Which of the following best describes the situation under which civilians are protected during military conflict?

Civilians are fundamentally protected under international humanitarian law during military conflict as long as they do not directly engage in hostilities. This protection is rooted in the distinction between combatants and non-combatants, a core principle of the laws of armed conflict. The rationale is that civilians are not taking an active part in the conflict, and therefore should not be targeted.

Those who do engage in hostilities lose this protection and are treated like combatants, which is why the focus is on their conduct rather than their identity or affiliations. This principle helps to safeguard individuals who are not participating in the fighting from the devastating impacts of war, aiming to minimize civilian suffering.

The other options are narrower in scope or misrepresent the criteria for protection. They suggest limitations that do not align with the established humanitarian legal frameworks, emphasizing identities or affiliations that are irrelevant to the fundamental protections afforded to civilians.