Civilian

High school (ages 12+)
People & Society

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/civilian

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the protection framework?Protected under international humanitarian law, notably the Fourth Geneva Convention
2. What is the war crime?Intentional targeting of civilians is a violation of international law
3. Why are civilians protected in war?International law says civilians must not be attacked because they are not fighting. Protecting them helps keep communities safe and helps society recover after war.
4. How can a civilian lose their protection?If a civilian takes part in fighting, they can lose their civilian status and may be treated like a combatant. They would no longer be protected from direct attack.

International Humanitarian Law (IHL): Rules that seek to limit the effects of armed conflict for humanitarian reasons.
Unlawful Combatant: A person who engages in hostilities but does not meet the criteria for lawful combatant status.
Geneva Conventions: A series of treaties that provide legal protections to victims of armed conflict.