The Detaining Power may require prisoners of war to work, subject to certain conditions and guarantees. Existing rules regulate authorized work, the duration of labour, the prohibition of dangerous or humiliating labour, working pay, labour detachments and the treatment of prisoners working for private employers. It is also permitted to employ civilian internees as workers, but only if they so desire and subject to certain prohibitions (e.g. of degrading or humiliating work) and conditions, and for a fair wage. International humanitarian law also regulates work by foreigners in the territory of a belligerent, and by protected persons in occupied territory.

OUTLINE

LEGAL SOURCE

of medical and religious personnel; prisoners enaged on medical duties or who are ministries of religion; persons in hospital or safety zone

    GCI, 28/2(c) (see ICRC updated Commentary)

    GCIII, 32, 33/2(c) and 36

    GCIV, Annex 1, Art. 2

    PII, 10/2

of POWs

    GCIII, 49-57, 62

of civil internees and protected persons

    GCIV, 39, 40, 51-52, 89/4, 90/3, 95, 143/1 and 5

    CIHL, 95

prohibition of forced labour

    GCIV, 40, 51 and 95

    CIHL, 95

of civil defence

    PI, 63/1

in NIAC

    PII, 5/1(e)

CASES