Norma relacionada
Spain
Practice Relating to Rule 59. Improper Use of the Distinctive Emblems of the Geneva Conventions
Spain’s Field Regulations (1882) provides that it is “indecent and repulsive” to protect or shield troops or military equipment or materials under a red cross emblem.
Spain, El Reglamento para el Servicio de Campaña, 4 January 1882, Article 864.
Spain’s LOAC Manual (1996) states that it is prohibited “to make improper use of the emblem of the Red Cross or of the protective signs of medical units or personnel”.
Spain, Orientaciones. El Derecho de los Conflictos Armados, Publicación OR7-004, 2 Tomos, aprobado por el Estado Mayor del Ejército, Division de Operaciones, 18 March 1996, Vol. I, § 7.3.c; see also § 10.8.e.(1).
The manual states that use of the protection provided for by the law of war is an unlawful method of deception. It gives the example of using an ambulance to transport ammunition.
Spain, Orientaciones. El Derecho de los Conflictos Armados, Publicación OR7-004, 2 Tomos, aprobado por el Estado Mayor del Ejército, Division de Operaciones, 18 March 1996, Vol. I, § 2.3.b.(3).
The manual further states that the distinctive sign of the red cross or equivalent and the distinctive signs and signals of the medical service may be used only for their intended purpose.
Spain, Orientaciones. El Derecho de los Conflictos Armados, Publicación OR7-004, 2 Tomos, aprobado por el Estado Mayor del Ejército, Division de Operaciones, 18 March 1996, Vol. I, § 3.3.b.(2).
The manual also provides that it is an unlawful deception “to use improperly, i.e., to indicate persons and objects not protected, the distinctive signs and signals of the medical service”.
Spain, Orientaciones. El Derecho de los Conflictos Armados, Publicación OR7-004, 2 Tomos, aprobado por el Estado Mayor del Ejército, Division de Operaciones, 18 March 1996, Vol. I, § 5.3.c.
Spain’s LOAC Manual (2007) states that use of the protection provided for by the law of war to mislead an adversary into thinking that certain persons or objects cannot be attacked because they are protected is an unlawful method of deception. It gives the example of using an ambulance to transport ammunition.
Spain, Orientaciones. El Derecho de los Conflictos Armados, Tomo 1, Publicación OR7–004, (Edición Segunda), Mando de Adiestramiento y Doctrina, Dirección de Doctrina, Orgánica y Materiales, 2 November 2007, § 2.3.b.(3).
The manual further states:
It is prohibited to make improper use of the following distinctive signs and signals for any purpose other than the intended one:
(a) the distinctive signs and signals of the medical service;
…
(f) the distinctive sign of the red cross and equivalent signs.
Spain, Orientaciones. El Derecho de los Conflictos Armados, Tomo 1, Publicación OR7–004, (Edición Segunda), Mando de Adiestramiento y Doctrina, Dirección de Doctrina, Orgánica y Materiales, 2 November 2007, § 3.3.b.(2).(a) and (f); see also §§ 5.3.c and 7.3.c.
Spain’s Military Criminal Code (1985) punishes any soldier who “displays improperly … the distinctive signs of the Geneva Conventions”.
Spain, Military Criminal Code, 1985, Article 75(1).
Spain’s Penal Code (1995) punishes:
anyone who, during an armed conflict … uses improperly … the protective or distinctive signs, emblems or signals established and recognized under international treaties to which Spain is a party, in particular the distinctive signs of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent.
Spain, Penal Code, 1995, Article 612(4).
Spain’s Penal Code (1995), as amended in 2010, states:
Anyone who [commits any of the following acts] during armed conflict shall be punished with three to seven years’ imprisonment:
…
4. Improperly using the protective or distinctive signs, emblems or signals established and recognized under international treaties to which Spain is a party, in particular the distinctive signs of the Red Cross, Red Crescent and Red Crystal.
Spain, Penal Code, 1995, as amended on 23 June 2010, Article 612(4).
