.

How to Maximize the Return on Your Savings

Americans who are still managing to save are putting the money in traditional
places.
Maybe too traditional.
The survey found more than half of savers (53%) are socking money away in a
conventional savings or checking account. Those are some of the worst ways to stash
cash if you want it to grow.
 The main advantages of keeping money in a standard savings account are quick
access to funds and low risk, but that's where the benefits end. The top APYS on high-
yield savings accounts are barely edging over 1%, which is not much.

What Is a CD Ladder?
When you open a CD, you're committing to saving your money for a set period.
Banks and credit unions may offer terms ranging from 28 days to 10 years. Once your
CD matures, you can renew the CD, roll the money into a new CD or cash out the CD.
Having a CD ladder means opening multiple CDs with varying maturity dates.
As each CD matures, you decide what to do with the principal and interest
earned. Since you know when each will mature, you can plan ahead to decide what to
do with the money.
One of the benefits of laddering is that you have flexibility-you can choose which
CDs to include. For example, you might choose to have five CDs that mature at six
months, 12 months, 18 months, 24 months and 36 months. You can open each CD with
the same amount of money or put more money in some CDs and less in others.
There's also the option to open all the CDs in your ladder at the same bank or
mix and match CDs from different banks, depending on who's offering the best interest
rates. As a savings strategy, it's easy to customize a CD ladder to meet your needs.
There's also the option to open all the CDs in your ladder at the same bank or
mix and match CDs from different banks, depending on who's offering the best interest
rates. As a savings strategy, it's easy to customize a CD ladder to meet your needs.
Certificates of deposit (CDs) can offer a safe way to save and grow your money.
These time deposit accounts offer a guaranteed rate of return at potentially higher rates
than you may find with a savings account or money market account. And laddering CDs
can help you maximize savings.
So, what is a CD ladder? It's a strategy that uses multiple CDs to earn interest
across different time periods. Using a CD ladder may work for you if you want to
maximize your money's growth while minimizing the odds of triggering an early
withdrawal penalty from a CD account.

How to Build a CD Ladder

 Creating a ladder CD strategy isn't difficult, but it's good to have a plan and some
goals in mind. Building a CD ladder begins with making some decisions:
• The total amount you want to save.
• The number of CDs you want to open.
• How much you want to keep in each CD.
• Which maturity terms to choose.
• Where you want to open your CDS
Remember, this should be money you won't need right away. This means that a
CD isn't a good place to park emergency savings since making an early withdrawal
could result in a penalty.
Also, think about how you want your money spread across your CDs and how
many you'll need to open. Here's a CD ladder example that can help you visualize the
process.
Say you have $5,000 to save and you want to open five CDs. You could add
$1,000 to each CD so that they all have the same amount, but for different terms and at
different rates. Your CD ladder would look like this:
• CD 1: $1,000 at 0.50% for 6 months.
• CD 2: $1,000 at 0.90% for 12 months.
• CD 3: $1,000 at 1.10% for 15 months.
• CD 4: $1,000 at 1.25% for 18 months.
• CD 5: $1,000 at 1.35% for 24 months
On the other hand, you could choose to allocate them for different amounts, with
the highest balance earning the highest APY.

Drawbacks of CD Laddering
Creating a CD ladder could help you get more out of your savings efforts while
avoiding early withdrawal penalties. But there are some potential downsides to keep in
mind.

You May Lose Out to Inflation

CD rates tend to be on the lower side historically compared to some other
investments. This can make it more difficult for the interest you earn to keep pace with
inflation during periods of rising prices. While you may be earning a steady rate of return
from your CDs, your money has less purchasing power overall.

Is CD Laddering a Good Idea?

Creating a CD ladder could be a good idea if you want to keep your money in a
secure place while earning interest and avoiding early withdrawal penalties. When
deciding how to save, it's helpful to consider where CD ladders fit in your larger financial
picture. Different financial goals may be served better by other financial products.
For instance, both a 401(k) and an individual retirement account can be useful
when investing for retirement. Meanwhile, a high- yield savings account could be a good
choice for holding your emergency savings. CD ladders can offer a middle ground when
you're saving for both the short and the long term. The more diversified you are with
your saving and investing efforts, the better.

You Can Capitalize on Interest Rate Changes

Interest rates aren't set in stone. When rates rise, it's an opportunity for savers.
By laddering CDs with varying maturity terms, you're in a position to take advantage of
higher rates when they come along.
For example, let's say you have a CD maturing in the next month and, thanks to
an interest rate increase, your bank is now offering 2.00% versus the 1.75% you're
earning on your current CD. You could roll the money into a new CD to lock in the
higher rate.

You Can Avoid Early Withdrawal Penalties

CDs are time deposit accounts, meaning you're committing to saving money in
them for the duration of the term. Withdrawing money from a CD before it matures often
triggers a penalty. which typically means forfeiting some or all of the interest you've
earned so far.
Having a ladder of CDs with maturity dates spaced out can help reduce your
odds of triggering an early withdrawal penalty when you need access to cash. For
example, if you've spaced out CDs every six months, you don't have long to wait until
your next CD matures.
 You Can Save for Different Financial Goals
ACD ladder can also be helpful when saving for a mix of short- and long-term
financial goals.

