Русско-англо-русский юридический словарь

A civilian under the laws of war (also known as international humanitarian law) is a person who is not a member of his or her country's armed forces or militias and is not taking a direct part of hostilities in situation of armed conflict. (BBC News)

A war crime is an act that constitutes a serious violation of the laws of war that gives rise to individual criminal responsibility. Examples of war crimes include intentionally killing civilians or prisoners, torturing, destroying civilian property, taking hostages, performing a perfidy, raping, using child soldiers, pillaging, declaring that no quarter will be given, and seriously violating the principles of distinction, proportionality, and military necessity. (Wikipedia)