Victims Of Conflict Research Articles

Forgiveness as a Mediator for the Relationship between Spirituality and Posttraumatic Growth in Aceh Conflict Victims, Indonesia

People in Aceh are still suffering from a highly traumatic experience of Aceh conflict. As a religious community, Acehnese people believe that forgiveness is righteous. The purpose of the present study was to examine the mediational role of forgiveness on the relationship between spirituality and posttraumatic growth (PTG). Two hundred sixty-eight participants were recruited to complete the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Heartland Forgiveness Scale (HFS), and the Spiritual Transcendence Scale (STS). Results based on Sobel analyses revealed that forgiveness mediated the relationship between spirituality and PTG. Implications of these findings for future research on PTG and forgiveness are discussed.

Incidental findings in the use of DNA to identify human remains: An ethical assessment

DNA analysis is increasingly used to identify the remains of victims of conflicts and disasters. This is especially true in cases where remains are badly damaged and fragmented, or where antemortem records are unavailable. Incidental findings (IFs)-that is, genetics-related information for which investigators were not looking-may result from these identification efforts employing DNA analysis. Because of the critical role played by family members of the missing in identification efforts, as well as the familial nature of DNA, identification initiatives employing DNA analysis are particularly prone to reveal IFs about familial relationships, such as misattributed paternity or false beliefs about sibling relationships. Despite forensic scientists' widespread awareness of the possibility of generating IFs, to date there has been relatively little explicit guidance about their management. This paper fills that gap. It offers substantive guidance about the ethical management of IFs in this context. To ensure that the analysis addresses actual needs and practices in the field, one author (JDA) conducted semi-structured interviews with key informants from six regionally diverse organizations involved in post-conflict or post-disaster identification efforts. The paper first describes how methods of DNA analysis give rise to IFs. Next, it explains the importance of developing an ethically justified general policy for managing IFs and discusses features of DNA identification efforts that are relevant to such a policy. Then it presents an argument in support of a general policy of nondisclosure-specifically, that considerations of fair access to the individual and social benefits of identification efforts, and the concern to minimize and fairly distribute the risks of participation, support a policy of nondisclosure. It concludes by considering some implications of this argument for the choice among scientific practices involved in using DNA analysis to identify human remains, as well as for managing non-genetic incidental findings.

The legal representation of the civilian and military casualties of contemporary conflicts: unlawful victimisation, its victims and their visibility at the ICTY

The appropriate form of the legal address and redress to the victims of contemporary conflicts has received increasing attention in transitional justice literatures and debates. However, few scholarly analyses engage with civilians and military personnel as differential categories of unlawfully victimised persons. In seeking to address this gap, this article explores the construction of legal representation of civilian and military victims by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). It first examines the prevalence, patterns and practices of their unlawful victimisation during the Yugoslavian conflicts, and then considers how civilians and military personnel are made visible at the ICTY as differential collectivities of victims by analysing patterns in its criminal prosecutions. This analysis shows that the ICTY constructs a legal record of acts of civilian victimisation, but an ambiguous account of its military victims.

Pain management in victims of conflict

The purpose of this review is to look at the options available for the management of pain in victims of conflict, from the point of wounding, through a chain of evacuation, to rehabilitation in the home country. This is relevant for all healthcare workers as any could find themselves treating veterans and having a clear understanding of what occurred will help. The article will discuss developments in the prehospital environment, the field hospital, during repatriation and back in the home country to include neurostimulation in cases of refractory pain. Evidence when available is provided and the difficulties in conducting research in this environment are touched upon. The current agents, routes and techniques found in any civilian medical service can be brought to bear with great benefit. However, the secret appears to lie in a robust approach to the importance of treating pain, encouraged in all healthcare professionals, and the recognition of the role of integrating the healthcare package throughout the chain of evacuation. Research remains difficult.