Choosing a Bank or Credit Union

Before opening a bank account, the first step is deciding where to keep your
money. The options generally include traditional banks, online banks and credit unions.
Understanding how each one works and what they offer can help you decide where to
open a bank account.

Traditional Bank
Traditional, brick-and-mortar banks typically offer a range of account types,
including personal checking and savings accounts and business checking and savings
accounts. The main advantage traditional banks offer is local branch access. For
example, if you need to deposit cash, you can do so at a drive-through or in person at a
teller window. Under the umbrella of traditional banking, you'll find big banks as well as
smaller, regional or community banks.
A bank account can be very convenient if you need a place to deposit your
paychecks or a way to pay bills and cover everyday spending. But not everyone has
one: Federal Reserve data shows that 18% of American households are either
underbanked, meaning they rely on nontraditional banking options, or unbanked,
meaning they have no bank account at all.
Opening a bank account has its benefits, and the process isn't as complicated as
it may seem. Whether you're preparing to open your very first bank account or you're
ready to switch your accounts to a new bank, it helps to know what to expect.

Online Bank
Online banks and banking services offer many of the same account options you'd
find at traditional banks. The difference is that you're banking through a website or app
versus accessing your money at a physical branch. Online banks typically charge fewer
fees and offer better interest rates on deposit accounts than traditional banks.
Neobanks, fintech firms that offer banking services, are included in the online bank
category.
Savings accounts and money market accounts also can earn interest and both
are designed to hold the money you don't plan to spend right away. For example, you
may use a savings account for your emergency fund, or you could save money toward a
down payment on a home in a money market account.
Some money market accounts offer debit cards or check-writing capabilities.
Both money market accounts and savings accounts have been subject to federal rules
regarding the number of withdrawals you can make each month (suspended in 2020 by
the Federal Reserve). Checking accounts are not subject to these limitations, although
the bank or credit union may set limits on withdrawals.

What To Expect When You Open Your New

Account
Opening a bank account is something you can do relatively quickly, either online
or at a bank or credit union branch.
Generally, you can expect the bank to ask you to fill out an application for a new
account- that's usually the first step. From there, you'll need to verify your identity and
provide any other information the bank asks for, such as your address or phone
number.
If the bank requires a minimum deposit, you'll have to make that deposit when
you open your new account. If you're opening an account
Some banks and credit unions offer teen checking and student checking options
for kids under 18. These usually require a parent or guardian's signature to open.
Financial institutions may also offer savings accounts for kids, with parents acting
as the custodian until the child turns 18. Once the child reaches their 18th birthday, they
automatically assume ownership of the account.

Joint Accounts
A joint bank account has more than one owner. For example, you may open a
bank account with your spouse if you're married. Or, you may set up a joint checking
account with an aging parent if you're helping them manage their finances.
 What Insurance Do You Need for a Small
Business?
When you're buying small business insurance, your coverage decisions will
depend on your business's type and size. Here are common coverage types.
• General liability insurance gives a business protection against
liability claims such as bodily injury and property damage to others.
• Commercial property insurance covers the physical property of
your small business, such as fire damage or theft.
• Workers compensation insurance offers coverage for when an
employee becomes ill or injured because of their job. It's required in most states,
but rules on who has to be covered vary.

What Does Small Business Insurance Cover?

Here's a closer look at top coverage types for small businesses.
General liability insurance pays for legal costs such as hiring an attorney and
any judgments against you and your business. General liability insurance includes
coverage for damage to reputation such as slander or libel and copyright infringement.
Liability insurance pays others, not your own business. It's also known as
business liability insurance.
Commercial property insurance covers a number of business items including
computers and workstations, desks and chairs, business records, business inventory
and supplies. Commercial property insurance can also cover a business's office and
business building.

Do You Need a Business Owners Policy (BOP)?

If you are a small business owner, you may wish to consider a business owners
policy (BOP). A BOP includes:
• General liability insurance
• Commercial property insurance
 • Business interruption insurance, which helps you recover lost
business income if your business is unable to open because of a problem such
as a fire
A BOP is less expensive than buying separate insurance policies for this same
coverage. So, consider whether a BOP is right for you.

Do You Need Commercial Auto Insurance?

A commercial auto insurance policy is the right way to cover vehicles that you
use for business, whether it's a company car or a commercial truck or van.
If you get into an accident while driving the vehicle for business, your personal
insurance policy won't cover the claim.
There are a few ways you can access the equity in your home without selling it:
• What is a home equity loan?
• What is a home equity lines of credit? (HELOC).
• When to use cash-out refinancing
There are key differences between these three loan types, so it's important to
understand what they are so you can choose the loan that best fits your financial needs.
Borrowing against your equity can be set up as a loan (home equity loan)-where
you receive one lump sum and repay it with interest over time-or a line of credit (home
equity line of credit, or HELOC) that you can access over a certain period of time.
A home equity loan is a good option if you know how much you need to borrow,
if, for example, you're consolidating debt. A HELOC is a good option for uses like
construction or home renovations, as these costs can change over time. The HELOC
allows you to use as much or as little of the credit as you want and you can continue to
borrow as you pay down the principal. Both of these options require you to get a second
mortgage on your house.

What is travel insurance?

