With all the civilian causalities and all the wars that transpire, what are organizations doing to help? What can we be doing to help? There are many organizations that are helping to protect civilians but what can they further do to reduce the number of civilian causalities? This page will focus more on what the next steps are in making war less of an impact for innocent civilians.
What are organizations doing/done to reduce innocent casualties?
Civilians in Conflict: this is an organization who focus on helping civilians caught in the midst of armed conflict. Their goal is to work directly with the people who have the power to revolutionize the planning, conduct, and aftermath, of conflicts for civilians. They are working directly with people like military officials, policymakers, UN bodies, international organizations, governments, to the civilians themselves. They do this to lessen the amount of civilian injury and to ensure that the people in power are aware of the consequences of their actions. (They suggest ideas to the military to change plans, tactics, and training before they plan operations) They make sure to raise the level of protection on civilians before, during and after civilian conflict. More specifically, they are trying to assist the people in power in finding practical policy solutions to limit and address civilian harm. They want these groups to make amends with the people they harm by further assisting and caring about civilian's needs.
Currently, their staff is found in places like Iraq, Nigeria, South Sudan, Ukraine, and Afghanistan, with headquarters in Washington, DC. They go around and document people's stories and offer them the protection and resources that they desire, in order to put an end to their suffering.
A recent example of their work: A group of people from this organization recently did a report on the patterns of civilian harm in Aden, Hadramout, Mareb, Sana’a, and Taiz governorates. "This report was researched in Aden, Hadramout, Mareb, Sana’a, and Taiz governorates, and draws on first-person stories to reveal civilian perceptions of the northern Houthis, the government of President Abdrabuh Mansoor Hadi in the South, and the Saudi-led coalition which is backing the Hadi government. One of the first comprehensively researched reports of its kind, CIVIC relied on interviews with 166 civilians as well as 55 leaders of armed groups and government, military and security officials, and documented civilian suffering on a massive scale. CIVIC calls on all parties to the conflict to agree to an immediate ceasefire, to take practical steps to minimize civilian harm and assist civilians, and to address the divisions that led to eruption of violence." (Center for Civilians in Conflict 2017 report).
Organizations as such are the first of a few that are currently trying to put an end to innocent civilian casualties. They find their voice to speak to others about certain actions which may destroy/tear apart many people's lives.
Civilians in Conflict: this is an organization who focus on helping civilians caught in the midst of armed conflict. Their goal is to work directly with the people who have the power to revolutionize the planning, conduct, and aftermath, of conflicts for civilians. They are working directly with people like military officials, policymakers, UN bodies, international organizations, governments, to the civilians themselves. They do this to lessen the amount of civilian injury and to ensure that the people in power are aware of the consequences of their actions. (They suggest ideas to the military to change plans, tactics, and training before they plan operations) They make sure to raise the level of protection on civilians before, during and after civilian conflict. More specifically, they are trying to assist the people in power in finding practical policy solutions to limit and address civilian harm. They want these groups to make amends with the people they harm by further assisting and caring about civilian's needs.
Currently, their staff is found in places like Iraq, Nigeria, South Sudan, Ukraine, and Afghanistan, with headquarters in Washington, DC. They go around and document people's stories and offer them the protection and resources that they desire, in order to put an end to their suffering.
A recent example of their work: A group of people from this organization recently did a report on the patterns of civilian harm in Aden, Hadramout, Mareb, Sana’a, and Taiz governorates. "This report was researched in Aden, Hadramout, Mareb, Sana’a, and Taiz governorates, and draws on first-person stories to reveal civilian perceptions of the northern Houthis, the government of President Abdrabuh Mansoor Hadi in the South, and the Saudi-led coalition which is backing the Hadi government. One of the first comprehensively researched reports of its kind, CIVIC relied on interviews with 166 civilians as well as 55 leaders of armed groups and government, military and security officials, and documented civilian suffering on a massive scale. CIVIC calls on all parties to the conflict to agree to an immediate ceasefire, to take practical steps to minimize civilian harm and assist civilians, and to address the divisions that led to eruption of violence." (Center for Civilians in Conflict 2017 report).
Organizations as such are the first of a few that are currently trying to put an end to innocent civilian casualties. They find their voice to speak to others about certain actions which may destroy/tear apart many people's lives.
This is a video talking about civilian casualties, and how they can be lowered.
