Creating Standards for the Treatment of Enemy POWs
Create your own list of standards for the treatment of enemy prisoners of war. Consider the following questions as you develop your list:
1. What issues will you need to consider in your Standards for the Treatment of Enemy POWs, beginning from the original taking of prisoners until their eventual release?
2. What rights or protections should be given to enemy prisoners of war?
3. Why would warring nations feel obligated to adhere to the Geneva Convention in their treatment of enemy prisoners? (For example: fear of post-war retribution, fear of causing similar treatment of its soldiers held prisoner by enemy nations, fear of criticism on the homefront.)
4. How might violations of the Geneva Convention be handled? (for example, by the United Nations)
5. What recent controversies have arisen over the treatment of enemy prisoners of war in more recent conflicts? (for example, Bosnia, Kosovo, the War on Terrorism)
