The 1000 civilians dead in Georgia are victims or Crimes of War ?

Question

The Geneva Humanitarian Laws state:

"The parties to a conflict must at all times distinguish between the civilian population and combatants in order to spare the civilian population and civilian property. Neither the civilian population as a whole nor individual civilians may be attacked."

"Attacks may be made solely against military objectives. People who do not or can no longer take part in the hostilities are entitled to respect for their lives and for their physical and mental integrity. Such people must in all circumstances be protected and treated with humanity, without any unfavorable distinction whatever."

(Convention (IV) relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, Geneva, 12 August 1949.)

Russian Federation Membership:

http://www.icrc.org/Web/Eng/siteeng0.nsf/html/party_main_treaties

Answer 1

It is impossible to prevent all civilian casualties.  I think the Convention is talking about deliberate targeting of civilians.  

Answer 2

I would say victims, but most likely its a matter of opinion. Russia will most likely not be punished at all because of the power it holds.  

Answer 3

It is called "collateral damage" and is an inevitable part of warfare.

It has been happening ever since man (and woman) started killing each other for whatever reason they thought justified their actions.

With technology and modern warfare techniques we are trying to minimise civilian casualties.  Remember the casualties during the WW2 bombing blitzes of Germany and London.  This is nothing.  Whilst every life lost is regrettable, warfare without it is really not possible.