The purpose of travel insurance is to compensate you in the event that you face
major problems abroad or while on holiday.
Traveling without coverage could leave you deeply out of pocket if the
unthinkable happens. In spite of the Covid-19 pandemic still disrupting and limiting
international travel plans, insurance provides critical protection when planning a trip
abroad.

What methodology did we use?

We used data from our travel insurance partner CYTI to review single trip travel
insurance policies for a family of four (two adults, both aged in their 40s, and two
teenagers) travelling to Spain for seven days.
We've assumed no members of the family have any pre-existing medical
conditions.
All policies include at least £2 million in medical and repatriation cover and
£2,000 in cancellation cover, which extend to risks related to Covid-19, as well as
£1,500 in baggage and belongings cover.
We found the least expensive policies that met these credentials and scored
them based on price. We then converted each score into a Forbes Advisor star rating
out of five.

Why should I switch my gas tariff?

Perhaps the question should be, why spend more money on gas than you need
to? If you haven't switched gas supplier for more than two or three years, it is highly
likely that running a quotation on our site could reveal gas tariffs that cost substantially
less than you are paying at present. When you choose the tariff you want, that's the
starting pistol for the switch itself, which should be completed within 21 days.
If you want your business to do its bit to tackle climate change and protect the
planet, there are two main options open to you - switch to a green business energy
tariff, and/or generate some or all of your own renewable business energy.
Here, we explain all you need to know about implementing an environmentally-
friendly energy strategy for your business.

What are green business energy tariffs?

One of the easiest ways for your business to become 'greener' is to switch to a
green or renewable business energy tariff. You could even save money on your energy
bills in the process.
 The more businesses (and households) that sign up to green energy tariffs, the
more renewable energy is fed back into the grid, and the country's dependence on fossil
fuels reduces.
The renewable energy you use could come from wind farms, solar farms,
hydroelectric power stations and biomass plants.
Some suppliers, including Bulb, also offset carbon emissions from the gas they
supply by supporting carbon reduction projects. Others, such as Good Energy, run their
own wind and solar farms.
The Big Six energy suppliers - British Gas, EDF Energy, E.ON, npower, Scottish
Power and SSE offer green business contracts, but whether you qualify may depend on
whether you run a small or large business.
There are also a number of smaller, independent suppliers that provide
renewable business energy tariffs, such as Bulb, Ecotricity, Good Energy, Green
Energy UK, Hudson Energy, Octopus Energy, Smartest Energy and Total Gas & Power.
The advantage of switching to a smaller supplier is that they often market
cheaper tariffs, and they also regularly receive high ratings for their customer service.
The downside is that in some cases they may be less financially stable than the Big Six
and there is therefore a greater risk that they might go bust.
Following any supplier failure, there would be no interruption to your supply, and
Ofgem would place you with a new supplier automatically. At that point, you could then
decide whether to stick with the new supplier you've been moved to, or to make your
own alternative arrangements by switching to a more competitive deal.

Some suppliers are 'greener' than others

Although there is a range of renewable energy contracts to choose from, be
aware that some suppliers are greener than others when it comes to how they support
renewable energy.

How can my business generate renewable

energy?
If you are particularly keen to reduce your business' carbon footprint, you might
also want to think about generating your own renewable energy.
 The type of technology you choose to install is likely to depend on the size of
your business, the location of your premises and how much you're willing to spend.
Below are the main options to consider:
• Solar PV panels are one of the most common types of renewable
energy for businesses. Solar panels are
o straightforward to install.
o usually on the roof or side of the building.
• Wind power uses wind turbines to generate electricity. However,
you'll usually need a lot of land to have these installed and to ensure you are
generating enough electricity for your business. Cost - £10,000 for smaller
turbines, up to £3.3 million for larger turbines.
• Hydro-electric power captures the energy of flowing water through
a wheel or turbine to generate electricity. Cost - £4,000 to £8,000 per kilowatt
(kW) of capacity installed.
• Biomass systems generate energy by burning or fermenting
organic material such as wood pellets with a combined heat and power plant.
Cost - depends on boiler size and type of fuel.
• Anaerobic digestion is where organic material is broken down to
produce a methane and carbon dioxide-rich gas which is burnt to produce
energy. Cost - £8,750 per kilowatt thermal (kWh).
• Combined heat and power systems capture heat produced by your
electricity to heat water. Cost - £32,500.
• Geothermal and ground source heat pumps are often fitted to the
sides of buildings and use low-level heat naturally found in the ground to provide
heating and cooling Cost - £11,000 to £15,000.

For a start, you'll need to consider whether installation will require any big
alterations to your business premises and whether this will require planning permission.

The installation of solar panels, for example, may not be an issue, but larger
instalments such as wind turbines may present more of a challenge, particularly if your
business is in an urban location. It's therefore worth contacting your local council at an
early stage to find out where you stand.

You will also need to check that your chosen installer is government-approved
under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), which will ensure the
technology is fitted to a high standard.

What is the feed-in tariff scheme?

Businesses were previously able to benefit from the government's feed-in tariff
(FIT) scheme, but this closed to new applicants on 31 March 2019. The scheme offered
cash payments to businesses generating their own energy through renewable
technology.

That said, if your business had installed an eligible system before this date and
successfully applied for the scheme before 31 March 2020, you can still receive
payments as normal.

What is a self-build mortgage?

