Search

The bulk of research exploring the impacts of Boko Haram-induced crisis in Nigeria's Northeast region focuses on the country's social, economic, and political conditions while the understanding on the welfare of vulnerable populations – children living in the conflict-ridden communities is sparse. This study addresses the sparsity by investigating the plights of children who became orphans in the wake of horrific Boko Haram attacks in the region in the mid-2010s. Using a qualitative method, we draw insights from Damaturu, Yobe State, where three hundred and eight (orphaned) children were recruited and interviewed. Based on our analysis of the interview data, we argue that they suffered life-threatening situations – parental fatalities by insurgents, alms begging, hard labour for sustenance, degrading living conditions, sexual exploitation, and recruitment into armed groups for violence. The cumulative effects of the attacks made them unsafe and vulnerable to unconventional coping strategies and delinquency amidst the precarity of decent living in the communities. We provide key research and policy-relevant evidence in advancing the understanding of the predicaments of children in wars and socio-politically precarious environments. Also, we underscore the need for holistic and targeted interventions that include vulnerable children in post-insurgency humanitarian efforts to mitigate their discomfort and improve their living conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maternal mortality (MM) remains a real scourge that hits hardest in the poorest regions of the world, particularly those affected by conflict. However, despite this worrying reality, few studies have been conducted about MM ratio in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The study aimed to describe the trends as well as the epidemiological profile and causes of reported institutional maternal deaths between 2013 and 2022 in Eastern DRC. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted between March 2023 and August 2023 in eight Health Zones (HZ), five in South Kivu Province (Mwana, Minova, Miti-Murhesa, Kamituga and Idjwi) and three in North Kivu Province (Kirotshe, Karisimbi and Kayna) in the eastern region of the DRC. Our study covers 242 health facilities: 168 health centers (HC), 16 referral health centers (RHCs),50 referral hospitals (RH) and 8 general referral hospitals (GRHs). Data from registers and medical records of maternal deaths recorded in these zones from 2013–2022 were extracted along with information on the number of deliveries and live births. Sociodemographic, clinical parameters, blood and ultrasound tests and suspected causes of death between provinces were assessed. Results: In total, we obtained 177 files on deceased women. Of these, 143 (80.8%) were retained for the present study, including 75 in the 3 HZs of North Kivu and 68 in the 5 HZs of South Kivu. From 2013 to 2022, study sites experienced two significant drops in maternal mortality ratio (MMR) (in 2015 and 2018), and a spike in 2016–2017. Nonetheless, the combined MMR (across study sites) started and ended the 10-year study period at approximately the same level (53 and 57 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2013 and 2022 respectively). Overall, 62,6% of the deaths were reported from secondary hospital. Most deaths were of married women in their thirties (93.5%). Almost half (47.8%) had not completed four antenatal consultations. The main direct causes of death were, in decreasing order of frequency: post-partum haemorrhage (55.2%), uterine rupture (14.0), hypertensive disorders (8.4%), abortion (7.7%) puerperal infections (2.8%) and placental abruption (0.7%). When comparing among provinces, reported abortion-related maternal mortality (14.1% vs 0%) was more frequent in North Kivu than in South Kivu. Conclusion: This study imperatively highlights the need for targeted interventions to reduce maternal mortality. By emphasizing the crucial importance of antenatal consultations, intrapartum/immediate post-partum care and quality of care, significant progress can be made in guaranteeing maternal health and reducing many avoidable deaths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing a humanitarian crisis due to prolonged conflicts, human rights abuses, and gender‐based violence. This perspective article aims to discuss the challenges faced by vulnerable populations in the DRC, including the impact of interventions and broader humanitarian strategies. Methods: A search on Google Scholar was carried out to identify relevant journal articles. Additionally, relevant reports and data on the DR Congo crisis were sourced from the websites of international and humanitarian organizations including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, World Health Organization, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and the Norwegian Refugee Council. Results: The crisis has led to 6.1 million displaced individuals and 1 million seeking asylum in neighboring countries. Insecurity and displacement further exacerbate the crisis, exacerbating health issues and malnutrition, particularly among women and children. The deterioration of