Have you guys actually read the
Geneva Convention? It has some really odd requirements. Among other things:
1. You cannot insult prisoners.
2. Prisoners are supposed to keep their protective equipment such as helmets and gas masks.
3. Before a conflict, the opposing parties are supposed to let each other know what the titles and ranks of their soldiers are.
4. Prisoners are supposed to be paid a monthly allowance, starting at about $6.40 a month for privates.
5. Prisoners who labor are to be paid about $0.20 a day, and are to know how much they are paid.
6. Prisoners are to elect representatives every six months.
7. Prisoners are to be allowed to mail and telegraph home.
8. Prisoners of war may not be denied rank, or prevented from wearing badges of rank.
9. The worst punishment you can inflict on a prisoner is "fatigue duties" for 2 hours a day; this cannot be applied to officers.
10. Officers may not be quartered with non-officers.
I read through the Geneva Convention, and Article 126 suggests that the ICRC can be barred from entering specific areas in the event of "military necessity."
Quote:
Representatives and delegates of the Protecting Powers shall have full liberty to select the places they wish to visit. The duration and frequency of these visits shall not be restricted. Visits may not be prohibited except for reasons of imperative military necessity, and then only as an exceptional and temporary measure.
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In addition, Article 122 indicates that information pertaining to prisoners should be provided "in the shortest possible period."
Quote:
Within the shortest possible period, each of the Parties to the conflict shall give its Bureau the information referred to in the fourth, fifth and sixth paragraphs of this Article regarding any enemy person belonging to one of the categories referred to in Article 4, who has fallen into its power. Neutral or non-belligerent Powers shall take the same action with regard to persons belonging to such categories whom they have received within their territory.
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As I understand it, when a war breaks out both sides are supposed to create an administration to handle prisoners of war. This administration obtains the necessary information and then transmits this information to the necessary authorities in the international community. I don't really see any provisions for delaying the transmission of this data, but I might have overlooked something.