Civilian is a word that refers to people who are not military personnel. During a war, civilians suffer greatly from the effects of violence and the impact that conflict has on their lives. These include loss of property, physical and psychological injury, and displacement. This is why finding better ways to protect civilians from the harm caused by armed conflicts is such a critical issue today.
Civilians must be guaranteed protection against the most devastating consequences of armed conflict, from mass extermination and brutalized, indiscriminate attacks to destruction of essential infrastructure. A stronger definition of civilians is needed to enable the international community to effectively and equitably respond to and prevent civilian harm and to strengthen international humanitarian law.
One major challenge in defining civilians is that they may at times engage directly in hostilities without formally belonging to any regular armed force. This can happen in particular during spontaneous uprisings in occupied territories, or during national liberation movements engaged in the armed struggle for independence. The two Additional Protocols to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 clarify this point: Civilians who take direct part in hostilities retain their status as civilians, but temporarily lose the protection that international humanitarian law confers on civilians for the duration of their direct participation in the hostilities.
The distinction between civilians and combatants was strengthened in the aftermath of World War II, when a widespread pattern of killings and other grave abuses disproportionately affected civilians. This led to a renewed emphasis on the need for civilians to be protected in international and non-international armed conflicts. Consequently, the international community formulated a series of conventions aimed at safeguarding civilians from the most severe impacts of war, including massacres, rapes and pillage.
In colloquial use, the term civilian is also used to distinguish non-military law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical workers and other members of the public who are not soldiers, from military police personnel (Warrant Constables). These employees are bound by municipal, civil and criminal laws like all other citizens.
During the transition from military to civilian life, it is important to have support from family and friends, especially those who did not leave with you when you left the service. This support is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding relapses in depression or anxiety, which are common among returning veterans. Moreover, it is important to build new relationships with civilians who can relate to your experiences and help you adapt to civilian society.
The transition from military to civilian life can be a huge challenge for some individuals, especially when they are unable to find work in their field of expertise. They must learn to adapt to a different way of living, and find a way to balance their career goals with the rest of their life. In addition, they must be prepared for less structure and more flexibility in their day-to-day activities. They may also be required to comply with different rules and regulations, such as those pertaining to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.