War In The Balkans: Conventions Being Violated
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.IF ACCOUNTS of Serb atrocities are accurate, Yugoslav officials and commanders could beprosecuted by The Hague war-crimes tribunal. The basis of humanitarian law is the four Geneva Conventions and the treaty banning land-mines.
n 130 countries, including Yugoslavia, last month signed the Ottawa treaty banning anti-personnel mines. Anti-tank mines are not outlawed but the Serbs are laying mines in the path of fleeing civilians.
n Persecution of doctors. "Under no circumstances shall any person be punished for carrying out medical activities compatible with medical ethics, regardless of the person benefiting therefrom." Article 15
n Bombardment of villages. "The parties to the conflict shall at all times distinguish between the civilian population and ... direct their operations only against military objectives." Article 48
n Attacks on civilians. "Acts or threats of violence the primary purpose of which is to spread terror among the civilian population are prohibited." Article 51
n Destruction of farms. "It is prohibited to attack, destroy, remove or render useless objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population, such as foodstuffs, agricultural areas for the production of foodstuffs, crops [and] livestock". Article 54
n Parading of captives on TV. Article 75 prohibits "outrages upon personal dignity, in particular humiliating and degrading treatment".
n Rape and indecent assault. "Women shall be the object of special respect and shall be protected in particular against rape, forced prostitution and any other form of indecent assault." Article 76
n Responsibility. "The fact that a breach of the Conventions of this Protocol was committed by a subordinate does not absolve his superiors from penal or disciplinary responsibility". Article 86
Richard Lloyd Parry
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments