Civilians and war: A review and historical overview of the involvement of non‐combatant populations in conflict situations

Abstract

The effects of light weapons are now regularly seen on television and are becoming an international issue, particularly regarding their impact on civilians. It is claimed that 80% or more of deaths and injuries in today's wars are civilian; there is no objective evidence for this as little accurate information is available. Recent surveys suggest, however, a proportion of between 35 and 65% ‐ still far too high considering the protection to which civilians are entitled under international humanitarian law. It is proposed the problem arises from twentieth‐century killing power in the hands of individuals with fifteenth‐century discipline and organization. Recent systematic surveys distinguish between civilian deaths from light weapons in combat and non‐combat situations. A high proportion of combat deaths is due to fragmenting weapons such as mortars targeted on populated areas. Many weapon‐related deaths in non‐combat situations are accidental (cleaning weapons, handling by children during play) and others are related to domestic disputes. The availability and use of weapons also affects civilians indirectly in many ways, such as ill‐health in refugees, psychosocial effects on women and children, and economic and environmental consequences. A variety of schemes exist to reduce the availability of light weapons and reintegrate their users into society. The international community must extend and make better use of these measures.