water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure in the region facilitates the spread of infectious diseases. The UN has appealed for $8.3 billion in humanitarian assistance in West and Central Africa, including DRC. However, more attention and efforts are needed to curb the menace of the conflict. Conclusions: Addressing root causes like political volatility, economic disparity, and social unrest is crucial for sustained health protection. Tailoring humanitarian assistance to the context of conflict is essential, prioritizing mental health support and psychosocial services. Improving access to healthcare is crucial. Addressing food insecurity is essential, involving targeted food assistance programs, improving agricultural practices, and establishing income‐generating activities. Sustaining international assistance and investments are needed to address the health needs of the most vulnerable populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the Ukraine humanitarian crisis, which was a result of the war in Ukraine, ordinary citizens stepped up to spontaneously coordinate various humanitarian responses to support affected populations. In this article such individuals who founded or coordinated this form of spontaneous humanitarian aid are referred to as citizen aid actors (CAA). This paper explores the work of citizen aid actors in Poland, a country which received many of the people displaced by the war in Ukraine. The study applies the concept of digital affordances to illustrate and argue that citizen aid actors relied on the features available on digital platforms to attain their goals. It is an outcome of a qualitative research approach where interviews, participant observation, and analysis of relevant online material about the studied citizen aid actors were used as methods of collecting data. The findings indicate that these actors used diverse digital platforms at different stages of the humanitarian aid projects, from establishment, organization and sustenance. While this study demonstrates how specific digital platforms contributed to the accomplishment of the work done by CAAs, it also highlights how problematic it can be when the actors largely rely on digital platforms. As such, potential risks associated with overreliance on digital platforms as a way of implementing projects are factored in. Ensuing concerns include the presence of online trolls, the spreading of fake news, and internet disruptions as potential obstacles for the success of the aid projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Maternal mortality (MM) remains a real scourge that hits hardest in the poorest regions of the world, particularly those affected by conflict. However, despite this worrying reality, few studies have been conducted about MM ratio in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The study aimed to describe the trends as well as the epidemiological profile and causes of reported institutional maternal deaths between 2013 and 2022 in Eastern DRC. Methods A retrospective descriptive study was conducted between March 2023 and August 2023 in eight Health Zones (HZ), five in South Kivu Province (Mwana, Minova, Miti-Murhesa, Kamituga and Idjwi) and three in North Kivu Province (Kirotshe, Karisimbi and Kayna) in the eastern region of the DRC. Our study covers 242 health facilities: 168 health centers (HC), 16 referral health centers (RHCs),50 referral hospitals (RH) and 8 general referral hospitals (GRHs). Data from registers and medical records of maternal deaths recorded in these zones from 2013–2022 were extracted along with information on the number of deliveries and live births. Sociodemographic, clinical parameters, blood and ultrasound tests and suspected causes of death between provinces were assessed. Results In total, we obtained 177 files on deceased women. Of these, 143 (80.8%) were retained for the present study, including 75 in the 3 HZs of North Kivu and 68 in the 5 HZs of South Kivu. From 2013 to 2022, study sites experienced two significant drops in maternal mortality ratio (MMR) (in 2015 and 2018), and a spike in 2016–2017. Nonetheless, the combined MMR (across study sites) started and ended the 10-year study period at approximately the same level (53 and 57 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2013 and 2022 respectively). Overall, 62,6% of the deaths were reported from secondary hospital. Most deaths were of married women in their thirties (93.5%). Almost half (47.8%) had not completed four antenatal consultations. The main direct causes of death were, in decreasing order of frequency: post-partum haemorrhage (55.2%), uterine rupture (14.0), hypertensive disorders (8.4%), abortion (7.7%) puerperal infections (2.8%) and placental abruption (0.7%). When comparing among provinces, reported abortion-related maternal mortality (14.1% vs 0%) was more frequent in North Kivu than in South Kivu. Conclusion This study imperatively highlights the need for targeted interventions to reduce maternal mortality. By emphasizing the crucial importance of antenatal consultations, intrapartum/immediate post-partum care and quality of care, significant progress can be made in guaranteeing maternal health and reducing many avoidable deaths.

