Page 137 - Conflitti Militari e Popolazioni Civili - Tomo I

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aCta
Protection of Civilians During Armed Conflicts

STYLIANOS POLITIS

The views expressed in this article are those of the author
and do not reflect the official policy or position
of the Hellenic Ministry for National Defence

intrOductiOn

The higher cost during a war is always paid by fighters, as thousands of them die and even
more get injured. They die having in mind the completion of an aim. When the aim is their
country’s defence then it is sacred and the sacrifice is the ultimate duty. However, the death
of civilians who lose their lives during war conflicts motivated by fanaticism and hate, or by
weapons which nowadays become more and more destructive causing “collateral damages”
without any distinction, cannot be considered as such. Based on the rules and regulations
of modern International Law, efforts are made to cut down and if possible to eliminate war
consequences to civilians.

the ciVilians’ status in the Past
In the magnificent dialogue of the leader fighter Hector with his wife Andromache, the
agony for the future of his family immediately after the occupation of the Trojan castle by
the Achaeans, as well as for its consequences dominates. During the battle, Ancient Greek
fighters were never attacking civilians. However, after every victory, they used to destroy
completely the towns, plunder properties and turn defeated civilians into slaves for the rest
of their lives. Slavery was always hard – even in Ancient Greece where the status of slaves
was exceptional . In the years that followed, the situation became worse, especially during
1
the Middle Ages, when a morbid spirit dominated and wars were wilder. Armies consisted
mostly by mercenaries who offered their services hoping to get not only the agreed salary, but
also great profits from sacking. These soldiers were not inspired by their patriotism or any of
the other military virtues. Mentality though changed gradually over the years. Wars became
purely national and the regenerated philosophy gave a fresh impulse to humanity. In case of
danger each citizen considered the defence of his country as his ultimate duty. The feelings
of hate and fanaticism were considerably reduced compared to those existing in the past. The
Spanish philosopher Francisco de Vitoria inspired by the principles of St. Augustine and St
thomas aquinas taught respect to humans in all instances and considered unacceptable the
sacrifice of civilians for a military aim . The “father of international law”, Hugo Grotius in

1 A proof for this is that slaves never revolted in Ancient Greece. They were allowed to walk around free and
were even used as pedagogues or teachers enjoying the equivalent respect from their students. Slaves’ revolts
took place only in Chios and Sparta where there was a special group of slaves called helots.