Related Rule
Netherlands
Practice Relating to Rule 53. Starvation as a Method of Warfare
Section A. General
III. Military Manuals
The Military Manual (1993) of the Netherlands provides that “starvation of civilians is prohibited”, regardless of the motive. 
Netherlands, Toepassing Humanitair Oorlogsrecht, Voorschift No. 27-412/1, Koninklijke Landmacht, Ministerie van Defensie, 1993, p. V-7.
In addition, the manual states that starvation of civilians is specifically prohibited in non-international armed conflicts. 
Netherlands, Toepassing Humanitair Oorlogsrecht, Voorschift No. 27-412/1, Koninklijke Landmacht, Ministerie van Defensie, 1993, p. XI-6.
The Military Manual (2005) of the Netherlands states: “It is prohibited to starve civilians.” 
Netherlands, Humanitair Oorlogsrecht: Handleiding, Voorschift No. 27-412, Koninklijke Landmacht, Militair Juridische Dienst, 2005, § 0534.
In its chapter on non-international armed conflict, the manual states: “It is prohibited to starve the civilian population.” 
Netherlands, Humanitair Oorlogsrecht: Handleiding, Voorschift No. 27-412, Koninklijke Landmacht, Militair Juridische Dienst, 2005, § 1033.
IV. National Legislation
The Definition of War Crimes Decree (1946) of the Netherlands includes “deliberate starvation of civilians” in its list of war crimes. 
Netherlands, Definition of War Crimes Decree, 1946, Article 1.
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. 
Netherlands, International Crimes Act, 2003, Article 5(5)(l).