Abstract Effective surveillance on the long-term public health impact due to war and terrorist attacks remains limited. Such health issues are commonly under-reported, specifically for a large group of individuals. For this purpose, efficient estimation of the size or undercount of the population under the risk of physical and mental health hazards is of utmost necessity. A novel trivariate Bernoulli model is developed allowing heterogeneity among the individuals and dependence between the sources of information, and an estimation methodology using a Monte Carlo-based EM algorithm is proposed. Simulation results show the superiority of the performance of the proposed method over existing competitors and robustness under model mis-specifications. The method is applied to analyse two real case studies on monitoring amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cases for the Gulf War veterans and the 9/11 terrorist attack survivors at the World Trade Center, USA. The average annual cumulative incidence rate for ALS disease increases by $$33\%$$ 33 % and $$16\%$$ 16 % for deployed and no-deployed military personnel, respectively, after adjusting the undercount. The number of individuals exposed to the risk of physical and mental health effects due to WTC terrorist attacks increased by $$42\%$$ 42 % . These results provide interesting insights that can assist in effective decision-making and policy formulation for monitoring the health status of post-war survivors.

Burns represent one of the leading causes of morbidity worldwide and disproportionately impact women, children, and socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals. Syrian refugees who fled conflict to land in overcrowded informal settlements across Lebanon are a particularly vulnerable population. This study aims to assess the etiology and risk factors for burns in this population. This cross-sectional, cluster-based population study adopted the Surgeons Overseas Assessment of Surgical Need (SOSAS) version 3.0 to capture data from refugees residing in informal settlements in multiple regions across Lebanon. The tool was contextualized and used to collect detailed information on burn cases sustained by refugees during the last 12 months prior to data collection. Univariate logistic regression models were performed to assess the relationship between burns and associated risk factors. From the 1468 households surveyed, a total of 223 households experienced a burn in the last 12 months. Over 63% of burns occurred in children under the age of ten years and almost 57% of burns occurred in females. More than 70% of burns resulted from hot liquid, while 17% were caused by direct heat contact. Over 3/4ths of burns occurred while preparing food (77.4%). Approximately 32% of those burned did not seek healthcare, of which almost 85% noted the cause was mainly due to financial limitations. Burns are a common injury in the Syrian refugee population living in Lebanon. Children and women are particularly impacted, often during cooking. Multi-level interventions are necessary to reduce burn injuries and improve care for those affected by burns. Community kitchens can be used to separate cooking and living environments and get stoves and hot liquids off the floor. Importantly, policies should allow for refugees to receive medical care when necessary without a major financial burden. • Children under 10 years and females were mostly vulnerable to burns. • Burns from boiling liquids and heat contact underscore risk factors. • Prevalence of burns in food prepration emphasize the need to improve cooking safety. • Limited healthcare access for burn victims due to finances highlights the need for equitable care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humanitarian crises caused by war, natural disasters, famine, or disease outbreaks are growing globally and are persistent human tragedies threatening human health, safety, and well-being. Digital-platform-based ecosystems' corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities have become a vital tool to support humans during crises. However, little is known about the impact of the innovative CSR practices of digital-platform-based ecosystems during a crisis. Therefore, this study investigates this crucial question. Building on dynamic capabilities theory and using thematic analysis of 89 news articles and data from website sources and reports relating to Airbnb Inc.'s CSR innovation in the Afghan 2021 and the Russia–Ukraine 2022 humanitarian crises, we find that strategic digital-platform-based ecosystem-driven CSR interventions during crises can be helpful for society and for businesses. The results suggest Airbnb.org leveraged its resources and capabilities to provide innovative, quick, and timely responses to redefine refugee resettlement, promoting a platform to harness community partnerships, creating a robust collaboration model with international non-governmental organizations and non-governmental organizations, and initiating a novel financial inclusion strategy for refugees and displaced persons. This result also implies that CSR technological innovations during s crisis can be theoretically explained and have further significant implications for policymakers, companies, and societal stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A humanitarian crisis means any event or series of events that are harmful to the health or security of the general population. The Niger Republic is currently facing a serious crisis amid the military coup of July 26, 2023. We fear that if nothing is done about it quickly, there could be a civil war in Niger and other neighboring countries. Aim: This present article aims to provide comprehensive knowledge about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Niger, highlighting the factors that caused it and providing possible solutions for them. Methodology: A literature search was conducted on the recent humanitarian crisis caused by the military coup in Niger Republic using databases such as PubMed, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, World Health Organization, United Nations, online newspapers, and reports from 2013 to 2023. Result: We found that the humanitarian crisis amid the military coup in Niger Republic has further amplified the vulnerability of millions of Nigeriens to more problems in the Niger Republic. The number of Nigeriens in need of humanitarian assistance has reportedly increased by 65%, from 2.3 million in 2019 to 3.8 million in 2021. More than two million children in Niger have been impacted by the crisis in the country and need humanitarian assistance. Furthermore, other causes of the humanitarian crisis in the Niger Republic include sociodemographic factors, climate change, and