Geneva Conventions Act, 2012
An Act giving domestic effect in Sierra Leone to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols on international humanitarian law.
Summary
The Geneva Conventions Act, 2012 gives effect in Sierra Leone law to the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols, the core instruments of international humanitarian law protecting the victims of armed conflict.
The Act enables the prosecution of grave breaches of the Conventions — serious war crimes — by Sierra Leonean courts, provides for related offences and penalties, and protects the emblems of the red cross, red crescent and red crystal against misuse. It reflects Sierra Leone's obligations as a party to the Conventions and its commitment, after its own conflict, to the enforcement of humanitarian law.
Main provisions
- Gives domestic effect to the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols.
- Enables prosecution of grave breaches (war crimes) in Sierra Leonean courts.
- Provides for related offences and penalties.
- Protects the red cross, red crescent and red crystal emblems against misuse.
- Gives effect to Sierra Leone's international humanitarian law obligations.