Afghanistan: Voiceless and Displaced

Afghanistan: Voiceless and Displaced

Kebijakan Peraturan Daerah Berbasis Politik Rekognisi dan Resolusi Konflik Etnik

Indonesia, as a multicultural country, has a high potential of conflicts among forming elements of its multiculturalism. To minimize potential of conflicts, it is necessary to construct space of co-existence for several identities. State, as an all-encompassing and all-embracing institution should be able to present policies that provide the space. Policy interventions can be taken in preventive, curative, and preservative domains. The problem is that in Indonesia centralistic era many state policies were being monocultural, containing misrecognition, even authoritarian. The situation adds conflict potential. The combination between monocultural policy and State failure in guarding policy becomes key variable in several multiethnic conflict in various regions of Indonesia. In context of centralized politics, East Kotawaringin (Kotim) proved a victorious success in ethnic conflict resolution. Sampit conflict between Dayak and Madurese in 2001 which is known as the most cruel and bloody conflict and claimed a huge amount of victims cleanses Madurese Ethnic from Sampit due to be killed, fled into the forests, or refuge outside Sampit even Central Borneo. Yet the conflict was resolved without leaving some significant problems. Unlike conflict resolutions in other regions e.g. West Borneo dan Ambon where conflict resolutions were intervened by Jakarta, Kotim succeeded in enactment of Local Regulation No 5 Year 2004 on Handling of impacted inhabitants of Ethnic Conflict. In the mentioned Local Regulation the rights of each conflicting party are recognized. Political recognition must be realized or included in a public policy (government or state), so that each party obtain legal certainty. In preparing a public policy concerning inter-group relations in a multicultural society required the participation of each group, so the product of public policy can be understood and accepted by all groups. Implementation of the Regulation involved maximum participation of citizens, community leaders and members of Local Government. The role of Central Government is very minimalist. While conflict resolution in many other regions leaves some serious problems—e.g. lack of formal return for victims in West Borneo ethnic conflict, or fragmentation of areas which homogenous identity of religion post Ambon Conflict—Kotim is able to preserve peaceful atmosphere among heterogenous identity and multicultural community. Key words: local regulation, conflict resolution, political recognition

PERADILAN BERBASIS HARMONI DALAM DALAM GUYUB BUDAYA LAMAHOLOT - FLORES

This study tried to offer a new theoretic perspective about settlement form of criminal case. Through law anthropolgy study by using etnography approach and hermeneutic analysis method, this study more strengthen the faith that the final goal of every court process is not only to determine who is wrong and who is right, but also to find out the justice and the truth. But, additionally judicial process has to make a harmony or rebuild a social relation among the victims of conflict. Even, a social harmony that was built is managed generally as individual, and collective context, and as also vertically to the Almighty God. The judicial orientation with rich philosophy of harmony can be applied to social sphere, because actually the harmony value is everybody’s dream in the world. Key words: judicial, criminal, harmony, adat tradition, Lamaholot society.

Longitudinal Predictors of Cyber and Traditional Bullying Perpetration in Australian Secondary School Students

Cyberbullying perpetration (using communication technology to engage in bullying) is a recent phenomenon that has generated much concern. There are few prospective longitudinal studies of cyberbullying. The current article examines the individual, peer, family, and school risk factors for both cyber and traditional bullying (the latter is bullying that does not use technology) in adolescents. This article draws on a rich data set from the International Youth Development Study, a longitudinal study of students in Victoria, Australia and Washington State, United States, which began in 2002. In this article, data from almost 700 Victorian students recruited in grade 5 are analyzed to examine grade 7 (aged 12-13 years) predictors of traditional and cyberbullying perpetration in grade 9 (aged 14-15 years). Fifteen per cent of students engaged in cyberbullying, 21% in traditional bullying, and 7% in both. There are similarities and important differences in the predictors of cyber and traditional bullying. In the fully adjusted model, only prior engagement in relational aggression (a covert form of bullying, such as spreading rumors about another student) predicted cyberbullying perpetration. For traditional bullying, previous relational aggression was also predictive, as was having been a victim and perpetrator of traditional bullying, family conflict, and academic failure. The use of evidence-based bullying prevention programs is supported to reduce experiences of all forms of bullying perpetration (cyber, traditional, and relational aggression). In addition, for traditional bullying perpetration, addressing family conflict and student academic support are also important.

La “perspectiva relacional” y el “enfoque de redes” en el análisis de los movimientos sociales. Aproximaciones preliminares a un estudio de caso

  The relational perspective and networks approach offers a novel platform in the sociological analysis of relationships and transactions that take place in several scenarios of social life. This article describes some of the theoretical contributions that provide both, as well as its analytical potential in terms of understanding social movements. Returning some postulates of networks approach, to highlight in a preliminary way, how the National Movement of Victims of State Crimes in Colombia (MOVICE) can be understood under the logic of a heterogeneous and dynamic network of relationships and actions of resistance and political mobilization counter hegemonic. While his flag fight is against state impunity, specifically for a significant sector of Colombian victims of historical conflict, can also be considered an example of national defense network that increasingly covers more social and political demands, and builds a subaltern struggle by the radicalization of a more inclusive democratic project in Colombia.