other natural disasters. Conclusion: The humanitarian crisis in Niger, caused by different factors such as socioeconomic stagnation, environmental causes, food insecurity, terrorist activities, and internal displacement, is an alarming situation that requires an urgent solution and a response from the international community. There is a need to analyze all the underlying causes of humanitarian crises and find long‐lasting solutions for them. Key points: Niger is a landlocked country in West Africa that has been facing a humanitarian crisis for ages.The number of Nigeriens in need of humanitarian assistance has reportedly increased by 65% from 2.3 million in 2019 to 3.8 million in 2021, with a probability of geometric increase to date.There are quite a lot of direct and indirect consequences that could result from the humanitarian crisis, especially amid the military coup in Niger.To tackle this complicated situation in Niger, a more humanitarian approach is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Domestic Violence Questionnaire (DVQ) is a measure that captures physical, sexual, economic, and psychological violence perpetrated against women. A team of local academicians and intervention experts evaluated several tools for domestic and gender-based violence, concluding that the DVQ fitted best in the context of evaluating the Living Peace intervention in conflict-affected eastern DRC. The purpose of this validation study was to: (1) validate the factor structure of the Swahili version of the DVQ, (2) to evaluate its convergent and divergent validity, and (3) to examine its internal consistency reliability. The factor structure was evaluated using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) while concurrent validity and internal consistency reliability were evaluated using Pearson correlation and Cronbach's alpha coefficients, respectively. The study participants were women, partners of men that participated in the Living Peace program, a community-based intervention program that works on promoting positive masculinity among men that are perceived to be violent by their community. Data were obtained from two independent purposive samples of 704 participants for EFA and 878 participants for CFA, selected from 60 villages in North and South Kivu, DRC. The results indicated that five and three-factor structures could be meaningfully interpreted in EFA, each with 66% explained variance. For comparative purposes, CFA was conducted on the two newly created factor models and the original factor model. All models reach good fit indexes, with the three-factor model demonstrating the best fit. Its standardized factor loadings ranged from 0.57 to 0.91. The internal consistency was a = .90 for the total scale and ranged from a = .75 to .926 per dimension. Finally, scores of DVQ were negatively correlated with mental well-being (r =20.23, p \.001), and positively with depression (r = .435, p\.001), as hypothesized. The Swahili version of DVQ has excellent psychometric properties and can be applied to evaluate the physical, sexual, economic and psychological violence in victims of domestic violence in humanitarian crisis settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Lex Humana is the property of Lex Humana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study analyzes the correlation between the severe sanctions imposed by the international community against North Korea and its humanitarian situation. First, it was possible to assume that severe sanctions on North Korea since 2013 caused a decrease in input factors necessary for food production leading to a decrease in food production. Second, severe sanctions were an obstacle to the humanitarian agencies, and the inevitable negative images of the aid target caused donor countries to decrease their participation in the appeal. Third, as sanctions against North Korea were strengthened, China and Russia also joined in with the sanctions, but also, they served as a lifeline for North Korea by helping to increase agricultural production and resuming food aid as sanctions were prolonged. In short, it is difficult to say that sanctions on North Korea have not significantly worsened the humanitarian situation in North Korea in 2013 and even since 2017 when severe international sanctions were imposed. Instead, it seems that North Korea's humanitarian situation noted as the most severe humanitarian crisis in the past 20 years is the result of accumulated causes of a continued deterioration of economic crisis, failure of entitlement, and sanctions since 2013. However, as the change in the humanitarian situation was not significant, the sanctions were the reason for the humanitarian crisis deterioration, but they did not critically worsen the situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background and Aim The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing a humanitarian crisis due to prolonged conflicts, human rights abuses, and gender‐based violence. This perspective article aims to discuss the challenges faced by vulnerable populations in the DRC, including the impact of interventions and broader humanitarian strategies. Methods A search on Google Scholar was carried out to identify relevant journal articles. Additionally, relevant reports and data on the DR Congo crisis were sourced from the websites of international and humanitarian organizations including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, World Health Organization, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and the Norwegian Refugee Council. Results The crisis has led to 6.1 million displaced individuals and 1 million seeking asylum in neighboring countries. Insecurity and displacement further exacerbate the crisis, exacerbating health issues and malnutrition, particularly among women and children. The deterioration of water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure in the region facilitates the spread of infectious diseases. The UN has appealed for $8.3 billion in humanitarian assistance in West and Central Africa, including DRC. However, more attention and efforts are needed to curb the menace of the conflict. Conclusions Addressing root causes like political volatility, economic disparity, and social unrest is crucial for sustained health protection. Tailoring humanitarian assistance to the context of conflict is essential, prioritizing mental health support and psychosocial services. Improving access to healthcare is crucial. Addressing food insecurity is essential, involving targeted food assistance programs, improving agricultural practices, and establishing income‐generating activities. Sustaining international assistance and investments are needed to address the health needs of the most vulnerable populations.

