Treatment & Handling of Captured Persons (CPERS)
Definition
A CPERS is any person who has been captured, surrendered, or detained and is under UNITAF control, regardless of their status (enemy, civilian, etc.).
Obligations
- Preserve life and provide medical care if needed.
- Treat humanely: no humiliation, torture, or degrading treatment.
- Respect personal protective gear unless unsafe to keep.
- Keep CPERS secure and guarded until handover.
- Report CPERS to chain of command quickly.
Prohibitions
- No execution or deliberate harm.
- No using CPERS for tactical advantage (e.g. human shield).
- No unauthorised trials, interrogations, or punishments.
- No taking personal items except for safety or mission reasons.
Command Responsibility
- Leaders ensure proper custody, communication and handover.
