Related Rule
Spain
Practice Relating to Rule 127. Respect for Convictions and Religious Practices of Persons Deprived of Their Liberty
Spain’s LOAC Manual (1996) provides: “Prisoners of war shall enjoy complete latitude in the exercise of their religion, including attendance at the service of their faith organized by the religious service of the camp.”
Spain, Orientaciones. El Derecho de los Conflictos Armados, Publicación OR7-004, 2 Tomos, aprobado por el Estado Mayor del Ejército, Division de Operaciones, 18 March 1996, Vol. I, § 6.4.(i).9.
The manual points out, however, the obligation of prisoners to “comply with the disciplinary routine prescribed by the Detaining Power”.
Spain, Orientaciones. El Derecho de los Conflictos Armados, Publicación OR7-004, 2 Tomos, aprobado por el Estado Mayor del Ejército, Division de Operaciones, 18 March 1996, Vol. I, § 8.5.(c).1.
Spain’s LOAC Manual (2007) states: “Prisoners of war must enjoy complete freedom in the exercise of their religious beliefs, including attending services of their faith organized by the camp’s religious service.”
Spain, Orientaciones. El Derecho de los Conflictos Armados, Tomo 1, Publicación OR7–004, (Edición Segunda), Mando de Adiestramiento y Doctrina, Dirección de Doctrina, Orgánica y Materiales, 2 November 2007, § 6.4.i.(9).
The manual points out, however, the obligation of prisoners to “adhere to the disciplinary routine prescribed by the detaining authorities”.
Spain, Orientaciones. El Derecho de los Conflictos Armados, Tomo 1, Publicación OR7–004, (Edición Segunda), Mando de Adiestramiento y Doctrina, Dirección de Doctrina, Orgánica y Materiales, 2 November 2007, § 8.5.c.(1).
The manual further states:
[N]o person who is captured or detained in relation to an armed conflict remains unprotected under the law of armed conflict and is entitled, at all times, to minimum guarantees. [These include] … respect for the person, honour, convictions and religious practices.
Spain, Orientaciones. El Derecho de los Conflictos Armados, Tomo 1, Publicación OR7–004, (Edición Segunda), Mando de Adiestramiento y Doctrina, Dirección de Doctrina, Orgánica y Materiales, 2 November 2007, § 8.2.c; see also §§ 1.4 and 5.6.a.(2).
