Prisoner of war

Prisoner of War

A prisoner of war (POW) is an individual, whether combatant or non-combatant, who is held in custody by an enemy power during or immediately after an armed conflict. The treatment of POWs is governed by international humanitarian law, particularly the Third Geneva Convention of 1949, which sets forth the basic rights of POWs and the obligations of the capturing powers.

History

The concept of a prisoner of war has existed since ancient times, but the treatment of POWs has varied greatly throughout history. In the early days, captured soldiers were often enslaved or executed. The notion of treating captives humanely and eventually releasing them gained prominence with the codification of the laws of war in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Legal Status

Under the Third Geneva Convention, POWs must be treated humanely, provided with adequate food, shelter, and medical care, and protected against violence, intimidation, insults, and public curiosity. The Convention also prohibits the use of POWs for medical or scientific experiments. The status and treatment of POWs are also addressed in the Fourth Geneva Convention and additional protocols relating to the protection of victims of armed conflicts.

Rights of Prisoners of War

POWs have the right to:

• Communicate with family members and receive care packages
• Retain their personal property, except for weapons and military equipment
• Receive a fair trial if accused of war crimes
• Be repatriated at the end of hostilities

Obligations of Capturing Powers

The capturing power is responsible for the safety, health, and welfare of POWs in its custody. This includes:

• Providing adequate food, water, shelter, and medical attention
• Ensuring that POWs are protected from acts of violence
• Respecting the religious practices and cultural traditions of POWs
• Facilitating the exchange of letters and care packages between POWs and their families

Controversies and Violations

Despite international laws, the treatment of POWs has been a contentious issue in many conflicts. Violations of the Geneva Conventions, including torture, forced labor, and extrajudicial killings of POWs, have been reported in various wars throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.

Notable POWs

Throughout history, many individuals have become notable for their experiences as POWs, including:

• Louis Zamperini, an Olympic athlete and World War II bombardier who survived 47 days at sea and two years in Japanese POW camps.
• John McCain, a U.S. Navy pilot and later a U.S. Senator, who was held as a POW for over five years during the Vietnam War.

See Also

• Geneva Conventions
• War crime
• International humanitarian law