A self-build mortgages allows you to borrow money to buy the plot of land you
want to build on, as well as finance the build of the property itself. Unlike a regular
mortgage, where funds are released at completion, with a self-build mortgage the loan
is released in stages, typically as various parts of the build are completed. This is to
help minimize risk for lenders who want to be sure the money will be spent as planned
and won't run out before the project is finished.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION III

INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW (IHL)

CHAPTER I IMPLEMENTATION OF INTERNATIONAL

HUMANITARIAN LAW
1083

CHAPTER II ADDITIONAL PROTOCOLS

1112

CHAPTER III NATIONAL MEASURES TO IMPLEMENT

INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW
1113 CHAPTER IV DISSEMINATION OF INTERNATIONAL
HUMANITARIAN LAW
1119 CHAPTER V DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNATIONAL
HUMANITARIAN LAW
1126 SECTION IV

ACTIVITIES DURING ARMED CONFLICT

CHAPTER I PREPARATIONS FOR SITUATIONS OF ARMED

CONFLICT
1137

CHAPTER II COOPERATION AMONG NATIONAL SOCIETIES

DURING ARMED CONFLICTS
1138 CHAPTER III NON-INTERNATIONAL ARMED CONFLICTS
 1139 CHAPTER IV ASSISTANCE AND PROTECTION FOR
CONFLICT VICTIMS
1142 CHAPTER V COMBATING HOSTAGE-TAKING, TORTURE,
FORCED DISAPPEARANCE AND PIRACY
1201 SECTION V

RELIEF ACTIVITIES IN DISASTER SITUATIONS

CHAPTER I RELIEF ORGANIZATION OF NATIONAL SOCIETIES

1206 CHAPTER II INTERNATIONAL RELIEF ACTIONS
1208 CHAPTER III BENEFICIARIES OF RELIEF ACTIONS
1235

SECTION VI

ACTIVITIES IN PEACETIME

CHAPTER I HEALTH
1239 CHAPTER II BLOOD TRANSFUSION
1244 CHAPTER III NURSING
1248 CHAPTER IV ENVIRONMENT
1249 CHAPTER V YOUTH
1250

CHAPTER II

RELATIONS BETWEEN NATIONAL SOCIETIES

AND THEIR PUBLIC AUTHORITIES
 I. National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies as
auxiliaries to the public authorities in the humanitarian field,
Resolution 6 of the 2003 Council of Delegates
828
II. National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies as
auxiliaries to the public authorities in the humanitarian field, report to
the 2003 Council of Delegates
829
III. National Societies as auxiliaries to the public authorities in
the humanitarian field, Resolution 9 of the 2005 Council of Delegates

835
IV. Summary of the study on situations of armed conflict,
Annex to the report to the 2005 Council of Delegates.
837
V. Specific nature of the International Red Cross and Red
Crescent Movement in action and partnerships and the role of
National Societies as auxiliaries to the public authorities in the
humanitarian field

845 CHAPTER III

GUIDANCE ON RELATIONS WITH OTHER
ACTORS OUTSIDE THE MOVEMENT
I. Minimum elements to be included in operational
agreements between Movement components and their external
operational partners 848
 II. Movement Policy for Corporate Sector Partnerships
854
III. Guidance document on relations between the
components of the Movement and military bodies.
864
IV. The Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and
Red Crescent Movement and non-governmental organizations
(NGOs) in disaster relief.
872
V. Armed protection of humanitarian assistance.
879
SECTION IV
STRATEGIES AND PLAN OF ACTION
I. Strategy for the International Red Cross and Red
Crescent Movement, Resolution 6 of the 2005 Council of Delegates
and Annex
884
II. International Red Cross aid to refugees: statement of
Policy. 906
III. Movement action in favour of refugees and internally
displaced persons, Resolution 4 of the 2001 Council of Delegates
908
IV. IV Movement action in favour of refugees and internally
displaced persons and "Minimum Elements to be Included in
Operational Agreements between Movement Components and their
Operational Partners", Resolution 10 of the 2003 Council of
Delegates 911
V. V The Movement's Policy on Advocacy, Resolution 6 of
the 1999 Council of Delegates.
913
VI. Movement Strategy on Landmines, Resolution 10 of the
1999 Council of Delegates.
915
 A. GENEVA CONVENTIONS AND ADDITIONAL
PROTOCOLS I GENEVA CONVENTION FOR THE
AMELIORATION OF THE CONDITION OF THE WOUNDED AND
SICK IN ARMED FORCES IN THE FIELD OF 12 AUGUST 1949

