Canada
Practice Relating to Rule 3. Definition of Combatants
Canada’s LOAC Manual (1999) states: “As a general rule, the term ‘combatant’ includes any member of the armed forces, except medical and religious personnel.”
Canada’s LOAC Manual (2001) states in its chapter entitled “Combatant Status”: “As a general rule, the term ‘combatant’ includes any member of the armed forces, except medical and religious personnel.”
In its glossary, the manual states: “Combatants are persons who are legally entitled, under the LOAC, to take a direct part in an armed conflict and, in particular, to engage in hostilities. Combatants who are captured by the enemy are prisoners of war.”
The manual further states:
Unlawful combatants are legitimate targets for such time as they take a direct part in hostilities. Unlawful combatants include:
a. civilians (except those who are lawful combatants because they are participating in levée en masse);
b. mercenaries; and
c. spies.