blog number seven

Hello.

 

I am a UN humanitarian Aid worker who is stationed in Liberia. I am responsible for providing aid to women, men and children in surrounding IDP camps. As you know, there is conflict in this area and when there is conflict the people of the country suffer. UN troops might prove to quiet the conflict. The Lebanese and Israelis must be kept apart.

It has become clear to me that women especially suffer when conflict ensues. Women seem to be particularly vulnerable during conflict times. This could be because they are physically smaller and weaker than the men and their safety depends on social bonds. Conflict disrupts those social bonds leaving women vulnerable.

It is clear that something must be done but it is important that we understand the social set-up of their society before implementing anything. We must record whether or not men and women need to be separated, where the children reside, and what activities different genders are involved in. After noting this we can set up living arrangements for those whom are displaced because of conflict but NOT before. This could lead to more issues especially for the women who must obey the rules of their society even to their own detriment.

Doctors seem to be a necessity as well.  Rape seems to be a serious issue during conflict as well. Women in refugee camps and in the military are especially vulnerable. This is also something that must be reported seeing as how rape is sometimes left out of reports.  PTSD is a common effect of rape and having a mental health professional might minimize the mental damage. Due to ethnic cleansing sometimes AIDS is purposefully spread. Clearly a doctor would be needed for that as well.

I hope you find my suggestions helpful

All the best