Following the Ukraine humanitarian crisis, which was a result of the war in Ukraine, ordinary citizens stepped up to spontaneously coordinate various humanitarian responses to support affected populations. In this article such individuals who founded or coordinated this form of spontaneous humanitarian aid are referred to as citizen aid actors (CAA). This paper explores the work of citizen aid actors in Poland, a country which received many of the people displaced by the war in Ukraine. The study applies the concept of digital affordances to illustrate and argue that citizen aid actors relied on the features available on digital platforms to attain their goals. It is an outcome of a qualitative research approach where interviews, participant observation, and analysis of relevant online material about the studied citizen aid actors were used as methods of collecting data. The findings indicate that these actors used diverse digital platforms at different stages of the humanitarian aid projects, from establishment, organization and sustenance. While this study demonstrates how specific digital platforms contributed to the accomplishment of the work done by CAAs, it also highlights how problematic it can be when the actors largely rely on digital platforms. As such, potential risks associated with overreliance on digital platforms as a way of implementing projects are factored in. Ensuing concerns include the presence of online trolls, the spreading of fake news, and internet disruptions as potential obstacles for the success of the aid projects.

This study explores an under-researched area: NGOs’ efforts to provide humanitarian relief during armed conflict. It examines visuals posted on the Instagram accounts of 14 NGOs whose mission is to support civilians impacted by the Gaza humanitarian crisis.

This field reflection is a reflective dialogue between a supervisor and supervisee focusing on work with Afghan evacuees undertaken by the Centre for Anxiety, Stress & Trauma within Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust. This field reflection focuses on five themes that emerged between the supervisor and supervisee during clinical supervision. The themes are posed as questions that may help others working in the context of a humanitarian crisis to utilize supervision to effectively support both staff and the target population. The reflections conclude with recommendations on how supervision can support staff well-being and, in turn, offer a supportive service to people feeling their homeland in the context of war. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores localisation in humanitarian settings as an example of sustainability and inner development. Through a case study from Syria, we discuss how localisation and remote management can lead to the mutual flourishing of individuals, communities and planetary health in the most challenging settings. Through localisation, we can rethink and reframe humanitarianism and integrate sustainability and personal development. Learning from these collaborations that highlight the importance of trust and interpersonal relations, the humanitarian and global health communities can reflect on how local individuals and communities can be further supported in their personal development and the sustainability of interventions that promote planetary health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a few short weeks, the war in Ukraine displaced over four million people. As a human rights profession in the new global order, the social work profession has called for not only the support of social workers in Ukraine and their neighboring countries but also for pressure on all host countries to facilitate fast, efficient admission of asylum seekers and strengthening of resettlement services. Using Canada as a case study, we identify barriers that became apparent during the Syrian civil war and suggest ways all social workers can act in solidarity in the face of this global travesty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systematic restrictions on access to food have brought on a food crisis in Russian-occupied territories. Blocking free access to food by occupation, economic pressure, reduced production and destruction of infrastructure risks social conflicts and escalating violence. Food shortages have led to deterioration of physical and economic health, increased mortality, social disorganisation and threats to personal security; many victims experience post-traumatic stress disorder. We draw comparisons with the Holodomor of 1933–4 and the Dutch Hongerwinter of 1944–5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The global refugee crisis, exacerbated by the Syrian war, has placed tremendous strain on Jordan's healthcare system and infrastructure, notably impacting nurses working in refugee camps. The aim to identify factors influencing nurses' Quality of life at work (QWL) and understand their significance in crisis healthcare environments. