According to armed conflict laws, who can be considered a combatant?

A combatant, in the context of armed conflict laws, is defined as a person who is a member of the armed forces of a party to a conflict or is associated with a militia or volunteer corps that engages in hostilities. The core characteristic of a combatant is their role in actively participating in the fighting.

An armed guerrilla can be considered a combatant as they are actively engaged in conflict, often using irregular tactics against a more conventional military. Their actions are typically aimed at achieving military objectives, making them legitimate members of the conflict under international humanitarian law.

In contrast, non-combatant staff, unarmed civilians, and medical personnel do not meet the criteria for combatants. Non-combatant staff are individuals who do not partake in hostilities and typically focus on support roles that do not involve direct engagement in combat. Unarmed civilians are protected under the laws of armed conflict and are expressly barred from being classified as combatants to ensure their safety. Medical personnel, while crucial in conflicts, are also protected and should not be involved in hostilities, preserving their role in caring for the wounded and sick regardless of which side they are on.

Thus, the definition of a combatant is specific, focusing on those actively participating in