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Commentary - Identity card for temporary civilian medical and religious personnel
    [p.1161] Annex I, Article 2 -- Identity card for temporary civilian medical and religions personnel


    [p.1162] General remarks

    4001 The temporary civilian medical and religious personnel referred to in this article are defined in sub-paragraphs (c), (d) and (k) of Article 8 ' (Terminology) ' of the Protocol; since they are entitled to respect and protection they should be able, if the need arises, to prove their right to wear the protective distinctive emblem by showing the identity card provided for in Article 18 ' (Identification), ' paragraph 3, of the Protocol. Since the Protocol does not distinguish between "permanent" and "temporary" status for civilian medical and religious personnel, the identity cards intended respectively for these two categories of personnel are based on one and the same provision.

    4002 As we have seen, only the first of the two articles of the Annex devoted to these identity cards refers to paragraph 3 of Article 18 ' (Identification) ' of the Protocol, in which the terms "permanent" and "temporary" do not appear.

    4003 In cases of emergency, when an identity card based on the national model or on the model in figure 1 cannot be drawn up for temporary personnel, the competent authority may issue a similar document, namely, the certificate referred to in paragraph 2 of this article. Like the identity card provided for in Article 18 ' (Identification), ' paragraph 3, of the Protocol, the certificate issued to temporary civilian medical and religious personnel states their right to wear the distinctive emblem as well as their right to respect and protection.

    Paragraph 1

    4004 The model identity card proposed in figure 1 was designed by the Technical Sub-Committee so that it could also be issued to temporary civilian medical and religious personnel. All that is required is to strike out the word "permanent" which appears in the model. The essential features which serve to identify an individual are the same, irrespective of whether permanent or temporary personnel are involved.

    4005 Temporary personnel, who are required to meet the conditions laid down in Article 8 ' (Terminology), ' sub-paragraphs (c), (d) and (k), of the Protocol, may be called upon at short notice. (1) Their mission should not be delayed by the administrative formalities involved in issuing the identity card certifying their right to wear the distinctive emblem. A single model of identity card which can be used for both permanent and temporary personnel facilitates both control and issuance procedures throughout the national territory and at any time; the forms may be printed, left blank and distributed in advance to the authorities responsible for issuing and controlling the identity cards.

    [p.1163] Paragraph 2

    4006 Where circumstances preclude the provision of identity cards based on the national model or the model in Figure 1 to temporary civilian medical and religious personnel in occupied territories or in the areas referred to in paragraph 3 of Article 18 ' (Identification) ' of the Protocol, the competent authority may issue a certificate as proof of the status of the person to whom it is issued.

    4007 The certificate should contain the following particulars:

    ' Certificate for temporary civilian medical and religious
    personnel '

    ' Name: '
    ' Date of birth: '
    (or age when the certificate was issued).

    ' Holder's function: '
    ' Identity No. ' (if any):

    The holder has the right to wear the distinctive emblem conferring
    protection.
    His assignment to duty as temporary medical/religious personnel

    begins on:...

    ends on:...

    (date of issue)

    Signature of holder Signature of the competent
    or thumbprint or both authority issuing the certificate

    4008 In exceptional circumstances or emergencies, it is not compulsory for the certificate to bear the distinctive emblem and the competent authority's stamp. Neither do certificates of this kind need to bear the holder's photograph. By analogy with the provisions governing the identity card, temporary personnel provided with this certificate should not have it removed from them and may in no circumstances be deprived of it during their assignment. In the event of loss, they should be provided with a duplicate copy. The issuing authority should, if possible, keep a control of the certificates it issues, for example by keeping a list of names. The material to be used is not specified and could, for example, be ordinary typing paper without an official letterhead.

    4009 If the holder does not know his date of birth, paragraph 2 recommends that his age at the time of issue should be mentioned. Consequently, the certificate should bear a date of issue.

    [p.1164]

    Model of indentity card for Articles 1 and 2

    [Graphic document non reproduced in the database]

    [p.1165]

    4010 The particulars referred to in Article 1 ' (Identity card for permanent civilian medical and religious personnel), ' paragraph 1, sub-paragraphs (a) to (h), appear on either the front or the reverse side of the model. Enough space was left to include additional particulars as an aid to precise identification of the holder, namely, height, eyes and hair.

    4011 A person may be described as short, of average height or tall, but it is certainly preferable for the height to be expressed in metric terms. Eyes and hair are characterized by their colour; a bald person may be so described. It is not compulsory for these particulars to be given; they are not mentioned in Article 1 ' (Identity card for permanent civilian medical and religious personnel), ' paragraph 1, sub-paragraphs (a) to (h).

    4012 The item "Other distinguishing marks or information" could be used, for example, to list any distinguishing physical marks or provide information about the holder's profession. 4013 The Technical Sub-Committee considered that it was not necessary for the holder's blood group to be entered on the identity card because, if the need arises, it is preferable to check the blood group rather than to rely on previous information from a source which may be unverifiable.

    ' Ph. E. '


    NOTES (1) [(1) p.1162] Cf. commentary Art. 8 of the Protocol, sub-paras. (c), (d), (k), supra, pp. 124, 127 and 132;