The correct spelling of the phrase "civilian target" is [sɪˈvɪljən ˈtɑrgɪt]. The word "civilian" is spelled with a "c-i-v-i-l-i-a-n" and pronounced with the stress on the second syllable. The second word, "target," is spelled with a "t-a-r-g-e-t" and pronounced with the stress on the first syllable. Together, these words describe an unfortunate reality of modern warfare, where innocent civilians can become targeted in the midst of conflict.
A civilian target can be defined as a specific location, infrastructure, or individual that is outside of any military establishment, which is vulnerable to intentional attack during times of armed conflict or war. The term "civilian" refers to any non-combatant or non-military personnel, including men, women, children, and the elderly who are not actively involved in armed operations, but are rather engaged in daily civilian activities.
A civilian target can encompass a wide array of objects or persons such as residential areas, public buildings, schools, hospitals, places of worship, transportation systems, factories, or individuals who are not affiliated with armed forces. Consequently, any deliberate act of violence or aggression directed towards these non-combatant entities or individuals is considered a breach of humanitarian law and constitutes a war crime.
The targeting of civilians during armed conflicts has severe ethical implications as it violates the principles of distinction and proportionality, which are fundamental to international humanitarian law. The distinction principle obliges all parties engaged in armed conflict to differentiate between civilian and military targets to prevent harm and suffering to innocent civilians. Likewise, proportionality prescribes that any military actions must not result in excessive harm to civilians compared to the military advantage gained.
In summary, a civilian target refers to a non-military entity or individual that is purposely subjected to attack or violence during periods of war or armed conflict, in violation of international humanitarian law.
The word "civilian target" is a combination of two terms - "civilian" and "target".
1. Civilian:
The term "civilian" comes from the Latin word "civilis", which means "relating to a citizen". It originated from the Latin phrase "jus civile", which referred to the legal rights that belonged to Roman citizens. Over time, "civilian" evolved to refer to individuals who are not part of the military or armed forces. They are ordinary people who live within a society and are not directly involved in armed combat or military operations.
2. Target:
The word "target" has its roots in the Old French word "targe", meaning a "shield" or "round shield". It was further derived from the Late Latin word "targa" or "targum", which referred to a small shield or buckler.