CHAPTER I

General Provisions
ARTICLE 1. Respect for the convention1
The High Contracting Parties undertake to respect and to
ensure respect for the present Convention in all circumstances.
ARTICLE 2. Application of the convention
In addition to the provisions which shall be implemented in
peacetime, the present Convention shall apply to all cases of
declared war or of any other armed conflict which may arise
between two or more of the High Contracting Parties, even if the
state of war is not recognized by one of them. The Convention
shall also apply to all cases of partial or total occupation of the
territory of a High Contracting Party, even if the said occupation
meets with no armed resistance. Although one of the Powers in
conflict may not be a party to the present Convention, the Powers
who are parties thereto shall remain bound by it in their mutual
relations. They shall furthermore be bound by the Convention in
relation to the said Power, if the latter accepts and applies the
provisions there of.
1
The marginal notes or titles of articles have been drafted by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.
 ART. 3. Conflicts not of an international character
In the case of armed conflict not of an international character
occurring in the territory of one of the High Contracting Parties,
each Party to the conflict shall be bound to apply, as a minimum,
the following provisions:
1. Persons taking no active part in the hostilities,
including members of armed forces who have laid down their
arms and those.
 The Fundamental Principles of the International
Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
Humanity: The International Red Cross and Red Crescent
Movement. born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the
wounded on the battlefield, endeavours, in its international and national
capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be
found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the
human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation
and lasting peace amongst all peoples.
Impartiality: It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race,
religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavours to relieve the
suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give
priority to the most urgent cases of distress.
Neutrality: In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the
Movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in
controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.
Independence: The Movement is independent. The National
Societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their
governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must
always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act
in accordance with the principles of the Movement.
Voluntary service: It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in
any manner by desire for gain.
Unity: There can be only one Red Cross or one Red Crescent
Society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its
humanitarian work throughout its territory.
 Universality: The International Red Cross and Red Crescent
Movement, in which all Societies have equal status and share equal
responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide.

The Fundamental Principles were proclaimed by the 20th

International Conference of the Red Cross, Vienna, 1965.
This is the revised text contained in the Statutes of the
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement,
adopted by the 25th International Conference of the Red
Cross, Geneva, 1986.
 ART. 16. Wounded falling into enemy hands.

Subject to the provisions of Article 12, the wounded, sick and

shipwrecked of a belligerent who fall into enemy hands shall be prisoners
of war, and the provisions of international law concerning prisoners of war
shall apply to them. The captor may decide, according to circumstances,
whether it is expedient to hold them, or to convey them to a port in the
captor's own country, to a neutral port or even to a port in enemy territory.
In the last case, prisoners of war thus returned to their home country may
not serve for the duration of the war.

ART. 17. Wounded landed in a neutral port

Wounded, sick or shipwrecked persons who are landed in neutral

ports with the consent of the local authorities, neutral port shall, failing
arrangements to the contrary between the neutral and the belligerent
Powers, be so guarded by the neutral Power, where so required by
international law, that the said persons cannot again take part in operations
of war. The costs of hospital accommodation and internment shall be borne
by the Power on whom the wounded, sick or shipwrecked persons depend.

ART. 18. Search for casualties after an engagement

After each engagement, Parties to the conflict shall, without delay,

take all possible measures to search for and collect the shipwrecked,
wounded and sick, to protect them against pillage and ill-treatment, to
ensure their adequate care, and to search for the dead and prevent their
being despoiled.

Whenever circumstances permit, the Parties to the conflict shall

conclude local arrangements for the removal of the wounded and sick by
sea from a besieged or encircled area and for the passage of medical and
religious personnel and equipment on their way to that area.

ART. 19. Recording and forwarding of information

The Parties to the conflict shall record as soon as possible, in respect

of each shipwrecked, wounded, sick or dead person of the adverse Party
falling into their hands, any particulars which may assist in his identification.
These records should, if possible, include:

a) designation of the Power on which he depends.

b) army, regimental, personal or serial number.
c) Surname.
d) first name or names.
e) date of birth.
f) any other particulars shown on his identity card or
disc.

ART. 27. Societies of neutral countries

A recognized Society of a neutral country can only lend the

assistance of its medical personnel and units to a Party to the conflict with
the previous consent of its own Government and the authorization of the
Party to the conflict concerned. That personnel and those units shall be
placed under the control of that Party to the conflict. The neutral
Government shall notify this consent to the adversary of the State which
accepts such assistance. The Party to the conflict who accepts such
assistance is bound to notify the adverse Party thereof before making any
use of it. In no circumstances shall this assistance be considered as
interference in the conflict. The members of the personnel named in the
first paragraph shall be duly furnished with the identity cards provided for in
Article 40 before leaving the neutral country to which they belong.

ART. 28. Retained personnel

Personnel designated in Articles 24 and 26 who fall into the hands of

the adverse Party, shall be retained only in so far as the state of health, the
spiritual needs and the number of prisoners of war require. Personnel thus
retained shall not be deemed prisoners of war. Nevertheless, they shall at
least benefit by all the provisions of the Geneva Convention relative to the
Treatment of Prisoners of War of August 12, 1949. Within the framework of
the military laws and regulations of the Detaining Power, and under the
authority of its competent service, they shall continue to carry out, in
accordance with their professional ethics, their medical and spiritual duties
on behalf of prisoners of war, preferably those of the armed forces to which
they themselves belong. They shall further enjoy the following facilities for
carrying out their medical or spiritual duties:

