Spain
Practice Relating to Rule 135. Children
Spain’s LOAC Manual (1996) provides: “Children are also the object of a special respect and they shall be protected against any form of indecent assault. If they are taken prisoner, they shall be protected under special provisions.”
Spain’s LOAC Manual (2007) states: “Children … are also the object of special respect and must be protected against any form of indecent assault … If they are taken prisoner, they are protected by special provisions.”
The manual further states: “The parties to the conflict are encouraged to conclude agreements to establish safety zones to protect … children … from the effects of war.”
Spain’s Penal Code (1995), as amended in 2003, states:
Anyone who [commits any of the following acts] during armed conflict shall be punished with three to seven years’ imprisonment:
…
3. … [V]iolating the prohibitions … regarding the special protection owed to … children as stipulated by the international treaties to which Spain is a party.
Spain’s LOAC Manual (1996) provides: “In besieged or encircled areas where there is a civilian population, it shall be endeavoured to conclude local agreements with the enemy to organize the evacuation of … children”.
Spain’s LOAC Manual (2007) states: “In besieged or encircled areas where there are civilians, efforts must be made to conclude local agreements with the enemy for the evacuation of … children.”