Laws
POW: “A person who has been captured and imprisoned by the enemy in war.”
(Oxford Dictionary)
(Oxford Dictionary)
An important part of the Convention is who is given the status POW. Without clarification any nation could abuse its rights.
Art 12. Prisoners of war are in the hands of the enemy Power, but not of the individuals or military units who have captured them. Irrespective of the individual responsibilities that may exist, the Detaining Power is responsible for the treatment given them.
Aside from the Geneva Conventions, all military members are responsible for following the Code of Conduct.