Siviilikohde

Siviilikohde is a Finnish term that refers to a civilian target or civilian site—the objects or locations primarily used by civilians and not serving direct military purposes. Typical examples include residential buildings, schools, hospitals, churches or mosques, utility facilities, and other civilian infrastructure. In security, defense, and humanitarian discussions, siviilikohde is used to distinguish civilian targets from military objectives.

Under international humanitarian law, civilians enjoy protection from direct attacks. Attacks must distinguish between civilian objects and military objectives; civilian objects should not be attacked unless they are being used for military purposes and the expected military advantage is weighed against civilian harm (the principle of proportionality). Precautions must be taken to minimize civilian harm. In national contexts, this framework informs civil defense, emergency planning, and critical infrastructure protection.

In practice, the status of a site can be contested, particularly in dual-use situations where facilities serve both civilian and military functions (for example, a factory that produces both consumer goods and components used in weapons). If a civilian site is used for military purposes, portions of it may temporarily lose protection corresponding to the military use, while non-military portions may retain protection. The concept highlights the tension between security needs and civilian safety in crisis situations.

The term is used in Finnish policy discussions, media coverage, and academic writing on conflict, security, and risk management to address how civilian life and infrastructure are affected by hostilities and to guide protective measures and response planning.