A civilian is someone who is not a member of the military or an armed force. Civilians live in societies where they are governed by laws rather than military force. They also tend to have careers that prepare them for working in public offices and institutions – for example, in the law, social work, or government management. Civilians bring valuable expertise to defense and national security policymaking.
The term comes from a French word meaning “citizen” or “lawful subject.” Civilians are citizens of the state in which they reside and obey the rules set out by the laws of that country. In modern usage, the word has come to refer to people who are not military personnel or members of a militia. It is also the term for people who are not part of the armed forces of another country, whether they are in a war or not.
Returning to a civilian life can be a huge change for anyone, but it is especially difficult for those who have spent a lot of time away from friends and family. Taking the time to build new relationships and learn how to navigate these new situations is essential for a successful transition back to civilian life. It’s also important to remember that it can take a while to adjust to the financial aspects of civilian life. The budget can seem overwhelming and it is easy to overspend in the early stages of a civilian career.
The definition of a civilian is an important element of international humanitarian law. The term differs slightly from a non-combatant, as some civilians do not qualify as civilians (for example, military chaplains attached to the belligerent party or military personnel serving with a neutral country). The term is also distinct from the definition of combatant as defined in international criminal law and the Additional Protocols relating to international and non-international armed conflicts.
There is a growing concern that the means we have traditionally relied upon to protect civilians in conflict are not working as well as they used to. Many warring parties seem less committed to observing the laws of armed conflict and more ambivalent about justifying their conduct. As a result, it seems harder than ever to protect civilians.
Civilians are crucial to protecting peace and building a just society. Whether they serve in the Armed Forces or are involved in a different profession, they have a unique and invaluable perspective on how to create and maintain peace through a mutually beneficial relationship between states and their citizens. As a result, civilians need to be included in discussions and efforts aimed at strengthening the protection of civilians in wartime. This requires a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by civilians in conflict, and how to best support them in achieving their goals. Moreover, it requires that governments remove obstacles to the participation of civilians in peacebuilding and reconstruction activities. This will require a collective effort by all stakeholders, including States, the UN and other intergovernmental bodies, NGOs, local communities, and the media.