Netherlands
Practice Relating to Rule 113. Treatment of the Dead
The Military Manual (1993) of the Netherlands states: “Remains must be protected.”
The Military Handbook (1995) of the Netherlands provides: “The dead must not be mutilated.”
The Military Manual (2005) of the Netherlands states:
The individual is entitled to respect for his life, physical, mental and moral integrity and whatever is inseparable from his personality.
Examples:
- The physical remains of a fallen combatant are inviolable.
The manual further states: “Human remains must be respected and protected.”
The Military Criminal Code (1964), as amended in 1990, of the Netherlands provides for the punishment of persons committing violent acts against a dead person.
The Military Handbook (1995) of the Netherlands provides: “The property [of the dead] must not be taken or destroyed.”
Under the Military Criminal Code (1964), as amended in 1990, of the Netherlands, “theft from a dead … person, who belongs to one of the parties to the conflict” is a criminal offence.