human shield
Refers to civilians or other non-combatants placed in a location to deter attacks, or the act of using them as a protective barrier. Often used in military, political, or news contexts.
反政府勢力は民間人を人間の盾として利用した。
The rebel forces used civilians as human shields.
国際法は人間の盾の使用を禁じている。
International law prohibits the use of human shields.
Compound of 人間 (にんげん, 'human') + の (possessive particle) + 盾 (たて, 'shield'). The expression is a direct calque of the English term 'human shield' and entered Japanese through modern military and political discourse.