Civilian facts for kids

A civilian is a person who is not part of a country's military or any other fighting group. This is what the word means under the laws of war. Civilians are the opposite of soldiers, who fight in wars.

Civilians are protected by international law from being harmed during war. The treatment of civilians during times of war is covered by the Fourth Geneva Convention. These rules are based on humanitarian ideas, and most countries follow them as law.

What is a Civilian?

A civilian is someone who is not a soldier or a member of an armed group. They do not take part in fighting. This is an important idea, especially during wars. It helps to tell who is a fighter and who is not.

Protecting Civilians in War

Civilians have special protections under international rules. These rules are made to keep people safe during conflicts. The Fourth Geneva Convention is a set of important rules. It explains how civilians should be treated during wartime. These rules are based on the idea that everyone deserves to be safe, even in war. Most countries around the world agree to follow these rules.

Soldiers who are captured are called prisoners of war. They have their own set of rules under the Third Geneva Convention.

When it's Hard to Tell

Sometimes, it can be very difficult to know who is a civilian and who is a fighter. This can happen in different types of conflicts:

• Civil Wars: These are wars where people from the same country fight each other. It can be hard to tell who is on which side. It can also be hard to know if someone is a civilian or a soldier.
• Guerrilla Warfare: This is a type of fighting where small groups use surprise attacks. People involved in guerrilla warfare or terrorism often look like regular civilians. This makes it hard to tell them apart from people who are not fighting.
• Targeting Resources: Sometimes, armies try to weaken the enemy by destroying their supplies. This can include burning crops or blocking food shipments. This affects everyone, including civilians, not just soldiers. In modern times, attacks might target factories or transportation.