A civilian is a person who does not belong to the military or any other organized armed force. Civilians engage in nonmilitary occupations, such as education, healthcare and business. Civilians are the majority of the population in most countries. The term is often used in discussions of war, conflict and humanitarian issues, to highlight the distinction between combatants and non-combatants.
A recent report by the UN Secretary-General found that civilians are bearing the brunt of growing armed conflicts, with an estimated 53 per cent increase in civilian deaths since 2021. These trends, combined with the increasing duration and escalating intensity of conflict, are making it more difficult to protect civilians from harm.
Civilians have long been the target of indiscriminate violence and a key obstacle to peace, but these days there are more civilians than ever before in the hands of violent armed groups that operate outside state control. This is partly why the international community has invested so much in establishing international law to help states and local authorities distinguish between civilians and armed groups, and ensure that civilians are not harmed or displaced by armed operations.
The definition of civilians and the distinction between them and armed groups are the foundation of international humanitarian law (IHL). IHL also recognizes that at times civilians may participate directly in hostilities, most commonly in the context of spontaneous uprisings in occupied territory or in internal armed conflict when the difference between civilians and armed forces is less clear. These people retain their status as civilians, but temporarily lose the protection that IHL provides for civilians during their direct participation in hostilities (API Art. 45.1, 51.3 and APII Art. 13.3).
Nevertheless, it is important to stress that IHL only applies during an armed conflict and that the obligation to avoid civilian harm does not exclude a Party to a conflict from using force in situations of armed insurrection or terrorism, where the disproportionately high impact of civilian casualties on the overall outcome of a conflict may justify a limited use of force.
Aside from the legal framework, there are practical reasons for civilians to stay out of armed conflict, such as the need to avoid a “civil war” that could derail efforts at peace. Another reason is that there are many more opportunities for civilians to find safe, secure and productive employment in the private sector than there are in the military.
In addition, the transition to civilian life can be tough for some veterans because it means readjusting to a new social scene. The friendships you made in the military often last, but a new neighborhood might not understand your background and struggles, and you might feel like you’re alone. It’s important to make an effort to network and find a community in which you can connect with other people who have lived through the same experiences as you. This can help ease the transition and make it a more pleasant experience.