civilians

Civilians are people who are not members of armed forces or organized armed groups. They include men, women, children, the elderly, and other noncombatants who are not directly participating in hostilities. In international humanitarian law, civilians are protected during armed conflicts and are to be spared from direct attacks. Combatants who directly participate in hostilities may lose civilian protections for the duration of their participation, and otherwise must be distinguished from civilians and neutral objects.

The core legal framework includes the principle of distinction, which requires parties to distinguish between military objectives and civilians or civilian infrastructure; the principle of proportionality to limit civilian harm in any attack; and precautions to minimize civilian casualties. Parties to conflict must also protect civilians from starvation, violence, and exploitation, and ensure access to essential services and humanitarian aid where possible. Displaced persons and refugees are typically civilians who have fled or been forced to move to escape conflict or persecution.

Outside of armed conflict, civilians are any nonmilitary residents and citizens who enjoy civil rights and freedoms. They may participate in civil society, work, and governance while being protected by law and human rights norms.

Due to their vulnerability, civilians are often the focus of humanitarian relief and compliance monitoring. Violations of civilian rights or attacks on civilians are condemned under international law and can constitute war crimes.