International Humanitarian Law
III.12 States must investigate and prosecute CRSV
States must take all measures necessary for the suppression of all acts contrary to the Geneva Conventions. Generally, States may determine the best way to fulfil this obligation, for example by instituting judicial or disciplinary proceedings for violations of the Conventions, adopting administrative or other regulatory measures, or issuing instructions to subordinates. The measures chosen depend on the gravity and the circumstances of the violation. The punishment should be proportional to its severity.
As serious violations of IHL, including CRSV, constitute war crimes in both IAC and NIAC, a stricter response is required. Individuals are criminally responsible for their commission. Accordingly, States must investigate war crimes allegedly committed by their nationals or armed forces, or on their territory, and, if appropriate, prosecute the suspects. They must also investigate other war crimes over which they have jurisdiction and, if appropriate, prosecute the suspects.