What is the main goal of the 'Safeguard' principle for EPWs?

The main goal of the 'Safeguard' principle for enemy prisoners of war (EPWs) is to ensure humane treatment. This principle is rooted in the laws of war, particularly the Geneva Conventions, which emphasize the obligation of capturing forces to treat detained individuals humanely and without any form of violence, intimidation, or coercion. Humane treatment encompasses a wide range of protections, including the provision of adequate food, shelter, medical care, and the prohibition of torture or degrading treatment.

By focusing on humane treatment, military forces not only uphold their legal obligations but also maintain their moral integrity and the standards of conduct expected in armed conflict. This principle is foundational for fostering a culture of respect and dignity, even in adverse situations like war. Ensuring humane treatment also serves strategic purposes; it can affect the behavior of enemy forces and may lead to better outcomes regarding compliance with international humanitarian law.

Other options, while relevant in the context of handling EPWs, do not represent the primary goal of the 'Safeguard' principle. Quick transportation, safe interrogation, and preventing escapes, while important operational considerations, are secondary to the overarching imperative of humane treatment under international law.