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.