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in multiple healthcare facilities within Syrian refugee camps. A convenient sample of 166 nurses participated, and data were collected using the Brook's Quality of Nursing Work Life Survey. Data analysis included descriptive and inferential (one-way ANOVA) statistics. Significance level was set at 0.05. Results: Nurses in this study generally reported a moderate QWL, with an average score of 152.85, indicating that their overall work experience falls into the moderate range. The study found that nurses perceived their work-life/home-life balance (mean score 25.79), work design (mean score 35.71), work context (mean score 71.37), and work world (mean score 19.96) at levels indicative of moderate satisfaction. There were no statistically significant differences in QWL among participating nurses, suggesting that factors other than demographic characteristics may play a more influential role in determining nurses' QWL in the unique context of refugee caregiving. Conclusion: This study underscores that working within refugee healthcare missions and recommends targeted interventions to enhance their well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Two Homelands / Dve Domovini is the property of Scientific Research Centre of Slovenian Academy of Sciences & Arts and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Polish Journal of Management Studies is the property of Czestochowa University of Technology, Faculty of Management and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Political Science Review / Przegląd Politologiczny is the property of Faculty of Political Science & Journalism, Adam Mickiewicz University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Middle East has experienced significant and wide-ranging consequences due to terrorism and the resulting War on Terror. The region saw substantial impacts as a result of the War on Terror. This study briefly overviews the security, economic and political repercussions of the prolonged conflict in the region. The rise of terrorism and the War on Terror in the Middle East have seriously affected security, political stability, intensified extremist movements, given rise to proxy wars, caused economic recession, humanitarian crises, restricted civil liberties, and disturbed the balance of power due to geopolitical shifts in regional affairs. The US attack on Iraq, the emergence of radical factions like ISIS and Al-Qaeda, refugee crises, civil wars and resultant humanitarian crises in Yemen, Syria, Libya, Iraq, Lebanon, and Palestine, destroyed many countries' economies and paralysed governments in affected countries, led to sectarianism and power vacuums, and ultimately undermined peace, security and sustainable development in the Middle East. It also had negative economic, security, and political impacts on other parts of the world. In addition, the intervention of external powers in the region and their counterterrorism measures have also motivated many people to join militant organizations. The grievances of common people and their immense civilian losses in the War on Terror gave rise to anti-Western sentiments and joining anti-Western militant groups. Therefore, understanding these consequences is crucial to developing a more effective approach to address the impacts of the War on Terror and restore peace and stability in the Middle East.

The conflict in Sudan between its military forces and a rival paramilitary group, exacerbated by allied militias, has escalated into a dire humanitarian crisis, reminiscent of past civil wars where hundreds of thousands perished. This ongoing struggle, marked by thousands of casualties and millions displaced, centers on a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), with global powers seeking to influence the outcome. Despite initial hopes for democracy following the ousting of former dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019, political turmoil ensued, culminating in a failed transitional government and the assumption of power by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. Despite agreements aimed at civilian-led transition, missed deadlines and the contentious integration of the RSF into the national armed forces perpetuate the conflict. Amidst this turmoil, international sanctions target entities funding the conflict, such as Alkhaleej Bank, Al-Fakher Advanced Works, and Zadna International, among others, reflecting broader efforts to disrupt funding sources and facilitate a democratic transition. In this context, this research delves into the underlying factors driving the conflict in Sudan. Received: 05-19-2024 Revised: 05-27-2024

Between 1977 and 1992, some 2,750 Cambodian, Laotian and Vietnamese refugees stayed at the temporary accommodation center in Cognin-les-Gorges (Isère). Public authorities and associations worked together to organize the reception of Asian families in this small village in the Pre-Alps. This singular social experiment, based on the encounter between exiles and the local population, left a lasting impression. This article traces its history and examines its memories.

