Non-combatant

For the corps of the British Army that was active from 1916 to 1920 and again from 1940 to 1963, see Non-Combatant Corps.

In the law of war and international humanitarian law, a non-combatant is a person who is not or is no longer actively participating in hostilities. This includes civilians; people such as combat medics and military chaplains, who are members of the belligerent armed forces but are protected because of their specific duties; combatants who are hors de combat; and neutral persons, such as peacekeepers, who are not involved in fighting for one of the belligerents involved in a war. This particular status was first recognized under the First Geneva Convention of 1864.

Under international humanitarian law, certain non-combatants are classified as protected persons, who are to be protected under laws applicable to international armed conflict at all times.

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