25 February 2026 13:52 UTC · UK Government · GOV.UK Speech · Source · Email X Link

UK Government says it upholds prisoners of war protections

Key points

Affirms humane treatment of prisoners of war as a legal obligation
Urges accountability for reported Russian violations and supports Ukraine

TL;DR

United Kingdom thanks France for convening the discussion and supports focus on protecting prisoners of war.
UK cites Article 4 of the Third Geneva Convention and Additional Protocol I as clear legal obligations for humane treatment.
UK says incidents involving its personnel were investigated, accountable individuals were held, and reforms were implemented to strengthen training, detention policies, and oversight.
UK cites ODIHR reports and the Moscow Mechanism findings documenting torture, ill-treatment, and inhumane conditions by Russian forces on Ukrainian prisoners of war and says these violations demand accountability.

Original text

The United Kingdom thanks France for convening this important discussion. We fully support today’s focus on the protection of prisoners of war, an obligation that lies at the centre of International Humanitarian Law and at the core of the OSCE’s politico military commitments. Madam Chair, as the panellists have rightly highlighted, Article 4 of the Third Geneva Convention and Additional Protocol I are both very clear. The humane treatment of prisoners of war is a legal obligation, a fundamental standard of military professionalism, and a prerequisite for stability and trust among States. The United Kingdom takes these obligations extremely seriously. There have, regrettably, been instances where UK personnel have fallen short of the high standards we set for ourselves. These incidents were thoroughly investigated, including through independent inquiries and judicial processes. Where wrongdoing was identified, individuals were held accountable. But, crucially, the UK used these experiences to drive significant reforms: strengthening training on international humanitarian law, improving detention policies and oversight mechanisms, and embedding clearer guidance for personnel deployed on operations. This process of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement is essential. It reinforces discipline within our armed forces and demonstrates the UK’s determination to meet its IHL obligations in full. We encourage all participating States to take a similarly rigorous approach. Madam Chair, today’s discussion once again highlights that responsible states train their armed forces, enforce discipline, and uphold their legal commitments. Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine shows the profound consequences when a state deliberately chooses not to do so. ODIHR’s recent reports, as well as the findings of the latest Moscow Mechanism mission, document a pattern of torture, ill-treatment, and inhumane conditions inflicted by Russian forces on Ukrainian prisoners of war. These are serious and systematic violations. They demand accountability. Russia is bound by the same rules as every other participating State around this table. Its continued disregard for its obligations undermines not only the safety of POWs, but the very foundations of the OSCE’s security order. Madam Chair, the humane treatment of prisoners of war is not simply a legal requirement. It is a test of credibility, professionalism, and commitment to the rules-based order. The United Kingdom will continue to uphold these standards ourselves, to support Ukraine in defending its sovereignty, and to press for full compliance by all participating States. Thank you.

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