Abstract Across the globe, the COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated particular challenges for internally displaced people (IDPs). Over 1.9 million people in Myanmar have been displaced due to the escalation of armed conflict after the military coup in 2021. The vulnerability faced by IDPs in Myanmar, coupled with the impact of the recent military coup and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, has received little global attention. This study examined how military coup exacerbated the health and well-being of IDPs in Myanmar post the military coup. The study employed purposive sampling and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) referrals to find participants. Qualitative in-depth telephone interviews were conducted with a total of 17 IDPs. A thematic analysis of the findings indicates that IDPs experience anxiety and fear daily, adversely affecting their mental health due to the increased escalation of armed conflict and attacks on civilian places, including IDPs shelters. Some IDPs contract COVID-19 and suffer from malaria and dengue fever owing to their precarious living conditions. Moreover, the military’s restrictions on humanitarian aid distribution, including healthcare, medicine, and food, have severely impacted the health and well-being of IDPs in Myanmar, exacerbating food shortages and limiting healthcare access.

This article examines how systems and institutions influence the distribution of resources in society and, as such, affect livelihoods, food security, and nutrition. It draws on research on the political economy of food, and the governance effects of food aid practices, conducted in Sudan and Somalia and on the role of a social approach to nutrition in situations of famine and mass starvation. This article argues first for the importance of examining political structures as basic causes of malnutrition as they influence whether and how institutions function (in relation to land, markets, employment, aid, or justice). Second, this article illustrates how, in situations of crisis, the manipulation of institutions can create power for some and vulnerability to malnutrition in others. Third, it argues that a focus on treatment of malnutrition and behavior (hygiene and feeding practices) has drawn attention away from systems and institutions and feeds into discrimination as a basic cause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peace education prepares people to deal peacefully with conflicts of various scales. The authors want to enrich this education by paying attention to situations when international tension increases, and it is still possible to defuse it. Social movements sometimes highlight the hidden conflicts in society. They provoke the authorities to act and sometimes even force them to reveal their intentions. In this article, the authors look at the use of 'intervention' so-called militant research in the face of growing international conflicts and utilise the example of the humanitarian crisis for exiled people on the Polish-Belarusian border that has taken place since the summer of 2021. The possibility of using militant research is considered an inspiration to restore and preserve peace on the basis of the activism of 'Grupa Granica' [Border Group] in Poland. The case selection is based on the criteria adopted from the literature on militant research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fragile states are countries characterized by poverty, conflict, political instability, insecurity, and disaster. In such settings, there are high levels of disability and women and girls are disproportionately impacted by violence. Despite the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal's call for both the elimination of violence against women and girls and disability-disaggregated data, few studies have investigated how disability may be associated with girl child marriage (GCM) and how these two factors impact intimate partner violence (IPV). This study sought to assess the prevalence and associations of disability with GCM and IPV among currently married/cohabiting women (aged 20–24 years) in fragile states. A secondary data analysis of pooled nationally representative data from four Demographic and Health Surveys were analyzed using multivariable regressions to examine the associations between disability, GCM, and IPV (N = 3,119). The association between disability and GCM was further analyzed by multinomial regressions. These weighted analyses accounted for complex survey designs. Overall, 54.4% of GCM occurred among women with disabilities. Disabled women were more likely to report GCM compared to women without disabilities (adjusted odds ratio = 1.62, 95% confidence interval = 1.16–2.28). Among disabled women with a history of GCM, 41.3% experienced past-year IPV. Disabled women with a history of GCM were more likely to report past-year IPV compared to nondisabled women and no GCM (adjusted odds ratio = 1.78, confidence interval = 1.21–2.62). GCM and IPV (e.g., past-year, lifetime) among disabled girls may be pervasive in fragile states, underscoring the need for additional research examining the mechanisms driving these observations and to inform inclusive programming and policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We are witnessing how humanitarian crises inflict unimaginable human misery. In the case of the COVID-19 pandemic, social workers were called upon as first responders who functioned interdependently with other humanitarian actors operating within social institutions and local or national government units. This article also draws from the self-examination of academic researchers from Poland, Romania and Germany at the early stages of the pandemic as they optimized the process of interviewing frontline social workers. While focusing attention on strengths as well as shortcomings, frontline social workers were made to compensate for their institutions while responding to unprecedented expectations from various sectors of society. Significant insights were gleaned from testimonial evidence contributed by interviewed frontline social workers which were subsequently used in further reflective discussions. Their critical experiences lent legitimacy to the urgent call for social