Related Rule
Argentina
Practice Relating to Rule 59. Improper Use of the Distinctive Emblems of the Geneva Conventions
Under Argentina’s Law of War Manual (1969), the improper use of the distinctive emblems is an act violating the principle of good faith. The use is considered as “improper” only in combat operations.
Argentina, Leyes de Guerra, RC-46-1, Público, II Edición 1969, Ejército Argentino, Edición original aprobado por el Comandante en Jefe del Ejército, 9 May 1967, § 1.017.
The manual also states that the distinctive emblems “shall not be used … whether in time of peace or in time of war, for other purposes than indicating or protecting medical units and establishments, the personnel and material protected by the [1949 Geneva Conventions]”.
Argentina, Leyes de Guerra, RC-46-1, Público, II Edición 1969, Ejército Argentino, Edición original aprobado por el Comandante en Jefe del Ejército, 9 May 1967, § 3. 018(7).
Argentina’s Law of War Manual (1989) provides: “It is prohibited … to make improper use of the sign of the Red Cross.”
Argentina, Leyes de Guerra, PC-08-01, Público, Edición 1989, Estado Mayor Conjunto de las Fuerzas Armadas, aprobado por Resolución No. 489/89 del Ministerio de Defensa, 23 April 1990, § 1.06(1).
The manual further states:
The distinctive sign of [the 1949 Geneva Convention I] and [the 1977 Additional Protocol I] can only be used for medical units and for medical and religious personnel whose protection is provided for in the Convention and Protocol, with the consent of the competent authority.
Argentina, Leyes de Guerra, PC-08-01, Público, Edición 1989, Estado Mayor Conjunto de las Fuerzas Armadas, aprobado por Resolución No. 489/89 del Ministerio de Defensa, 23 April 1990, § 6.09.
Argentina’s Emblem Law (1893) punishes “(1) Any person who, without proper authorization, wears the armlet of the Red Cross. (2) Any person who improperly uses the name of the Argentine Red Cross Society or uses its emblems or insignia for any unlawful purpose.”
Argentina, Emblem Law, 1893, Article 1.
