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Unofficial United States Guide to the First Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions

Grant Hayes

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Published in Unofficial United States Guide To The First Additional Protocol To The Geneva Conventions Of 12 August 1949

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The First Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions (AP I) is a treaty that sets forth additional rules for the protection of victims of international armed conflict. It was adopted by the International Conference of the Red Cross in 1977 and entered into force in 1978. The United States is not a party to AP I, but it has stated that it will apply the Protocol's provisions to the extent that they are consistent with U.S. law and policy.

Unofficial United States Guide to the First Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949

by Peter Temin

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	350 KB
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Print length	:	201 pages
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AP I contains a number of important provisions, including:

A prohibition on the use of indiscriminate weapons, such as cluster bombs and landmines.
A requirement that parties to a conflict take all feasible precautions to avoid civilian casualties.
A prohibition on the targeting of civilians and civilian objects.
A prohibition on the use of torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
A requirement that parties to a conflict provide medical care and other assistance to the wounded and sick.

Scope of Application

AP I applies to international armed conflicts, which are defined as conflicts between two or more States. It does not apply to internal armed conflicts, such as civil wars.

Key Provisions

AP I contains a number of key provisions, including:

Protection of Civilians

AP I prohibits the targeting of civilians and civilian objects. It also requires parties to a conflict to take all feasible precautions to avoid civilian casualties.

Protection of Prisoners of War

AP I sets forth a number of rules for the treatment of prisoners of war, including:

A prohibition on torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
A requirement that prisoners of war be provided with adequate food, water, shelter, and medical care.
A requirement that prisoners of war be allowed to communicate with their families.

Protection of the Wounded and Sick

AP I requires parties to a conflict to provide medical care and other assistance to the wounded and sick. It also prohibits the use of medical facilities for military purposes.

U.S. Policy

The United States is not a party to AP I, but it has stated that it will apply the Protocol's provisions to the extent that they are consistent with U.S. law and policy. In practice, the United States has implemented many of the provisions of AP I, including:

A prohibition on the use of indiscriminate weapons, such as cluster bombs and landmines.
A requirement that U.S. forces take all feasible precautions to avoid civilian casualties.
A prohibition on the targeting of civilians and civilian objects.
A prohibition on the use of torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
A requirement that U.S. forces provide medical care and other assistance to the wounded and sick.

AP I is an important treaty that sets forth a number of rules for the protection of victims of international armed conflict. The United States is not a party to AP I, but it has stated that it will apply the Protocol's provisions to the extent that they are consistent with U.S. law and policy. In practice, the United States has implemented many of the provisions of AP I.

Unofficial United States Guide to the First Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949

by Peter Temin

5 out of 5