Truce

Agreement between belligerents to interrupt for a stated period the use of means of warfare in a specific locality or sector.

A truce should enable work to be done that is unrelated to the general conduct of war (e.g. removal of the wounded, burial of the dead, exchange of prisoners) or give military commanders time to ask for instructions regarding negotiations.

For so long as the suspension of hostilities remains in force, and failing agreement to the contrary, there must be no change in the positions of the opposing forces.

The effects of the suspension are limited to the territory stated in the relevant convention. Suspension of hostilities does not entail suspension of the application of international humanitarian law or put an end to the state of war, which subsists with all its legal consequences.

See also Surrender; Armistice;

LEGAL SOURCE