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18.1.3 International or Multi-National Actions to Implement and Enforce the Law ofWar. States sometimes take actions on the international or multinational level to implement andenforce the law of war.For example, NATO Standardization Agreements might specify common procedures toimplement obligations under the 1949 Geneva Conventions for the treatment of POWs. Statesmay investigate alleged violations of the law of war through international commissions ofinquiry. 10As another example, States may establish international criminal tribunals to try enemybelligerents. 1118.1.4 Law of War Obligations and International Organizations. Internationalorganizations, such as the United Nations or NATO, are not Parties to law of war treaties, suchas the 1949 Geneva Conventions. Thus, these organizations do not have obligations under thosetreaty instruments. However, the member States of international organizations are Parties tothese treaties, and as a general matter, a State’s obligations under law of war treaties would notbe rendered inapplicable simply because its forces are part of an international or multinationalforce or are acting through an international organization.18.1.5 Application of Implementation and Enforcement Measures Outside the Context ofInternational Armed Conflict. Certain treaty obligations with respect to the implementation andenforcement of the law of war may not apply outside the context of international armed conflict.Nonetheless, many of the domestic law, policies, and regulations that are used toimplement and enforce the law of war are applicable outside the context of international armedconflict. Thus, for example, many of the provisions of the Uniform Code of Military Justice maybe used to punish crimes that have been committed in the context of a non-international armedconflict or a military operation other than war.18.2 PRUDENTIAL REASONS SUPPORTING THE IMPLEMENTATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE LAWOF WARThe implementation and enforcement of the law of war have been supported by strongpractical considerations. Compliance with the law of war is not only legally required but also inthe strong self-interest of everyone subject to the law of war. 1218.2.1 Reinforcing Military Effectiveness. Conducting military operations in accordancewith the law of war is not fighting with one hand tied behind one’s back. Rather, law of war10 Refer to § 18.14 (International Mechanisms to Investigate Alleged Law of War Violations).11 Refer to § 18.20.1 (Post-World War II International Military Tribunals).12 1976 AIR FORCE PAMPHLET 110-31 1-6 (“The law of armed conflict developed from an amalgam of social,political and military considerations. The primary basis for the law, and the principal reason for its respect, is that itgenerally serves the self-interest of everyone subject to its commands.”).1055