Editing Law of war (section)

===Lawful conduct of belligerent actors===

Modern laws of war regarding conduct during war (''jus in bello''), such as the [[1949 Geneva Conventions]], provide that it is unlawful for belligerents to engage in combat without meeting certain requirements. Article 4(a)(2) of the ''Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War'' recognizes Lawful Combatants by the following characteristics:
* (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; and
* (d) That of conducting their operations in accordance with the laws and customs of war.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hrlibrary.umn.edu/instree/y3gctpw.htm |title=Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, 75 U.N.T.S. 135|author=<!--Not stated--> |date=1950-09-21 |website=[[University of Minnesota]] Human Rights Library|publisher=United Nations |access-date= 2021-09-12|quote=}}</ref>

Impersonating enemy combatants by wearing the enemy's uniform is possibly allowed, however the issue is unsettled. Fighting in that uniform is unlawful [[perfidy]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rule 62. Improper Use of the Flags or Military Emblems, Insignia or Uniforms of the Adversary |url=https://ihl-databases.icrc.org/en/customary-ihl/v1/rule62 |access-date=2023-08-30 |website=ihl-databases.icrc.org |quote=However, their employment is forbidden during a combat, that is, the opening of fire whilst in the guise of the enemy. But there is no unanimity as to whether the uniform of the enemy may be worn and his flag displayed for the purpose of approach or withdrawal.}}</ref> as is the taking of [[hostage]]s{{Citation needed|reason=reliable sources needed for the whole section|date=April 2013}}.

Combatants also must be commanded by a responsible officer. That is, a commander can be held liable in a court of law for the improper actions of their subordinates. There is an exception to this if the war came on so suddenly that there was no time to organize a resistance, e.g. as a result of a [[foreign occupation]].{{Citation needed|reason=reliable source needed for the whole section|date=April 2013}}