United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA): An annual report on the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict in Afghanistan for 2013, was prepared by this organization. It covered the period of January 1st to December 31st 2013. It was created “to monitor the situation of civilians, to coordinate efforts to ensure their protection, to promote accountability, and to assist in the full implementation of the fundamental freedoms and human rights provisions of the Afghan Constitution and international treaties to which Afghanistan is a State party.” (UNAMA 2013 report) This organization particularly undertakes a range of activities aimed at minimizing the impact of the armed conflict on civilians including: the monitoring of incidents involving loss of life or injury to civilians; supporting activities to strengthen protection of civilians affected by the armed conflict; and, initiatives to promote agreements/policies with international humanitarian and human rights law.
This report was mainly written to raise awareness about the increased number of causalities in Afghanistan specifically during 2013. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan documented 8,615 civilian casualties (2,959 civilian deaths and 5,656 injured) in 2013, marking a seven percent increase in deaths, 17 percent increase in injured, and a 14 percent increase in total civilian casualties compared to 2012.
Since 2009, the armed conflict in Afghanistan has claimed the lives of 14,064 Afghan civilians. Increased unlawful use of IEDs (bombs made and used by unauthorized forces) by Anti-Government Elements, killed and injured thousands of Afghan civilians as they went about their daily lives. UNAMA's goal therefore has been to raise awareness about these topics and persuade the government to take action against it. It has come to a point where they understand that causalities are only going to get worse if they do not step in and take action.
This organization in particular writes a report for each year they find an area of armed conflict where innocent civilian's lives are in danger. They are currently working with the Afghanistan government to provide more support and enforce more laws towards prioritizing civilian's lives.
This report was mainly written to raise awareness about the increased number of causalities in Afghanistan specifically during 2013. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan documented 8,615 civilian casualties (2,959 civilian deaths and 5,656 injured) in 2013, marking a seven percent increase in deaths, 17 percent increase in injured, and a 14 percent increase in total civilian casualties compared to 2012.
Since 2009, the armed conflict in Afghanistan has claimed the lives of 14,064 Afghan civilians. Increased unlawful use of IEDs (bombs made and used by unauthorized forces) by Anti-Government Elements, killed and injured thousands of Afghan civilians as they went about their daily lives. UNAMA's goal therefore has been to raise awareness about these topics and persuade the government to take action against it. It has come to a point where they understand that causalities are only going to get worse if they do not step in and take action.
This organization in particular writes a report for each year they find an area of armed conflict where innocent civilian's lives are in danger. They are currently working with the Afghanistan government to provide more support and enforce more laws towards prioritizing civilian's lives.
The International Committee of the Red Cross: An international conference was held by Red Cross and Red Crescent in 1995. The two main topics addressed were international humanitarian laws (a set of rules and principles that try to limit the effects of armed conflict, for humanitarian reasons) and the protection of civilians in times of war. Many organizations came together with a view of ensuring better protection for civilians and combating problems such as starvation and a lack of resources during war. It brought together over 160 recognized National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and over 180 governments party's. The United Nations and numerous other governmental and non-governmental organizations attended the Conference as observers. Discussions about crucial issues of the day took place in two parts/segments. Each segment deliberated resolutions for the Conference as a whole to adopt. These resolutions determined the States' and the Movement's approach to current humanitarian issues and discussed the ways to respond to future crises. The Conference resulted in a renewed commitment by the States to take more action and avoid neglecting serious and massive violations of humanitarian law. This conference also concluded to make an effort to reduce the number of innocent casualties.
Generally speaking, the ICRC is an independent organization ensuring humanitarian protection and assistance for victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence. It takes action in response to emergencies and at the same time promotes respect for international humanitarian law and its implementation in national law. They have constantly urged governments to adapt international humanitarian law to provide more effective protection and assistance for victims in conflict.
Generally speaking, the ICRC is an independent organization ensuring humanitarian protection and assistance for victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence. It takes action in response to emergencies and at the same time promotes respect for international humanitarian law and its implementation in national law. They have constantly urged governments to adapt international humanitarian law to provide more effective protection and assistance for victims in conflict.
What are organizations doing to help civilians who find themselves in the middle of conflict?
While there are many organizations that help out civilians around the world, these organizations specifically focus on supporting civilians who have no where to run, nothing to eat and no hopes of surviving in Iraq.
- The international rescue committee: The IRC has helped respond to humanitarian crisis around the world for more than 80 years. They have been working at refugee camps as well as providing shelter for displaced residents of Iraq who fled the violence in the country. They are offering education and legal services to women and children. They generally respond to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic well-being and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster.
- Doctors without borders: they had previously been serving civilians at a mobile clinic in the disputed areas between Erbil and Mosul, but they soon fled in anticipation of attacks. They have helped to reallocate everyone to a large camp for displaced people; Erbil, Baharka camp. They have been attending to major health concerns and have been helping to rebuild a strong connection and relationship between communities.