work education to consider as fundamental, the preparation of professionals in humanitarian work. This reinforced the awareness of the academic researchers that social work education as a transformative project could address the causalities of humanitarian crises and contribute to the mitigation of their impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores international experience in applying innovative financial management strategies for business revitalization in the post-war period in Ukraine. Special attention is given to the destruction of industrial and infrastructural objects, as well as the tactics employed by the russian military aggression aimed at undermining the country's economic potential and creating a humanitarian disaster. The article also analyzes the issue of financing the post-crisis development of enterprises in Ukraine and discusses various sources of funding such as development funds, grants, subsidies, and other financial instruments. However, further research is needed to propose an effective strategic model for revitalizing enterprises in the liberated territories, particularly in the southern part of Ukraine. The findings of this study will contribute to understanding and applying innovative financial strategies for business recovery in Ukraine after the war period, as well as developing effective approaches to support enterprises in the post-crisis period. This article sheds light on international experiences in employing innovative financial management strategies to revitalize businesses in post-war Ukraine. The insights gained from this research will contribute to understanding and implementing effective financial approaches for business recovery in the aftermath of war, as well as supporting the activation of entrepreneurship during the post-crisis period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Across the globe, the COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated particular challenges for internally displaced people (IDPs). Over 1.9 million people in Myanmar have been displaced due to the escalation of armed conflict after the military coup in 2021. The vulnerability faced by IDPs in Myanmar, coupled with the impact of the recent military coup and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, has received little global attention. This study examined how military coup exacerbated the health and well-being of IDPs in Myanmar post the military coup. The study employed purposive sampling and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) referrals to find participants. Qualitative in-depth telephone interviews were conducted with a total of 17 IDPs. A thematic analysis of the findings indicates that IDPs experience anxiety and fear daily, adversely affecting their mental health due to the increased escalation of armed conflict and attacks on civilian places, including IDPs shelters. Some IDPs contract COVID-19 and suffer from malaria and dengue fever owing to their precarious living conditions. Moreover, the military's restrictions on humanitarian aid distribution, including healthcare, medicine, and food, have severely impacted the health and well-being of IDPs in Myanmar, exacerbating food shortages and limiting healthcare access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scientific work aims to determine which rights are provided for forcibly resettled persons in Ukraine and other European countries, identifying common and distinctive features. This study uses various research methods to assess the situation of internally displaced persons in Ukraine, including their legal status, regional distribution, and rights under special conditions. It also investigates Ukrainian forced migrants’ main destinations, living conditions, rights to education and employment, and Ukrainian and host countries’ social policies on financial aid and housing.

In this commentary, we advocate for the wider implementation of integrated care models for NCDs within humanitarian preparedness, response, and resilience efforts. Since experience and evidence on integrated NCD care in humanitarian settings is limited, we discuss potential benefits, key lessons learned from other settings, and lessons from the integration of other conditions that may be useful for stakeholders considering an integrated model of NCD care. We also introduce our ongoing project in North Lebanon as a case example currently undergoing parallel tracks of program implementation and process evaluation that aims to strengthen the evidence base on implementing an integrated NCD care model in a crisis setting.

Sovereignty, concerning state authority, endows the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) the rights of citizens. This redefined and broadened scope of sovereignty is ascribed to the international norm of the R2P. The pioneering assertions of R2P were conceptualized by the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in ‘Two Concepts of Sovereignty’ after NATO intervened in Kosovo (1999). During a humanitarian crisis, the more serious concern lies in the unchecked systematic violations of human rights rather than the question of the legitimacy and legality of intervention by the international community. In the 2005 World Summit, Sovereignty was redefined as an R2P by the state against atrocious violations of human rights. In case of failure of the host state, the international community could intervene through the Security Council. This paper will implicitly consider the normative contours of the R2P framework while assessing the current multifaceted humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. The post-war humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan is characterized by poverty and internal displacement. Additionally, human security concerns arise from the inter-group rivalry between the Islamic State Khorasan (ISK) and the Taliban, accompanied by human rights violations against women and ethnic minorities under the Taliban regime. Aligning with the first pillar, the responsibility to protect Afghan citizens rests with the Taliban as the sovereign authority of the state. However, internalizing the principles of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) can pave the way for prospective peace in Afghanistan.