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LONDON, April 11: Aid groups and UN representatives say the United States and Britain are “occupying powers” in Iraq, as defined by international law, and have urged them to fulfil their duty to protect civilians.
The Geneva Convention (IV) Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, adopted in 1949, spells out the obligations of an occupying power.
Following is a summary of key points:
ARTICLE 50 says the occupying power must “facilitate the proper working of all institutions devoted to the care and education of children”.
ARTICLE 55 says the occupying power, as far as possible, “has the duty of ensuring the food and medical supplies of the population; it should, in particular, bring in the necessary foodstuffs, medical stores and other articles if the resources of the occupied territory are inadequate.”
ARTICLE 56 says the occupying power “has the duty of ensuring and maintaining, with the cooperation of national and local authorities, the medical and hospital establishments and services, public health and hygiene in the occupied territory... Medical personnel of all categories shall be allowed to carry out their duties.”
ARTICLE 59 says the occupying power must facilitate relief schemes where supplies to the population are inadequate. Aid schemes may be undertaken by governments or humanitarian groups to provide food, medical supplies and clothing.—Reuters
