You are on page 1of 1

https://www.quora.

com/Does-Doctors-Without-Borders-treat-terrorists-on-the-
battlefield/answer/Alrein-Wajong

Based on their principles of operation, it is at the core of humanitarian principles that


they are expected to treat anyone impartially. In the context of armed conflicts
the international humanitarian law (IHL) is applied (though in reality, this isnt always
the case). Here is what the ICRC say about IHL from the International Committee of the
Red Cross website:

The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols are at the core of international
humanitarian law, the body of international law that regulates the conduct of armed
conflict and seeks to limit its effects. They specifically protect people who are not
taking part in the hostilities (civilians, health workers and aid workers)
and those who are no longer participating in the hostilities, such as
wounded, sick and shipwrecked soldiers and prisoners of war.

The Convention (I) for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in
Armed Forces in the Field. Geneva, 12 August 1949. Article 13 on Protected Person item 1
& 2 states that the Convention shall apply to the wounded and sick belonging to the
categories:

(1) Members of the armed forces of a Party to the conflict as well as members of militias
or volunteer corps forming part of such armed forces

(2) Members of other militias and members of other volunteer corps, including those of
organized resistance movements, belonging to a Party to the conflict and operating in
or outside their own territory, even if this territory is occupied, provided that such
militias or volunteer corps, including such organized resistance movements, fulfill the
following conditions:

(a) that of being commanded by a person responsible for his subordinates;


(b) that of having a fixed distinctive sign recognizable at a distance;
(c) that of carrying arms openly;
(d) that of conducting their operations in accordance with the laws and
customs of war.

If the said armed terrorist is injured, not in combat and require medical attention he or
she can fall into this category. However, theres a possibility that the injured combatants
may not fulfill item 2 point D. Regardless, they maybe seen as non-participating
combatant and the medical facility would still treat the person. You can assume that your
money goes to whoever needs the most urgent medical attention.

You might also like