Patterns of Trauma in Conflict Victims from Timor Leste

Understanding population-level trauma patterns has implications for the recognition of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Trauma data were abstracted from autopsy and anthropology reports for 105 victims from the 1999 conflict in Timor Leste. A significant number of individuals displayed no evidence of injury. No trauma was found in 25% of the sample, while a further 5% had only minor, nonlethal wounds. Where trauma was evident, sharp force injuries were most common (35%), followed by gunshot (20%) and blunt force (13.33%). Timorese frequencies of trauma differ significantly from percentages found in prior reports of mass killings from Cambodia, Bosnia, Croatia, and Afghanistan but closely resemble reported trauma patterns in Rwanda. Decomposition and percentage of body recovered were shown to have a significant impact on the presence/absence of trauma. Complete, fleshed remains were 10.4 times more likely than skeletal remains to have evidence of major or lethal trauma.

Forced Migration, Female Labor Force Participation, and Intra-Household Bargaining: Does Conflict Empower Women?

Civilian displacement is a common phenomenon in developing countries confronted with internal conflict. While displacement directly affects forced migrants, it also contributes to deteriorating labor conditions of vulnerable groups in receiving communities. For the displaced population, the income losses are substantial, and as they migrate to cities, they usually end up joining the informal labor force. Qualitative evidence reveals that displaced women are better suited to compete in urban labor markets, as their labor experience is more relevant with respect to certain urban low-skilled occupations. Our study uses this exogenous change in female labor force participation to test how it affects female bargaining power within the household. Our results show that female displaced women work longer hours, earn similar wages and contribute in larger proportions to household earnings relative to rural women who remain in rural areas. However, as measured by several indicators, their greater contribution to households’ earnings does not strengthen their bargaining power. Most notably, domestic violence have increased among displaced women. The anger and frustration of displaced women also increases the level of violence directed at children. Because the children of displaced families have been the direct victims of conflict and domestic violence, the intra-generational transmission of violence is highly likely.

Military struggle and identity formation in Latin America: race, nation, and community during the liberal period

Significantly advances the discussion about the connections among race, identity, military service, and armed struggle in Latin America during a crucial period of nation-building.--Hendrik Kraay, University of Calgary Sure to become a standard part of the historical literature on the 'national' period in Latin America, these essays give an excellent ground-level view of the process of state formation through war.--Miguel Angel Centeno, author of Blood and Debt Military engagements in Latin America between 1850 and 1950 helped shape emerging nation states and collective consciousness in profound and formative ways. This century, known as the liberal period, was an important time for state formation in the region, as well as for the development of current national borders. This collection of essays aims to assess the role black and indigenous Latin Americans played in the military struggles of this period, and how these efforts contributed to the formation of ideas about race and national identity. While some indigenous people and Afro-Latin Americans came into closer contact with the descendents of colonizers as a result of military service, others turned inward with strengthened ties to their local communities. Many were at times victims of violent conflicts in Latin America, but they surprisingly also shaped the outcome of these wars and employed the wars to advance their own political agendas. The book offers exciting new interpretations and explanations of this key period in Latin American history.

Paige Reynolds, Modernism, Drama, and the Audience for Irish SpectacleModernism, Drama, and the Audience for Irish Spectacle. PaigeReynolds. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2007. Pp. ix+257.

<i>Paige Reynolds,</i> Modernism, Drama, and the Audience for Irish Spectacle<i>Modernism, Drama, and the Audience for Irish Spectacle</i>. PaigeReynolds. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2007. Pp. ix+257.

Lessons Learned in Preventing War and Conflict: The Case of Rwanda

Africa and the world over have been victims of conflict which have devastated the political, social and economic fabric of many states. Some states today still suffer the wounds of conflicts suffered many decades back. Africa in particular has been and still remains victim of recent conflict right from pre-colonial wars trying to resist colonial rule, violent struggle for independence and post independence strife. The post independence causes of conflict in Africa may be complex and country specific. Some conflicts are rooted from colonial political structure of divide and rule which was upheld by post colonial governments such as Rwanda, Burundi and Somalia where the Siyad Barre regime which initially after the coup in 1969 had outlawed “clannism” later relied on divide and rule tactics between Somali clans to hold on power. Others were wars of independence such as Namibia and former Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), while others took the form of session conflicts such as Senegal (Casamnce in the mid 1980s) and Nigeria (Biafra 1967-70). Countries such as Uganda had their conflicts rooted in delivering the country from dictatorial regimes such as the 1978-79 war and the 1980-86 liberation war. The conflict in Rwanda is a peculiar one in Africa and probably the world over. It exemplifies a systematic, well planned and unchecked massive killing of over eight hundred thousand civilians majority of whom Tutsi and moderate Hutu. This genocide which lasted less than three months stunned the world and offers a new twist and lessons to be learned in the broader concept of conflict management. This paper therefore seeks to analyze the 1994 genocide in Rwanda; more specifically the probable causes, actors, steps taken to avert the conflict and lessons drawn from the conflict in preventing war and conflict in general terms.

