Background
Measures must be taken to ensure respect for international humanitarian law. States have an obligation to teach its rules to their armed forces and the general public. They must prevent violations or punish them if these occur.
In particular, States must enact laws to punish the most serious violations of the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols, which are regarded as war crimes. States must also pass laws protecting the red cross and red crescent emblems.
Whether as individuals or through governments and various organizations, we can all make an important contribution to compliance with international humanitarian law.
Canada has signed and ratified the major international conventions on humanitarian law and the Parliament has passed legislation so that these conventions have become part of the law of Canada. People who have committed war crimes or grave breaches can tried and punished under our criminal law.
Furthermore, the Canadian government has undertaken to instruct not only its defense forces in the rules of IHL, but also its civilians "so that the principles may become known to the entire population". The Canadian Red Cross is also active in promoting the rules of IHL in Canada with the Canadian Armed Forces, the government, universities, the media and the general public.
Please visit our site: Even Wars Have Limits.
