Related Rule
Germany
Practice Relating to Rule 65. Perfidy
Section F. Simulation of protected status by using the distinctive emblems of the Geneva Conventions
Germany’s Military Manual (1992) states: “The perfidious use of the distinctive emblem [red cross or red crescent] is explicitly prohibited and constitutes a grave breach of international law.”
Germany, Humanitarian Law in Armed Conflicts – Manual, DSK VV207320067, edited by The Federal Ministry of Defence of the Federal Republic of Germany, VR II 3, August 1992, English translation of ZDv 15/2, Humanitäres Völkerrecht in bewaffneten Konflikten – Handbuch, August 1992, § 640; see also § 1209.
Germany’s Law Introducing the International Crimes Code (2002) punishes anyone who, in connection with an international or non-international armed conflict, “makes improper use of the distinctive emblems of the Geneva Conventions, … thereby causing a person’s death or serious injury”.
Germany, Law Introducing the International Crimes Code, 2002, Article 1, § 10(2).
