Why Not Reprisals?
Throughout history the threat of reprisal has been the only means nations used to compel adversaries to comply with the laws of war. While this may have had some success at limiting the most heinous torture and abuse of prisoners of war and civilians under occupation, threat of reprisal is not effective at insuring general compliance with the laws of war.
This is because the most likely result of any reprisal is a retaliatory reprisal, which then creates an inescapable and unending cycle of violence.
Based on the experience of World War I, the 1929 Geneva Convention forbid any reprisals against prisoners of war. After World War II, the 1949 Geneva Convention went on to forbid all reprisals against civilians, buildings used by civilians or used for the treatment of the wounded, historical or religious sites, or the natural environment. This limits the scope of reprisals to essentially military targets which in war could lawfully be attacked in any case.
The Geneva conventions make clear that reprisals are forbidden absolutely- even if an enemy breaks the convention this does not justify forbidden reprisals.
Learn More
Explanation of the Geneva Convention prohibition of reprisals by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Detailed explanation of the conditions that must be met for a reprisal to comply with the Geneva Conventions. From the International Committee of the Red Cross.
An explanation of how during the first world war prisoners of war were frequent subjects of reprisals, and how negotiations led to better conditions and repatriation of some prisoners from both sides. From Humanitarian Law and policy.
Human Rights Haggadah Blog

The Real Human Rights Violation Is Not Offering Gazans a Choice
By now most of us are familiar with Trump’s stunning comments about relocating the current population from Gaza and rebuilding it as ‘The Riviera

Condemn Israel, Starve Miners: South Africa Makes a Mockery of Human Rights
According to the Talmud, Rabban Gamliel banned from the study hall any student whose deeds were not in keeping with their values (Brachot 28a). This

Hostage Agreement Says Human Rights Are Dirt
While I of course share in the joy at the return of the first three hostages, I’m also saddened because the agreement that freed them

Judge Rules Against Israel One Day, Becomes Prime Minister of Lebanon the Next
Of course the ceasefire deal is the main topic currently in the news, but the abrupt resignation of ICJ President Nawaf Salam to become Prime