sivilbefolkning

Sivilbefolkning, commonly translated as civilian population, refers to people who are not members of armed forces or organized armed groups. In international law it comprises residents and those living in a territory who do not participate directly in hostilities, including children, women, the elderly, and non-combatant workers. The term also covers refugees and internally displaced persons within a country’s borders.

Protection is provided by international humanitarian law, notably the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols. Civilians must be spared from direct attacks; parties to a conflict must distinguish between civilians and combatants, and attacks must be proportional and precautions must be taken. Attacks on hospitals, schools, and humanitarian workers are generally prohibited and may constitute war crimes.

During armed conflict, sivilbefolkning may suffer displacement, loss of livelihood, and damage to essential infrastructure. Access to food, water, healthcare, and shelter can be severely disrupted, creating humanitarian needs. The term is also used in peacetime and post-conflict contexts to emphasize protection of civil rights, provision of aid, and the avoidance of collective punishment or indiscriminate repression.