Prisoner of war

A prisoner of war (POW, PoW, or PW) is a soldier, sailor, airman, or marine who is imprisoned by an enemy power during or immediately after an armed conflict. Laws exist to ensure prisoners of war are treated humanely and diplomatically. Nations vary in their dedication to following these laws.

Related Topics:
Soldier - Sailor - Airman - Marine

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Article 4 of the Third Geneva Convention protects captured military personnel, some guerrilla fighters and certain civilians.

Related Topics:
Third Geneva Convention - Military - Guerrilla

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It applies from the moment a prisoner is captured until he is released or repatriated.

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One of the main provisions of the convention makes it illegal to torture prisoners, and states that a prisoner can only be required to give his name, date of birth, rank and service number (if applicable).

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The status of POW does not include unarmed non-combatants who are captured in time of war; they are protected by the Fourth Geneva Convention rather than the Third Geneva Convention.

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