Protection of Civilians Military Reference Guide
( 2 ) Armed Conflict includes combat situations in which the military is a party to the conflict . This may include limited interventions , counterinsurgency , irregular warfare , or major combat operations .
b . Many of the tasks and principles apply to all military operations and are not unique to PoC situations . Some tasks have more or less applicability depending upon whether the context is peace operations or armed conflict . Although the military usually has a limited role in at least 12 of the tasks in the PoC Military Reference Guide , they are included because PoC could be jeopardized due to shortfalls in any of these tasks .
c . Users should modify the 45 tasks as appropriate to their circumstances , and otherwise tailor the PoC Military Reference Guide while working with , supporting , and enabling other actors to establish an environment in which civilians are protected . For example , an operation of limited duration may not have to address some of the tasks related to long-term goals such as supporting good governance . While designed to inform military efforts related to PoC , the Military Reference Guide cannot simply be a methodological substitute for adaptive units , a command climate that emphasizes the importance of PoC , and leaders who can make timely and appropriate decisions based upon critical situations on the ground .
d . Finally , while the PoC Military Reference Guide focuses on the military aspects of PoC , it emphasizes that any military force will likely be one component of a larger multidimensional mission that includes civilian and police components . In many cases , the military will support and enable nonmilitary actors whose activities ultimately are the most significant for ensuring PoC in the long term . Although primarily intended for military readers , the PoC Military Reference Guide may also inform the PoC efforts of these nonmilitary actors .
POC OVERVIEW
Under LOAC / IHL , a civilian is a person who is not a member of his or her country ' s armed forces or other militia . Civilians are afforded legal protection from the effects of war and military occupation . PoC is a significant consideration during armed conflict for two reasons . First , civilians are distinct from combatants and by international law must be afforded protection from the effects of war and military occupation . Second , PoC can be a prominent objective of a military operation . PoC can also be a critical consideration during peace operations , especially when a mission ’ s mandate includes PoC . Additionally , PoC can be a factor during other military activities when human security is at risk .
DEFINITION
a . While PoC has different interpretations among various actors , it is defined in the PoC Military Reference Guide as follows :
PoC consists of efforts to reduce civilian risks from physical violence , secure their rights to access essential services and resources , and contribute to a secure , stable , and just environment for civilians over the long-term . 7
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See Giffen , 14 . Also see the International Committee of the Red Cross ( ICRC ), Enhancing Protection for Civilians in Armed Conflict and Other Situations of Violence ( Geneva : ICRC , September 2008 ), 9 . This document states : “ For the
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