Netherlands
Practice Relating to Rule 53. Starvation as a Method of Warfare
The Military Manual (1993) of the Netherlands provides that “starvation of civilians is prohibited”, regardless of the motive.
In addition, the manual states that starvation of civilians is specifically prohibited in non-international armed conflicts.
The Military Manual (2005) of the Netherlands states: “It is prohibited to starve civilians.”
In its chapter on non-international armed conflict, the manual states: “It is prohibited to starve the civilian population.”
The Definition of War Crimes Decree (1946) of the Netherlands includes “deliberate starvation of civilians” in its list of war crimes.
Under the International Crimes Act (2003) of the Netherlands, “intentionally using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare” is a crime when committed in an international armed conflict.