Germany
Practice Relating to Rule 103. Collective Punishments
Germany’s Soldiers’ Manual (1991) provides for the prohibition of collective punishment against civilians.
Germany’s Military Manual (1992) refers to Article 33 of the 1949 Geneva Convention IV and prohibits “collective penalties” of civilians.
The manual specifies that this prohibition also applies in occupied territories.
With regard to prisoners of war, the manual refers to Article 87(3) of the 1949 Geneva Convention III and provides: “Collective punishment for individual acts and cruel punishment are forbidden.”
Germany’s IHL Manual (1996) states: “Collective punishments are prohibited.”
Germany’s Soldiers’ Manual (2006) states: “Reprisals against the civilian population are prohibited, likewise taking of hostages, collective penalties, pillage as well as measures of intimidation or terrorization.”