Siviilivahingot

Siviilivahingot is a Finnish term that translates to "civilian damages" or "collateral damage" in English. It refers to unintentional harm, injury, or damage inflicted upon civilians or civilian property during armed conflict. This can include loss of life, physical injuries, destruction of homes, infrastructure, and cultural heritage. The concept of siviilivahingot is central to the laws of armed conflict, particularly international humanitarian law, which seeks to distinguish between combatants and civilians and to protect the latter from the effects of hostilities.

The principle of distinction requires parties to a conflict to differentiate between military objectives and civilian objects. Attacks must be directed solely against military targets. Even when a military objective is targeted, the principle of proportionality prohibits attacks that may be expected to cause incidental loss of civilian life, injury to civilians, damage to civilian objects, or a combination thereof, which would be excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated.

Preventing and minimizing siviilivahingot is a constant challenge in modern warfare. This involves careful planning of military operations, use of precision weapons, and adherence to rules of engagement. Despite these efforts, civilian casualties and damage often occur due to the proximity of civilians to military targets, the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, and the inherent unpredictability of combat. Efforts to document, investigate, and account for siviilivahingot are crucial for accountability and for learning lessons to improve the conduct of future conflicts.