a) They shall be authorized to visit periodically the prisoners

of war in labour units or hospitals outside the camp. The Detaining
Power shall put at their disposal the means of transport required.
b) In each camp the senior medical officer of the highest
rank shall be responsible to the military authorities of the camp for the
professional activity of the retained medical personnel. For this
purpose, from the outbreak of hostilities, the Parties to the conflict
shall agree regarding the corresponding seniority of the ranks of their
medical personnel, including those of the societies designated in
Article 26. In all questions arising out of their duties, this medical
officer, and the chaplains, shall have direct access to the military and
medical authorities of the camp who shall grant them the facilities
they may require for correspondence relating to these questions.
ART. 39. Medical aircraft
Medical aircraft, that is to say, aircraft exclusively employed for
the removal of wounded, sick and shipwrecked, and for the transport
of medical personnel and equipment, may not be the object of attack,
but shall be respected by the Parties to the conflict, while flying at
heights, at times and on routes specifically agreed upon between the
Parties to the conflict concerned.
They shall be clearly marked with the distinctive emblem
prescribed in Article 41, together with their national colours, on their
lower, upper and lateral surfaces. They shall be provided with any
other markings or means of identification which may be agreed upon
between the Parties to the conflict upon the outbreak or during the
course of hostilities.
Unless agreed otherwise, flights over enemy or enemy-
occupied territory are prohibited.
Medical aircraft shall obey every summons to alight on land or
water. In the event of having thus to alight, the aircraft with its
occupants may continue its flight after examination, if any. In the
event of alighting involuntarily on land or water in enemy or enemy-
occupied territory, the wounded, sick and shipwrecked, as well as the
crew of the aircraft shall be prisoners of war. The medical personnel
shall be treated according to Articles 36 and 37.
ART. 40. Flight over neutral countries. Landing of wounded
Subject to the provisions of the second paragraph, medical
aircraft of Parties to the conflict may fly over the territory of neutral
Powers, land thereon in case of necessity, or use it as a port of call.
They shall give neutral Powers prior notice of their passage over the
said territory, and obey every summons to alight, on land or water.
They will be immune from attack only when flying on routes, at
heights and at times specifically agreed upon between the Parties to
the conflict and the neutral Power concerned.
The neutral Powers may, however, place conditions or
restrictions on the passage or landing of medical aircraft on their
territory. Such possible conditions or restrictions shall be applied
equally to all Parties to the conflict.
Unless otherwise agreed between the neutral Powers and the
Parties to the conflict, the wounded, sick or shipwrecked who are
disembarked with the consent of the local authorities on neutral
territory by medical aircraft shall be detained by the neutral Power,
where so required by international law, in such a manner that they
cannot again take part in operations of war. The cost of their
accommodation and internment shall be borne by the Power on
which they depend.
 CHAPTER II
Wounded and Sick
ART. 12. Protection and care
Members of the armed forces and other persons mentioned in
the following Article, who are wounded or sick, shall be respected and
protected in all circumstances.
They shall be treated humanely and cared for by the Party to
the conflict in whose power they may be, without any adverse
distinction founded on sex, race, nationality, religion, political
opinions, or any other similar criteria. Any attempts upon their lives,
or violence to their persons, shall be strictly prohibited; in particular,
they shall not be murdered or exterminated, subjected to torture or to
biological experiments; they shall not wilfully be left without medical
assistance and care, nor shall conditions exposing them to contagion
or infection be created.
Only urgent medical reasons will authorize priority in the order
of treatment to be administered.
Women shall be treated with all consideration due to their sex.
The Party to the conflict which is compelled to abandon
wounded or sick to the enemy shall, as far as military considerations
permit, leave with them a part of its medical personnel and material to
assist in their care.
ART. 13. Protected persons
The Present Convention shall apply to the wounded and sick
belonging to the following categories:
1. Members of the armed forces of a Party to the
conflict as well as members of militias or volunteer corps
forming part of such armed forces.
2. Members of other militias and members of other
volunteer corps, including those of organized resistance
movements, belonging to a Party to the conflict and operating in
or outside their own territory, even if this territory is occupied,
provided that such militias or volunteer corps, including such
organized resistance movements, fulfil the following conditions:
 • that of being commanded by a person
responsible for his subordinates.
• that of having a fixed distinctive sign
recognizable at a distance.
• that of carrying arms openly.
• that of conducting their operations in
accordance with the laws and customs of war.

Upon the outbreak and during the course of hostilities, the Parties
concerned may conclude agreements on mutual recognition of the hospital
zones and localities they have created. They may for this purpose
implement the provisions of the Draft Agreement annexed to the present
Convention, with such amendments as they may consider necessary. The
Protecting Powers and the International Committee of the Red Cross are
invited to lend their good offices in order to facilitate the institution and
recognition of these hospital zones and localities.

CHAPTER IV
Personnel
ART. 24. Protection of permanent personnel

Medical personnel exclusively engaged in the search for, or the

collection, transport or treatment of the wounded or sick, Protection of
permanent or in the prevention of disease, staff exclusively engaged in the
personnel administration of medical units and establishments, as well as
chaplains attached to the armed forces, shall be respected and protected in
all circumstances.

ART. 25. Protection of auxiliary personnel

Members of the armed forces specially trained for employment,

should the need arise, as hospital orderlies, nurses or auxiliary stretcher-
bearers, in the search for or the collection, transport or treatment of the
wounded and sick shall likewise be respected and protected if they are
carrying out these duties at the time when they come into contact with the
enemy or fall into his hands.

ART. 26. Personnel of aid societies

The staff of National Red Cross Societies and that of other Voluntary
Aid Societies, duly recognized and authorized by their Governments, who
may be employed on the same duties as the personnel named in Article 24,
are placed on the same footing as the personnel named in the said Article,
provided that the staff of such societies are subject to military laws and
regulations.

