Rules of treatment of War prisoners under Geneva Convention 1949

One of the convention concluded in 1949 in Geneva related to the treatment of prisoners of war which applies to any armed conflict-recognized or unrecognized-arising between the contracting parties. The convention came into force in October 21,1950.

Art 4 of this convention deals with the categories of war prisoners which are

1. Members of armed force, and members of militians.
2. Members of other militians and members of volunteer troupes.
3. Persons who accompany the armed forces, without actually being the member thereof, such as civil members of military crews, war correspondents ,supply contractors, members of labor units etc.

This convention laid down the following important points relating to the treatment of war prisoners:

1. Treatment- The main philosophy behind this convention was the treatment of war prisoners and which is the humanly treatment- Art 13 of this conventions – prisoners of war must at all time be humanly treated.
2. Custody of prisoners- it prohibited any unlawful act or omission by the detaining power causing death or seriously endangering the health of the prisoner of war in its custody is prohibited and will be regarded as a serious breach of the present conventions.
3. Prohibition of experiment on war prisoners- no prisoner of war may be subject to physical mutilation or to medical or scientific experiments of any kind which are not justified by the medical or the hospital treatment.
4. Protection against public insult- prisoners of war must all time be protected, particularly against act or violation or intimidation against insults and public curiosity.
5. Personal respect- they must be entailed in all circumstances to respect of their persons and their honor.
6. Medical assistance- they must be provided require medical attentions by their state of health.
7. Protection against discrimination- they must be treated alike by the detaining power without  any adverse distinction based on race, nationality, religious belief or political opinions or any other distention subject of similar criteria.
8. Protection against physical and mental torture- they must be protected against any physical and mental torture, even though they refuse to disclose any information which is being asked by them.
9. Articles of personal use and protection- they must be provided all articles of personal use except arms, horses, military equipment and military documents.

10.  Protections of Officers and aged prisoners- all the officers and prisoners of equivalent status shall be traded with due regards for their rank and age.

11.  Monthly allowance- they must be provided the monthly allowance of pay, the amount which shall be fixed by the convention, into the currency of said powers.

12.  Personal communications- they shall be allowed to send and received the letters and cards to their relatives.

Conclusion-

It is clear from the above provisions that these rules have been made for ensuring good treatment towards the prisoners of wars. It has become a general principle of international law that the prisoners of war should always be treated humanely. It is the duty of the prisoners of war that when they asked questions  like their name, age, DOB and regiment etc. they should give reply properly. In case they do not give correct and appropriate replies in respect of the said question they may not get the facilities which they might be entitled to get.