A civilian is a member of society who engages in non-military occupations. They are law-abiding citizens who contribute to the community through sectors like education, healthcare, business, and government. Civilians are not involved in war or military activities, but they do have privileges under international law and customary laws of war when living within territories occupied by a party to an armed conflict. This distinction is important in discussions about humanitarian issues, war and conflict, and the difference between combatants and non-combatants.
Civilians are also important in the context of armed conflicts, as they are protected by international humanitarian law (IHL) treaties, such as the Fourth Geneva Convention. The term is often used in discussions about war, conflict, and human rights issues. The traditional definition of a civilian is someone who is not in the military or any of its law and order enforcement branches or intelligence agencies, but it is also used to include those who work for civilian organisations that support the war effort such as charities and religious groups. It is also used to include people who work for governmental bodies that are not directly related to defence or security, such as police and law enforcement officers.
For those who have recently served in the military and are transitioning to civilian life, it can be a big adjustment. For one, there is a different structure to work schedules and routines. Unlike the military, which offers comprehensive benefits such as healthcare and retirement plans, civilian jobs may not provide this level of assistance. There are also differences in salary, and the cost of living is often higher in civilian areas compared to military ones.
Another challenge civilians face is protecting themselves in conflict zones, especially when they are working or living in areas that are being attacked by armed forces. Civilian organisations, such as the Centre for Civilians in Conflict or CIVIC, have been set up to advocate for these victims and to help minimise harm from armed conflicts. These organisations often work with armed actors and communities to develop and implement strategies to reduce the impact of military operations.
The distinction between civilians and combatants has been a key issue in debates about human rights, conflict and peacebuilding since the beginning of modern warfare. The definition has been influenced by military tactics and rules of engagement in specific conflicts, as well as overarching national and international policy documents such as the Geneva Call Deeds of Commitment.
There is a growing recognition that stronger protection of civilians should be a core objective in all aspects of peacebuilding and conflict prevention. This includes more emphasis on prevention and early warning, more transparent analysis for policymaking, and accountability in governance. It should also include greater engagement with armed non-State actors to strengthen their protection of civilians. This element recognises that there are gaps in the implementation of the IHL. It is vital to address these gaps, and to ensure that the civilian component of conflict prevention remains a priority in the future.