Each High Contracting Party shall notify to the other, either in time of
peace or at the commencement of or during hostilities, but in any case,
before actually employing them, the names of the societies which it has
authorized, under its responsibility, to render assistance to the regular
medical service of its armed forces. comfort and security, the Parties to the
conflict shall endeavours to utilize, for the transport of wounded, sick and
shipwrecked over long distances and on the high seas, only hospital ships
of over 2,000 tons gross.

ART. 27. . Coastal rescue craft

Under the same conditions as those provided for in Articles 22 and

24, small craft employed by the State or by the officially recognized lifeboat
institutions for coastal rescue operations, shall also be respected and
protected, so far as operational requirements permit. The same shall apply
so far as possible to fixed coastal installations used exclusively by these
craft for their humanitarian missions

ART. 28. Protection of Sick-bays

Should fighting occur on board a warship, the sick- bays shall be

respected and spared as far as possible. Sick-bays and sick-bays their
equipment shall remain subject to the laws of warfare, but may not be
diverted from their purpose so long as they are required for the wounded
and sick. Nevertheless, the commander into whose power they have fallen
may, after ensuring the proper care of the wounded and sick who are
accommodated therein, apply them to other purposes in case of urgent
military necessity.

ART. 29. Hospital ships in occupied ports

Any hospital ship in a port which falls into the hands Hospital ships of
the enemy shall be authorized to leave the said port.

ART. 30. Employment of hospital ships and small craft.

The vessels described in Articles 22, 24, 25 and 27 shall afford relief
and assistance to the wounded, sick and shipwrecked without distinction of
nationality.

The High Contracting Parties undertake not to use these vessels for
any military purpose.

Such vessels shall in no wise hamper the movements of the

combatants. During and after an engagement, they will act at their own risk.

ART. 31. Right to control and search

The Parties to the conflict shall have the right to control and search
the vessels mentioned in Articles 22, 24, 25 and 27. They can refuse
assistance from these vessels, order them off, make them take a certain
course, control the use of their wireless and other means of
communication, and even detain them for a period not exceeding seven
days from the time of interception, if the gravity of the circumstances so
requires.

They may put a commissioner temporarily on board whose sole task

shall be to see those orders given in virtue of the provisions of the
preceding paragraph are carried out.
 ART. 62. Denunciation

Each of the High Contracting Parties shall be at liberty to denounce

the present Convention.

The denunciation shall be notified in writing to the Swiss Federal

Council, which shall transmit it to the Governments of all the High
Contracting Parties.

The denunciation shall take effect one year after the notification
thereof has been made to the Swiss Federal Council. However, a
denunciation of which notification has been made at a time when the
denouncing Power is involved in a conflict shall not take effect until peace
has been concluded, and until after operations connected with the release
and repatriation of the persons protected by the present Convention have
been terminated.

The denunciation shall have effect only in respect of the denouncing

Power. It shall in no way impair the obligations which the Parties to the
conflict shall remain bound to fulfil by virtue of the principles of the law of
nations, as they result from the usages established among civilized
peoples, from the laws of humanity and the dictates of the public
conscience.

ART. 63. Registration with the United Nations

The Swiss Federal Council shall register the present Convention with
the Secretariat of the United Nations. The Swiss Federal Council shall also
inform the Secretariat of the United Nations of all ratifications, accessions
and denunciations received by it with respect to the present Convention.

• IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned, having

deposited their respective full powers, have signed the present
Convention.
• DONE at Geneva this twelfth day of August 1949, in the
English and French languages. The original shall be deposited in the
Archives of the Swiss Confederation. The Swiss Federal Council shall
 transmit certified copies thereof to each of the signatory and acceding
States.

3. Members of regular armed forces who profess

allegiance to a Government or an authority not recognized by
the Detaining Power.
4. Persons who accompany the armed forces without
actually being members thereof, such as civilian members of
military aircraft crews, war correspondents, supply contractors,
members of labour units or of services responsible for the
welfare of the armed forces, provided that they have received
authorization from the armed forces which they accompany.
5. Members of crews including masters, pilots and
apprentices of the merchant marine and the crews of civil
aircraft of the Parties to the conflict, who do not benefit by more
favourable treatment under any other provisions in international
law.
6. Inhabitants of a non-occupied territory who, on the
approach of the enemy, spontaneously take up arms to resist
the invading forces, without having had time to form themselves
into regular armed units, provided they carry arms openly and
respect the laws and customs of war.

