Civilians are often innocent. Even in times of conflict, many civilians are not directly involved in the fighting. They may be women, children, elderly, or infirm, who have little or no ability to defend themselves. As such, they deserve special protection.
Civilians are entitled to their human rights. All humans have certain basic rights, such as the right to life, liberty, and security of person. These rights apply equally to civilians, even in times of conflict.
Civilians can be a source of intelligence. Civilians can sometimes provide valuable information to military personnel, such as about the location of enemy forces or the movement of supplies. This information can help to protect military personnel and civilians alike.
Civilians can help to build peace. When civilians are treated humanely and with respect, it can help to build trust and confidence between them and military personnel. This can make it easier to negotiate peace agreements and to rebuild communities after conflict.
