AUSTRALIAN
forces involved in Operation Falconer must abide by rules of engagement
that have been endorsed by the Government and issued to ADF commanders.
Rules
of engagement define the circumstances and limitations within
which military force may be applied during operations in Iraq.
The
rules are by necessity protected. Precise knowledge by an adversary
of the limitations that have been placed on the use of force by
Australian forces could endanger the lives of ADF personnel.
However,
in broad terms, Australian rules of engagement comply fully with
Australia’s domestic and international legal obligations,
including Australia’s obligations under the Laws of Armed
Conflict, the Geneva Conventions and other treaties to which Australia
is a party.
Under
these obligations, Australian forces will be authorised to engage
with necessary and proportionate lethal force all Iraqi military
and paramilitary forces as required to achieve their mission.
Australian
forces will not attack civilians or other persons protected by
the Geneva Conventions, such as those who are incapacitated by
sickness or wounding, and are unable to defend themselves, or
who have surrendered.
Australian
forces will not attack civilians, other persons protected by the
Geneva Conventions, or civilian objects such as civilian buildings,
provided they are not being used for a military purpose.
Under
the same conditions, Australian forces will also not attack objects
and infrastructure such as hospitals, places of worship, objects
of cultural significance, dams, dykes and nuclear power stations.
Additionally,
and consistent with Australia’s obligations under the Ottawa
Convention, Australian forces will not use or assist or encourage
others to use anti-personnel landmines.
As
a matter of Government policy, the use of cluster munitions by
Australian forces has been prohibited.
Australia
is party to more international treaties than the United States
and has more stringent obligations under international law.
However,
a Defence spokesman said these differences would not affect our
ability to work with United States forces.
