Netherlands
Practice Relating to Rule 122. Pillage of the Personal Belongings of Persons Deprived of Their Liberty
The Military Manual (1993) of the Netherlands provides that the appropriation of personal property of prisoners of war is an ordinary breach of IHL.
The Military Manual (2005) of the Netherlands states:
Prisoners of war must be left in possession of items for their personal use, helmets and other items for their personal protection.
The following items must be left in their possession:
- personal protective equipment (helmet, gas mask and flak jacket), eating equipment (water bottle and eating utensils), personal clothing (underwear, outer garments, rainwear, etc.) and items for personal care (toothbrush, etc.);
- personal effects (watch, pens, glasses, letters, etc.) and military emblems (badges of rank, etc.)
- identity documents (these may, of course, be inspected, but must be returned).
In its chapter on peace operations, the manual states: “Personal effects and personal protection remain in the detainee’s possession.”