A civilian is a member of the public who is not a military, police or fire fighting officer. Civilians are bound by local, state and national laws to the same extent as other members of the public. They may be arrested for committing crimes just as soldiers are. They are also generally considered innocent until proven guilty. Civilians can be a target of war crimes committed by military or paramilitary forces.
JOYCE MSUYA, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, briefed the Council on the Secretary-General’s report on protecting civilians in armed conflict (document S/2024/385). Msuya emphasized that 2023 marks 25 years since the 15-member organ decided to add protection of civilians to its agenda and seventy-five years since the 1949 Geneva Conventions, a cornerstone of international humanitarian law, were first enacted.
The United Nations system and its partners must continue to make a difference for civilians suffering from violence, displacement and poverty by developing innovative and comprehensive strategies to ensure that the full spectrum of harm caused by armed conflict is addressed. This includes addressing violations of international law and international humanitarian law committed by all parties to the conflict, notably through accountability, prevention and education, in addition to ensuring that the full range of protection measures is available for all civilians.
A key challenge for civilians transitioning out of the military is that civilian life has far more flexibility than a rigid military schedule, which can be both a relief and a struggle. However, it’s important to set personal and professional goals that will provide a sense of direction, especially during the early stages of transition.
Other challenges include a new financial reality. Unlike the military, which often offers generous housing allowances and healthcare benefits, civilian life can come with substantial expenses that require careful budgeting. It’s essential to have a savings plan in place and remain frugal, especially during the early stages of transition.
Civilians must also adapt to the fact that they will no longer be part of a collective unit and will be expected to contribute individually to their own care and welfare. They will need to build new friendships and support networks, and they should take the time to learn about their community. They will also need to develop a network of family and friends outside of work, as well as maintain relationships with their military colleagues.
It’s also a good idea to establish a support network of other civilians with similar lifestyles and experiences. It can be lonely to go through a transition as a civilian, so it’s important to have people who can relate to the changes you are experiencing. Finally, it’s helpful to seek out mentors who can offer tips and advice on navigating civilian life. They can help you get settled into your new career and avoid some of the common pitfalls that can happen to newly minted civilians. Luckily, many former service members are civilians themselves, and they can be great resources.