Australia
Practice Relating to Rule 145. Reprisals
Section D. Order at the highest authority of government
Australia’s Commanders’ Guide (1994) states: “Reprisal action by ADF [Australian Defence Force] members requires prior approval at the highest level.”
Australia’s Defence Force Manual (1994) provides: “Reprisal action by the ADF [Australian Defence Force] members requires prior approval at government level.”
Australia’s LOAC Manual (2006) states: “In order to qualify as a legitimate reprisal, an act must comply with the following conditions when employed … [including] … As reprisals entail state responsibility, they must be authorised at the highest level of government.”
The LOAC Manual (2006) replaces both the Defence Force Manual (1994) and the Commanders’ Guide (1994).