Human Rights-Based Intelligence Operations - Commission on ...

Guidebook
2. Exercise utmost restraint and caution
in the use of armed force to implement
policies. When the use of armed force is
inevitable, strict controls must be exercised
to ensure that only reasonable force
necessary for mission accomplishment
shall be taken and shall be directed only
against hostile elements, not against
civilians or non-combatants.
3. Treat suspects and enemies who are out
of combat (e.g. wounded, surrendered/
captured) humanely and with respect
and shall, at the earliest time possible,
turn them over to higher echelons of
command/office for proper disposition.
4.Inhibit from unnecessary military
actions that could cause destruction to
private and public properties. If, in the
course of legitimate security operations,
private properties are damaged, measures
shall be undertaken whenever practicable,
utilizing available unit’s manpower and
equipment to repair the damage caused as
a matter of AFP Civic Action Policy.
5. Respect all persons and objects bearing
the emblem of the Red Cross, White Flag
of Truce or emblems designating cultural
property.
Furthermore, GHQ Directive to the
Commanders of Major Services, Unified
Commands and AFPWSSUs dated August
9, 2007 explicitly provides that the AFP never
has a policy and activity to inflict terror to
the people but committed to sow just and
lasting state of peace that will pave way to
the development of communities around the
country. With this commitment, the AFP
will follow the standing rules of engagement,
ensure the protection of human rights and
adhere to the international humanitarian law
under all circumstances.
“We must understand the role of human rights as
empowering of individuals and communities. By protecting
these rights, we can help prevent the many conflicts based on
poverty, discrimination and exclusion (social, economic and
political) that continue to plague humanity and destroy
decades of development efforts. The vicious circle of human
rights violations that lead to conflicts, which in turn, lead to more violations must be
broken. I believe we can break it only by ensuring respect for all human rights.”
- Mary Robinson, former UN High <strong>Commission</strong>er for <strong>Human</strong> <strong>Rights</strong>
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