3 The Reference to 13 Other Organisations in IHL Treaties: A Basis for NGOs

Abstract

The Geneva and The Hague Conventions and Protocols refer to several organisations, apart from the members of the Movement, which fulfil the definition of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These organisations are the aid organisations, civil defence organisations, medical personnel, religious personnel, substitutes of the Protecting Powers, impartial humanitarian bodies/organisations, organisations giving assistance to the prisoners of wars, relief societies, international religious organisations, and four other organisations assisting protected persons. The voluntary aid included, originally in the 1906 and 1929 Geneva Conventions, the personnel of National Societies and other recognised relief societies that assisted the medical service of the armed forces. According to the text of the International humanitarian law (IHL) treaties, medical personnel comprise the medical personnel proper and the administrative personnel engaged in the administration of units and hospitals.Keywords: Geneva Convention; International humanitarian law (IHL) treaties; international religious organisations; National Societies; non-governmental organizations (NGOs); relief societies; The Hague Convention; aid organisations