- World Vision: they are currently working to provide displaced Iraqis with food, water, sanitation, shelter and safety. World Vision currently has teams on the ground in Iraq, assisting those affected by the violence who were forced to flee their homes; often times, taking almost nothing with them.
- Save the children: Specializing in helping children and families, Save the Children has established the Iraqi Children's Relief Fund to send supplies to those affected by the violence. For nearly 100 years, the group has served in disaster areas and regions suffering from war and violence. In March of last year, they posted a video that showed an exact representation of the conflict in Iraq. It shows what is would be like if an ordinary UK child experienced war.
This video is really powerful as it helps us understand how an average child's life can be changed because of a conflict that they had nothing to do with. Video's like this can gain some publicity for the different organizations and will persuade our communities to give back and help out. (visuals speak louder than words.)
War Child: This is also an organization which has more of a focus on children as they try to help rebuild children's lives after they have suffered from being in the middle of armed conflict. They help children "cope with adversity, even in the face of armed conflict."(War Child) They do this by offering some great services as mentioned below.
Child protection: making sure that adequate safety is provided from armed conflict
Education: trying to make access to quality and efficient education a priority
Physiological: helping rebuild relationships between friends and family as well as building up everyone's self-esteem
Livelihoods: business skills are taught to ensure that children will have a brighter future
Justice: teaching young children as well as adults their rights, access to legal assistance and justice procedures
They work with people and institutions that play an important role in children’s lives such as parents, teachers, community groups and governments. This approach helps children recover from their experiences and gives them the confidence and opportunity to build a brighter future for themselves, their families and their communities.
Child protection: making sure that adequate safety is provided from armed conflict
Education: trying to make access to quality and efficient education a priority
Physiological: helping rebuild relationships between friends and family as well as building up everyone's self-esteem
Livelihoods: business skills are taught to ensure that children will have a brighter future
Justice: teaching young children as well as adults their rights, access to legal assistance and justice procedures
They work with people and institutions that play an important role in children’s lives such as parents, teachers, community groups and governments. This approach helps children recover from their experiences and gives them the confidence and opportunity to build a brighter future for themselves, their families and their communities.
We can assume that most of these methods (conferences, persuading governments/military to take more action against civilians) are insufficient and not very useful as the number of civilian conflicts keep increasing with every war that breaks out. These methods might even create some negative impacts and make the situation worse than what it started off with. There are many reasons for why this may occur but one particular reason may be the bias that some not all organizations present. There have been many reports that discus the several attacks on humanitarian Aid workers. In 2013, 474 aid workers were attacked, causing the most violent year ever. This is mostly caused by humanitarian workers most often supporting the "good" side in war. Civilians who are part of the opposite religion or group feel discriminated. They then feel the need to express their hatred as they have no part in the war and yet they are not supported because they are considered to be on the "bad" side. Since some organizations unintentionally present this bias, it will lead to more conflict.
An increasing number of civilian casualties just proves that organizations could be doing more to actually eradicate this problem. Although some organizations are trying to reduce casualties (talking to governments, having conferences to discuss further action in protecting civilians), and other organizations are trying to support civilians (providing food, water, and shelter to civilians who seem to be affected), it just does not seem to be working very well. Although some of these methods are some what effective, they don't seem to put an end to this problem.
These are some ways that these organizations can further try to reduce and help civilians in conflicts.
- Express more of their thoughts and opinions to the public, so that a larger audience of people are aware of what is being discussed and know how to further help. There are always great discussions that take place in conferences but most people are not aware of this. To accomplish this goal, they can live-stream it on TV or online.
- Make sure that everyone is aware that the leader they choose will not have any intentions of starting a war. This can be done more so in the future to avoid further conflict. Teaching citizens about their responsibilities in choosing a rightful leader may cause no further conflict from a war
- Try and get more countries involved with their organizations as the more people involved, the higher the chance of them all working together to find a solution. Many of the organizations mentioned above, currently work in either one country or only have a small number of countries supporting them. This alone cannot help to stop a major problem like civilians in conflict. Especially when there are 196 countries who could be doing so much more to help. Having more countries involved may further help to put an end to the bias as there will be more opinions, races and religions that are involved.
An increasing number of civilian casualties just proves that organizations could be doing more to actually eradicate this problem. Although some organizations are trying to reduce casualties (talking to governments, having conferences to discuss further action in protecting civilians), and other organizations are trying to support civilians (providing food, water, and shelter to civilians who seem to be affected), it just does not seem to be working very well. Although some of these methods are some what effective, they don't seem to put an end to this problem.
