A civilian is a person who is not part of the military. Civilians typically work in offices and perform non-military duties, such as administration. They also often work for governmental agencies, such as police departments or fire departments. Civilians can also be employed by private companies, such as banks or insurance agencies. Regardless of their employment status, all civilians are considered members of society. Civilians have a variety of technical and non-technical skills that are very valuable to many employers. Civilians are able to help their employers with a number of tasks, such as budgeting, training and hiring new employees. It is important for people who are seeking civilian employment to learn how to describe their military experience in ways that civilian employers will understand. For example, it is important to substitute civilian equivalents for military terms, titles and ranks when describing a resume or discussing a person’s military service.
The term “civilian” has only recently become an official category of individuals who are not involved in the military. It was not until 1949 that international law specifically accorded civilians special protection in times of armed conflict. Before 1949, the main international conventions only dealt with the conduct of hostilities and the fate of wounded or shipwrecked combatants or prisoners of war.
It is also important for civilians to know how they can best protect themselves in a time of armed conflict. The main way to do this is to refrain from direct participation in hostilities. This can be done by refusing to fight or by surrendering voluntarily. Civilians can also seek refuge in neutral zones and other places that are protected by international law.
Although it is not always easy to distinguish between a combatant and a civilian, people should try to avoid engaging in activities that could cause them to lose their civilian status. If a civilian engages in a direct participation in hostilities, they will no longer be entitled to the special protections of international humanitarian law that apply in times of armed conflict. However, they will not be regarded as a combatant and may therefore face fewer restrictions when it comes to freedom of movement and the right to private property.
For this reason, it is important for civilians to take part in the peacekeeping and reconstruction efforts that are being undertaken around the world. By doing so, civilians can ensure that they will have a safe place to live in the future. Moreover, civilians can help to improve the lives of their fellow citizens by contributing to the growth of their economies and the development of democracy in the countries where they live. They can also contribute to the development of a culture of tolerance and respect for human rights. This is essential for the sustainable development of nations and global peace.