Related Rule
South Africa
Practice Relating to Rule 138. The Elderly, Disabled and Infirm
Section A. The elderly
South Africa’s LOAC Teaching Manual (2008) states:
2.4 Specifically Protected Persons and Objects:
a. Civilians
…
[1949] Geneva Convention IV further stipulates special categories of civilian persons who enjoy special protection under the Convention (articles 4, 14, 16, 17 and 24), to wit:
…
- Aged persons;
…
…
Conclusion
…
… Article 4 of Geneva Convention IV provides for further refinements to this definition [of civilians]. …
Special categories of civilian persons who enjoy special protection under the Convention are expectant mothers, mothers of children under the age of seven, aged or infirm persons, wounded and sick civilians and children younger than fifteen.
South Africa, Advanced Law of Armed Conflict Teaching Manual, School of Military Justice, 1 April 2008, as amended to 25 October 2013, Learning Unit 2, pp. 112, 113–114 and 123.