These are some ways that these organizations can further try to reduce and help civilians in conflicts.
- Express more of their thoughts and opinions to the public, so that a larger audience of people are aware of what is being discussed and know how to further help. There are always great discussions that take place in conferences but most people are not aware of this. To accomplish this goal, they can live-stream it on TV or online.
- Make sure that everyone is aware that the leader they choose will not have any intentions of starting a war. This can be done more so in the future to avoid further conflict. Teaching citizens about their responsibilities in choosing a rightful leader may cause no further conflict from a war
- Try and get more countries involved with their organizations as the more people involved, the higher the chance of them all working together to find a solution. Many of the organizations mentioned above, currently work in either one country or only have a small number of countries supporting them. This alone cannot help to stop a major problem like civilians in conflict. Especially when there are 196 countries who could be doing so much more to help. Having more countries involved may further help to put an end to the bias as there will be more opinions, races and religions that are involved.
What are some ways that we can help?
- We can help by spreading awareness about this topic (What’s happening, why it’s happening and how we can help...) We could do this by creating different social media platforms that discuss these topics and their effects. Using Social media in particular will attract to our generation as almost everyone has access to some type of social media. Some social media accounts include a website, Instagram page or a twitter account. We could even create a video that can show an emotional connection with these people who are suffering. These promotional ideas will raise awareness some way or another, as students will further be intrigued to find out more information. For me personally, when I see an article or a website that grabs my attention while scrolling through Instagram, I always click on the link to find out more information about it. I feel as though others would do the same, if we are able to grab their attention. This could be done by including how civilian deaths are constantly increasing and showing them some of statistic.
- We can set up fundraisers to raise money for organizations that are involved with innocent casualties in war. This could occur during the break or even after school. We could make announcements about it before hand, so that everyone will know to bring in a small donation. We could offer some sort of a draw with a prize that is not very costly. This way, student's will be further persuaded to donate more money to have a chance to win that prize. We could say that they have to donate a minimum of $15-20 to be entered into a draw, which can cause students to be more interested and donate more money. This is effective because students will then have a chance to find out about who they are actually donating for and will have a general understanding of why we are setting up a fundraiser. It will also make the student's proud of themselves as they are helping to save a child or even a community each time they make a donation.
When we go about our daily lives, another person maybe be killed or badly injured half way across the world. We would most likely feel sympathy for them and will think about them for at most a day. But what are we doing beyond that? Feeling sympathy for someone is a lot different than taking action to solve the problem. And, that's exactly what we all need to do. Organizations around the world are trying to reduce these conflicts by holding conferences, asking military to consider their impact on the society, and speaking to governments on enforcing more strict laws. Other organizations are helping to protect and provide for those who find them selves in the middle of conflict. But what are we doing? Yes, we are young so it may seem like there's nothing we can do, but those people who are dying are even younger and they might just need someone like us to make their life better.
Citations for images
Civilian Deaths and Injuries January to December. Digital image. U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict 2013 Annual Report. Public Intelligence, 9 Feb. 2014. Web. 24 Jan. 2017.
< https://publicintelligence.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/UNAMA-CivilianDeaths-2013.png>
Corey, Benjamin. World Vision. Digital image. World Vision Child Sponsorships Abandoned: It’s Almost Double What We Thought. N.p., 27 Mar. 2015. Web. 25 Jan. 2017.
<http://wp.production.patheos.com/blogs/formerlyfundie/files/2015/03/world-vision-01.gif>
Digital image. Georgette Gagnon: Raising the Bar on Respect for Human Rights in Afghanistan. United Nations News Center, 28 May 2013. Web. 24 Jan. 2017
<http://www.un.org/News/dh/photos/large/2013/May/Gagnon2.jpg>
Digital image. International Conference on Afghanistan. Zimbio, 19 July 2010. Web. 25 Jan. 2017
<http://www1.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/International+Conference+Afghanistan+XVYLzzfdeO2l.jpg>
Digital image. Peshmerga: ‘We Must Uphold Our Values and Protect Civilians in Defeating Daesh’. Civilians In Conflict, 17 Aug. 2016. Web. 20 Jan. 2017.
<http://civiliansinconflict.org/uploads/files/Jay-Teaching.jpg>
Donations Box. Digital image. Official PSDS, n.d. Web. 25 Jan. 2017.
<http://www.officialpsds.com/images/thumbs/Donations-Box-psd51094.png>
Fundraising and Events. Digital image. Save The Children, n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2017.
