CIVILIAN CASUALTY Meaning and
Definition
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Civilian casualty refers to the unintended harm or injury inflicted upon individuals who are not engaged in armed conflict or military operations, often resulting from military action, attacks, or incidents occurring in a war zone or conflict-ridden area. It encompasses any non-combatant individual who is affected by the violence and consequences of armed conflict, including innocent civilians, children, women, elderly, and non-military personnel.
Civilian casualties are observed in situations where armed forces or combatants carrying out military operations fail to accurately distinguish between legitimate military targets and non-combatants. Consequently, civilians become victims of collateral damage, either through direct or indirect means. This distressing phenomenon highlights the vulnerability that non-combatants encounter during conflicts, as they may lose their lives, suffer injuries, or experience immense psychological trauma due to the destruction of their homes, communities, and infrastructure.
The occurrence of civilian casualties represents a humanitarian concern that international law and conventions seek to address. The principles of distinction and proportionality are key legal frameworks that demand military forces to adhere to strict guidelines and precautionary measures to minimize civilian harm. Efforts are made to investigate and document civilian casualties, provide assistance to affected individuals, hold accountable those responsible for violations, and prevent the unnecessary loss and suffering of civilian lives.
The significance of distinguishing civilian casualties lies in acknowledging the profound impact such losses have on the victims and their communities. Recognizing and mitigating civilian harm promotes the protection of human rights and the preservation of innocent lives, contributing to the ultimate goal of minimizing the devastating effects of armed conflict on civilian populations.
Common Misspellings for CIVILIAN CASUALTY
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Etymology of CIVILIAN CASUALTY
The word "civilian casualty" is a combination of two terms: "civilian" and "casualty".
The term "civilian" originates from the Latin word "civis" meaning "citizen". It evolved through Old French and Middle English to refer to an individual not serving in the military or having a non-military occupation. In modern usage, "civilian" refers to a person who is not a member of the armed forces, police, or any other military or paramilitary organization.
The word "casualty" has its roots in the Latin word "casualitas", which means "chance, accident". It entered English through French and originally referred to an accident or chance event. Over time, it began to signify an individual injured, killed, or missing during war or other unfortunate events.
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