Trade Unions and War: The Right to Organize under Belligerent Occupation

The right to organize trade unions is widely recognized as essential to the well being of workers. This right is protected as a human right by the customary law of nations. When a country is occupied in wartime, its trade unions may be regarded with suspicion by the occupying power which may view them as providing a cover for anti-occupation activity. Nonetheless, the right of trade unions to function is not abrogated by the fact of belligerent occupation.

An occupant must permit trade unions to carry out their activities.