<http://www.savethechildren.org.au/__data/assets/image/0004/62545/born-to-trek-980x360.jpg>
International Rescue Committee. Digital image. Global, 23 Jan. 2012. Web. 25 Jan. 2017.
< http://theglobaljournal.s3.amazonaws.com/photos%2F2012%2F01%2F3877ffa6685d149c.jpg>
Liden, Kristoffer. Digital image. Emergency Exit for the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict. Prio Network, 10 Apr. 2015. Web. 18 Jan. 2017
<http://blogs.prio.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/syria-war-4-years-584x370.jpg>
National Save the Children Organisations. Digital image. Save The Children, 2017. Web. 19 Jan. 2017.
<https://i.stci.uk/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/40433scr_2c9bf36b16d6130.jpg?itok=BOMXWICw>
Philippines. Digital image. Doctors Without Borders, n.d. Web. 23 Jan. 2017.
<http://www.msf.ca/en/country-region/philippines>
Red Cross and Red Cresent Societies. Digital image. The Power of Humanity. Red Cross and Red Cresent Societies, n.d. Web. 21 Jan. 2017.
<http://www.redcross.int/EN/common/IMAGES/FOOTER.GIF>
UNAMA Condemns Deadly Attack On University. Digital image. UNAMA, 25 Aug. 2016. Web. 22 Jan. 2017.
< http://www.kabultribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/UNAMA-25.jpg>
Additional links for pictures, websites and videos are found on the "Work Cited" Page/tab.
Civilian Deaths and Injuries January to December. Digital image. U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict 2013 Annual Report. Public Intelligence, 9 Feb. 2014. Web. 24 Jan. 2017.
< https://publicintelligence.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/UNAMA-CivilianDeaths-2013.png>
Corey, Benjamin. World Vision. Digital image. World Vision Child Sponsorships Abandoned: It’s Almost Double What We Thought. N.p., 27 Mar. 2015. Web. 25 Jan. 2017.
<http://wp.production.patheos.com/blogs/formerlyfundie/files/2015/03/world-vision-01.gif>
Digital image. Georgette Gagnon: Raising the Bar on Respect for Human Rights in Afghanistan. United Nations News Center, 28 May 2013. Web. 24 Jan. 2017
<http://www.un.org/News/dh/photos/large/2013/May/Gagnon2.jpg>
Digital image. International Conference on Afghanistan. Zimbio, 19 July 2010. Web. 25 Jan. 2017
<http://www1.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/International+Conference+Afghanistan+XVYLzzfdeO2l.jpg>
Digital image. Peshmerga: ‘We Must Uphold Our Values and Protect Civilians in Defeating Daesh’. Civilians In Conflict, 17 Aug. 2016. Web. 20 Jan. 2017.
<http://civiliansinconflict.org/uploads/files/Jay-Teaching.jpg>
Donations Box. Digital image. Official PSDS, n.d. Web. 25 Jan. 2017.
<http://www.officialpsds.com/images/thumbs/Donations-Box-psd51094.png>
Fundraising and Events. Digital image. Save The Children, n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2017.
<http://www.savethechildren.org.au/__data/assets/image/0004/62545/born-to-trek-980x360.jpg>
International Rescue Committee. Digital image. Global, 23 Jan. 2012. Web. 25 Jan. 2017.
< http://theglobaljournal.s3.amazonaws.com/photos%2F2012%2F01%2F3877ffa6685d149c.jpg>
Liden, Kristoffer. Digital image. Emergency Exit for the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict. Prio Network, 10 Apr. 2015. Web. 18 Jan. 2017
<http://blogs.prio.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/syria-war-4-years-584x370.jpg>
National Save the Children Organisations. Digital image. Save The Children, 2017. Web. 19 Jan. 2017.
<https://i.stci.uk/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/40433scr_2c9bf36b16d6130.jpg?itok=BOMXWICw>
Philippines. Digital image. Doctors Without Borders, n.d. Web. 23 Jan. 2017.
<http://www.msf.ca/en/country-region/philippines>
Red Cross and Red Cresent Societies. Digital image. The Power of Humanity. Red Cross and Red Cresent Societies, n.d. Web. 21 Jan. 2017.
<http://www.redcross.int/EN/common/IMAGES/FOOTER.GIF>
UNAMA Condemns Deadly Attack On University. Digital image. UNAMA, 25 Aug. 2016. Web. 22 Jan. 2017.
< http://www.kabultribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/UNAMA-25.jpg>
Additional links for pictures, websites and videos are found on the "Work Cited" Page/tab.