Common article 3 of the Geneva Conventions ● Applies to non-international armed conflict ● Applies to both government and opposition forces ● Sets minimum standards: - requires humane treatment for persons not taking part in hostilities, including on account of surrender, sickness, wounds or detention, or for other reasons - prohibits discrimination, violence to life and person, murder, mutilation, cruel treatment, torture, hostage-taking, outrages on personal dignity, humiliating and degrading treatment, the passing of sentences and the carrying out of executions without previous judgement by a regularly constituted court affording full judicial guarantees - requires that the wounded and sick be collected and cared for ● Provides for ICRC or other neutral humanitarian services ● Encourages special agreements to bring other Geneva Convention provisions into force ● Does not affect the legal status of the parties OHCHR Police Trainer’s Guide Session 9 (Armed Conflict)/3 128