Overview

The Geneva Conventions and United Nations Personnel (Protocols) Act 2009 amended existing UK law to incorporate the Protocol III to the Geneva Conventions (adopting a new protective emblem) and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel. This ensured that UK law reflects international agreements regarding the protection of personnel and the use of protective emblems in armed conflict.

Description

This Act made several key changes:

• Amendments to the Geneva Conventions Act 1957: The Act added Protocol III to the list of protected protocols, defining "grave breaches" to include misuse of the new emblem (a red square on a white background). It also legally recognized this "red crystal" emblem in UK law, outlining its use and the penalties for its misuse.
• Amendments to the United Nations Personnel Act 1997: The Act broadened the definition of a "UN worker" to include personnel involved in peace-building, development assistance, and emergency humanitarian aid, reflecting the expanded roles of UN personnel. It also included a provision for opting out of the Optional Protocol's protection for specific emergency humanitarian operations.
• Schedule 7: The Act added Schedule 7 to the 1957 Act, which contains the full text of Protocol III to the Geneva Conventions.

Government Spending

The Act itself doesn't directly state the cost. The Explanatory Notes were sold for £5.50, but this is not indicative of overall government spending related to the Act's implementation (training, enforcement etc.).

Groups Affected

• Armed forces: The Act affects their conduct in armed conflict, influencing the use of protective emblems.
• Medical and religious personnel: The Act clarifies the protection afforded to them in conflict zones, potentially impacting their safety and operational procedures.
• United Nations personnel: The broadened definition of "UN worker" extends legal protection to a wider range of UN personnel involved in various peace and humanitarian operations.
• National Societies (e.g., Red Cross): The Act allows for the use of the new emblem, potentially impacting their operations and branding.
• Civilian population: The Act indirectly affects the civilian population by clarifying the legal status of protective emblems and promoting awareness of international humanitarian law.

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