Non-combatant
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In the law of war, a non-combatant is a person who is not or is no longer actively participating in hostilities during a war. This includes civilians, prisoners of war, and wounded, sick or injured fo
A Swedish Army medic wearing a Red Cross treats an Afghan civilian in 2006, during the War in Afghanistan. They would be considered non-combatants in the war.
Protected persons
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Protected persons is a legal term under international humanitarian law and refers to persons who are under specific protection of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, their 1977 Additional Protocols, and cust
Medical personnel during an armed conflict carry out humanitarian work and are "protected persons" under international humanitarian law. Whether military or civilian, they are considered non-combatants and may not be attacked and not be taken as prisoners of war by parties to a conflict. They use a protective sign such as the red cross, red crescent or red crystal.