The mortal remains of persons killed in action or who have died of wounds or disease contracted during hostilities must be respected, as must the mortal remains of persons who have died in captivity, internment or detention as a result of occupation of a territory. International law prescribes rules for the respect and marking of graves and the steps to be taken for such purposes at the end of hostilities.See Missing persons;
OUTLINE
LEGAL SOURCE
examination confirming death
GCI, 17/1 (see ICRC updated Commentary)
GCII, 20 (see ICRC updated Commentary)
obligation to search and identify dead bodies and notify of deaths
GCI, 15 (see ICRC updated Commentary), 16 (see ICRC updated Commentary), 17 (see ICRC updated Commentary)
GCII, 18/1 (see ICRC updated Commentary), 19 (see ICRC updated Commentary)
last wills, documents, personal effects and valuables
GCI, 16/3 (see ICRC updated Commentary)
GCII, 19/3 (see ICRC updated Commentary)
respect for mortal remains
GCI, 15/1 (see ICRC updated Commentary)
GCII, 18/1 (see ICRC updated Commentary)
decent burial
GCI, 17 (see ICRC updated Commentary)
agreements on the return of remains