ICJ urges respect of Geneva Conventions in Afghan city of Kunduz

The ICJ is concerned about the potential fate of Afghan and foreign fighters in the city of Kunduz.

Under Article 3 of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, all persons that fall into the hands of the northern alliance forces must be protected against being killed or otherwise ill-treated and, if subjected to trial, such trial must be carried out by a properly constituted court affording judicial guarantees. Lack of respect of these provisions amount to war crimes. In addition, it is incumbent on governments co-operating with the northern alliance to urge the alliance to respect these provisions further to Article 1 of the Geneva Conventions that require all States to respect and ensure respect of these Conventions.

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