The necessary movement of persons - both within the combat zone, and from the combat zone towards territory controlled by a Party to the conflict - of persons protected by IHL. The aim of evacuation is to protect persons from the effects of ongoing hostilities. Evacuation comprises:
- wounded, sick and shipwrecked, who the military medical services must collect and to whom they must give first aid in dressing stations. They must be classified into three grades of urgency, sorted out, transported and cared for in medical establishment able to give them suitable treatment. All these operations are carried out by medical personnel, medical units and medical transports, and must take place under the protection of the emblem of the red cross and red crescent, with due respect for the rules established by international law;
- prisoners of war, who must be collected by specialized units and sent to internment camps conforming to legal standards;
- the civilian population, which must be moved in a coordinated manner from the rear area by military commanders in accordance with the rules of international law.
LEGAL SOURCE
of children
of civilians and civilian population from the vicinity of military objectives
in NIAC, of detained or interned persons
of POWs
of protected persons
of wounded, sick and shipwrecked
GCI, 15/3 (see ICRC updated Commentary)