Q. What is Magen David Adom's role in this? A. Magen David Adom is the International Committee of the Red Cross organisation in Israel. The Shalit issue is integral to Magen David Adom as it is: a) dedicated to saving more lives in Israel b) dedicated to the human rights of all individuals and the role the Red Cross plays in securing this Magen David Adom is supported by friends and support organisations around the world. Magen David Adom is using this support network to gain access to Gilad Shalit. Q. What does Article 126 of the 3rd Geneva Convention state? A. Representatives or delegates of the Protecting Powers shall have permission to go to all places where prisoners of war may be, particularly to places of internment, imprisonment and labour, and shall have access to all premises occupied by prisoners of war; they shall also be allowed to go to the places of departure, passage and arrival of prisoners who are being transferred. They shall be able to interview the prisoners, and in particular the prisoners' representatives, without witnesses, either personally or through an interpreter. Representatives and delegates of the Protecting Powers shall have full liberty to select the places they wish to visit. The duration and frequency of these visits shall not be restricted. Visits may not be prohibited except for reasons of imperative military necessity, and then only as an exceptional and temporary measure. The Detaining Power and the Power on which the said prisoners of war depend may agree, if necessary, that compatriots of these prisoners of war be permitted to participate in the visits. The delegates of the International Committee of the Red Cross shall enjoy the same prerogatives. The appointment of such delegates shall be submitted to the approval of the Power detaining the prisoners of war to be visited. Q. Who should sign the petition? A. Anyone who cares about even the most basic human rights. Q. Who will the petition be presented to? A. A copy of the petition will be presented to all politicians, dignitaries and ambassadors who are involved with the situation in the Middle East. |