ART. 14. Status

Subject to the provisions of Article 12, the wounded and sick of a
belligerent who fall into enemy hands shall be prisoners of war, and the
provisions of international law concerning prisoners of war shall apply to
them.
ART. 15. Search for casualties
At all times, and particularly after an engagement, Parties to the
conflict shall, without delay, take all possible measures to search for and
collect the wounded and sick, to protect them against pillage and ill-
treatment, to ensure their adequate care, and to search for the dead and
prevent their being despoiled.
Whenever circumstances permit, an armistice or a suspension of fire
shall be arranged, or local arrangements made, to permit the removal,
exchange and transport of the wounded left on the battlefield.
Likewise, local arrangements may be concluded between Parties to
the conflict for 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.
ART. 16. Recording and forwarding of information
Parties to the conflict shall record as soon as possible, in respect of
each wounded, sick or dead person of the adverse Party falling into their
hands, any particulars which may assist in his identification. These records
should, if possible, include.
 CHAPTER VII
Execution of the Convention
ART. 46. Detailed execution. Unforeseen cases
Each Party to the conflict, acting through its Commanders-in-Chief,
shall ensure the detailed execution of the preceding Articles and provide for
unforeseen cases, in conformity with the general principles of the present
Convention.
ART. 47. Prohibition of reprisals
Reprisals against the wounded, sick and shipwrecked persons, the
personnel, the vessels or the equipment protected by the Convention are
prohibited.
ART. 48. Dissemination of the Convention
The High Contracting Parties undertake, in time of peace as in time of
war, to disseminate the text of the present Convention as widely as
possible in their respective countries, and, in particular, to include the study
thereof in their programmed of military and, if possible, civil instruction, so
that the principles thereof may become known to the entire population, in
particular to the armed fighting forces, the medical personnel and the
chaplains.
ART. 49. Translations. Rules of application
The High Contracting Parties shall communicate to one another
through the Swiss Federal Council and, during hostilities, through the
Protecting Powers, the official translations of the present Convention, as
well as the laws and regulations which they may adopt to ensure the
application thereof.
CHAPTER VIII
Repression of Abuses and Infractions
ART. 50. Penal sanctions
The High Contracting Parties undertake to enact any legislation
necessary to provide effective penal sanctions for persons committing, or
ordering to be committed, any of the grave breaches of the present
Convention defined in the following Article. General Each High Contracting
Party shall be under the obligation to search for persons alleged to have
committed, or to have ordered to be committed, such grave breaches, and
shall bring such persons, regardless of their nationality, before its own
courts. It may also, if it observations.
 c) date and place of capture or death;
d) particulars concerning wounds or illness, or cause of
death.
As soon as possible the above-mentioned information shall be
forwarded to the Information Bureau described in Article 122 of the
Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War of
August 12, 1949, which shall transmit this information to the Power
on which these persons depend through the intermediary of the
Protecting Power and of the Central Prisoners of War Agency.
Parties to the conflict shall prepare and forward to each other
through the same bureau, certificates of death or duly authenticated
lists of the dead. They shall likewise collect and forward through the
same bureau one half of the double identity disc, or the identity disc
itself if it is a single disc, last wills or other documents of importance
to the next of kin, money and in general all articles of an intrinsic or
sentimental value, which are found on the dead. These articles
together with unidentified articles, shall be sent in sealed packets,
accompanied by statements giving all particulars necessary for the
identification of the deceased owners, as well as by a complete list of
the contents of the parcel.
ART. 20. Prescriptions regarding the dead
Parties to the conflict shall ensure that burial at sea of the dead,
carried out individually as far as circumstances permit, is preceded by
a careful examination, if possible, by a medical examination, of the
bodies, with a view to confirming death, establishing identity and
enabling a report to be made. Where a double identity disc is used,
one half of the disc should remain on the body.
If dead persons are landed, the provisions of the Geneva
Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and
Sick in Armed Forces in the Field of August 12, 1949, shall be
applicable.
ART. 21. Appeals to neutral vessels
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,
and to collect the dead.
Vessels of any kind responding to this appeal, and those having
of their own accord collected wounded, sick or shipwrecked persons,
shall enjoy special protection and facilities to carry out such
assistance.
They may, in no case, be captured on account of any such
transport; but, in the absence of any promise to the contrary, they
shall remain liable to capture for any violations of neutrality they may
have committed.
 belonging to a Party to the conflict and operating in or outside
their own territory, even if this territory is occupied, provided that such
militias or volunteer corps, including such organized resistance
movements, fulfil the following conditions:
a) that of being commanded by a person responsible for his
subordinates;
b) that of having a fixed distinctive sign recognizable at a
distance;
c) that of carrying arms openly;
d) that of conducting their operations in accordance with the
laws and customs of war.
1. Members of regular armed forces who profess allegiance
to a Government or an authority not recognized by the Detaining
Power.
2. Persons who accompany the armed forces without
actually being members thereof, such as civilian members of military
aircraft crews, war correspondents, supply contractors, members of
labour units or of services responsible for the welfare of the armed
forces, provided that they have received authorization from the armed
forces which they accompany.
3. Members of crews, including masters, pilots and
apprentices of the merchant marine and the crews of civil aircraft of
the Parties to the conflict, who do not benefit by more favourable
treatment under any other provisions of international law.
4. Inhabitants of a non-occupied territory who, on the
approach of the enemy, spontaneously take up arms to resist the
invading forces, without having had time to form themselves into
regular armed units, provided they carry arms openly and respect the
laws and customs of war.
ART. 14. Handing over to a belligerent
All warships of a belligerent Party shall have the right to demand
that the wounded, sick or shipwrecked on board military hospital ships,
and hospital ships belonging to relief societies or to private individuals,
as well as merchant vessels, yachts and other craft shall be
surrendered, whatever their nationality, provided that the wounded and
sick are in a fit state to be moved and that the warship can provide
adequate facilities for necessary medical treatment.
ART. 15. Wounded taken on board a neutral warship
If wounded, sick or shipwrecked persons are taken on board a
neutral warship or a neutral military aircraft, it shall be ensured, where
so required by international law, that they can take no further part in
operations of war.