Combatants and POWs | IHL in Action

A helicopter in the middle of the grass, with surrounding soldiers. Image is taken from 1995 Cenepa War.

New | Ecuador/Peru, Exchange of Prisoners of War

On 1 March 1995, at the conclusion of the 1995 Cenepa War, Ecuador and Peru agreed to an exchange of prisoners of war (POWs) in furtherance of the Itamaraty and Montevideo agreements. This mutual return of POWs was followed by a second exchange on 30 June 1995, contributing to a larger peace process taking place at the conclusion of the conflict. Several international actors facilitated and supported the exchanges.

Iraq, Reform in Iraqi Detention Facilities Leads to Family Visitation to Detainees in Camp Bucca

The U.S. military reformed their detention policies in Iraq’s detention facilities in order to allow an increased number of family visits to Iraqi prisoners at Camp Bucca in Umm Qasr.

Democratic Republic of the Congo, Release of Prisoners of War

The Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement in 1999 included the commitment to release prisoners of war (POWs). Thanks to the support of the Security Council and the cooperation of different agencies and organizations, numerous POWs were eventually released by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Georgia/Russia, Release of Prisoners of War

During the 2008 conflict, in the village of Igoeti, following a six-point peace agreement mediated by the European Union, a simultaneous release of prisoners of war between Russia and Georgia took place.

Sudan, Release of Detainees by Non-State Armed Groups

In the context of different internal conflicts in Sudan, both the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) have released detainees in response to appeals from religious leaders, civil society organizations and prestigious national figures. The president of Uganda negotiated and oversaw the release.

Eritrea/Ethiopia, Repatriation of Prisoners of War

In the aftermath of the Eritrean–Ethiopian War (1998-2000), both parties repatriated Prisoners of War (PoWs). The Algiers Peace Agreement enabled an independent commission to hear claims related to potential violations of international humanitarian law. This included an assessment as to whether POWs repatriation was made incompliance with IHL.

Côte d’Ivoire, Release of Prisoners

During the 2002-2004 armed conflict in Côte d’Ivoire, members of the Ivoirian Defense Forces were released by the Forces Nouvelles on two occasions. This release occurred in accordance with the Amnesty Law passed by the Ivorian Government and in the context of a peace agreement achieved between the Ivorian Government and the rebel forces, facilitated by external actors such as France and the UN.