ICRC databases on international humanitarian law
  • Print page
Civil defence in occupied territories
    Article 63 -- Civil defence in occupied territories

    1. In occupied territories, civilian civil defence organizations shall receive from the authorities the facilities necessary for the performance of their tasks. In no circumstances shall their personnel be compelled to perform activities which would interfere with the proper performance of these tasks. The Occupying Power shall not change the structure or personnel of such organizations in any way which might jeopardize the efficient performance of their mission. These organizations shall not be required to give priority to the nationals or interests of that Power.

    2. The Occupying Power shall not compel, coerce or induce civilian civil defence organizations to perform their tasks in any manner prejudicial to the interests of the civilian population.

    3. The Occupying Power may disarm civil defence personnel for reasons of security.

    4. The Occupying Power shall neither divert from their proper use nor requisition buildings or or ' matériel ' belonging to or used by civil defence organizations if such diversion or requisition would be harmful to the civilian population.

    5. Provided that the general rule in paragraph 4 continues to be observed, the Occupying Power may requisition or divert these resources, subject to the following particular conditions:

    (a) that the buildings or ' matériel ' are necessary for other needs of the civilian population; and

    (b) that the requisition or diversion continues only while such necessity exists.

    6. The Occupying Power shall neither divert nor requisition shelters provided for the use of the civilian population or needed by such population.


<< Previous     Up     Next >>