Customary IHL - 66. Non-Hostile Contacts between the Parties to Conflict

France

Practice relating to Rule 66. Non-Hostile Contacts between the Parties to the Conflict

France’s Disciplinary Regulations (1975), as amended, states that it is prohibited for a combatant “to enter in contact with the enemy”.

France, Règlement de Discipline Générale dans les Armées, Decree No. 75-675 of 28 July 1975, replacing Decree No. 66-749, completed by Decree of 11 October 1978, implemented by Instruction No. 52000/DEF/C/5 of 10 December 1979, and modified by Decree of 12 July 1982, Ministère de la Défense, Etat-Major de l’Armée de Terre, Bureau Emploi, Article 9(3).

Section B. Use of the white flag of truce

III. Military Manuals

France’s LOAC Manual (2001) recognizes the “white flag or flag of parlementaires”.

France, Manuel de droit des conflits armés, Ministère de la Défense, Direction des Affaires Juridiques, Sous-Direction du droit international humanitaire et du droit européen, Bureau du droit des conflits armés, 2001, p. 61.

2. Practice\Non-Hostile Contacts between the Parties to Conflict