Predictors of posttraumatic stress-related impairment in victims of terrorism and ongoing conflict in Israel

The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of self-reported impairment (Criterion F) as part of a probable DSM-IV diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within a sample of 1001 Israeli Jews subjected to direct and indirect exposure to rocket attacks. Further, the present study aimed to investigate predictors of endorsing posttraumatic stress (PTS)-related impairment, with specific attention to the influence of resources and resource loss. Data were collected via phone surveys. Twenty-nine percent of the sample reported impairment; however, only 19% of those reporting impairment met criteria for probable PTSD. Logistic regression results indicated that psychosocial resource losses, experiencing personal injury or injury to a family member or close friend, experiencing other major life stressors in the past year, having poorer health, having significant sleep difficulty, and having traditional (moderate) religious practices, significantly predicted PTS-related impairment. Results suggest that addressing impairment only within the context of full PTSD misses many individuals experiencing significant PTS-related impairment.

Engendering Protection: an Analysis of the 2009 Kampala Convention and its Provisions for Internally Displaced Women

On 23 October 2009, the African Union officially adopted the Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa (Kampala Convention). The product of over two years of deliberation and consultation with AU member states and partners, the Kampala Convention represents an important step in the development of legally binding instruments of protection for internally displaced persons (IDPs). Such an accomplishment, while commendable, comes at a time of increasing insecurity and violence for IDPs, especially internally displaced women, who are disproportionately represented within this population. This article considers the legal protections encompassed within the Kampala Convention from a gendered perspective, analyzing the extent to which the Convention adequately acknowledges and addresses the unique vulnerabilities of internally displaced women. Specifically, the article considers the ways in which the Kampala Convention includes women in the drafting process, expands conceptions of gender-based violence, encourages protections of economic, social, and cultural rights, and extends obligations to non-state actors. In sum, the article argues that, while the progressive legal developments of the African Union deserve much praise, there remain continued limitations in conferring adequate protection to the most prevalent victims of internal conflict: internally displaced women. 1. Introduction: the reality for internally displaced women On 23 October 2009, the African Union (AU) officially adopted the Convention for the Prevention and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa (Kampala Convention). The product of over two years of deliberation and consultation with AU member states and partners, the Kampala Convention represents the first significant effort to transform * Third-year J.D. Candidate, University of California-Berkeley, School of Law. The author would like to thank Kate Jastram for her invaluable guidance and support throughout the writing process. Law as of 1 Sept. 2010. International Journal of Refugee Law Advance Access published March 21, 2011

Review of The Crisis Caravan: What's Wrong with Humanitarian Aid?

AbstractLinda Polman, drawing from over fifteen years experience reporting from war zones for a range of European radio stations and newspapers, uses rich case study analysis to posit a picture of ineffective and ill‐targeted foreign assistance that departs alarmingly from the industry's claim of impartial assistance to victims of conflict. On the contrary, Ms. Polman paints a convincing portrait of captured aid, supporting the business of war and military strategy, pushing the ethical boundaries on such questions as whether doing something is always better than doing nothing, and whether good intentions are enough to warrant certain means and outcomes. She argues for greater transparency, honesty and accountability across the humanitarian assistance industry with rich, detailed accounts of areas for needed change. This is an essential read for students, practitioners and scholars of international conflict, development and aid.

Computational modelling of lung injury: is there potential for benefit?

State-of-the-art medical care of the victims of current conflicts is generating large quantities of quality clinical data as a by-product. Observational research based on these data is beginning to have a profound influence on the clinical management of both military and civilian trauma patients. Computational modelling based on these datasets may offer the ability to investigate clinical treatment strategies that are practically, ethically or scientifically impossible to investigate on the front line. This article reviews the potential of this novel technology to aid development of treatment for blast lung and other unresolved medical scenarios.

Provision of antiretroviral treatment in conflict settings: the experience of Médecins Sans Frontières.

IntroductionMany countries ravaged by conflict have substantial morbidity and mortality attributed to HIV/AIDS yet HIV treatment is uncommonly available. Universal access to HIV care cannot be achieved unless the needs of populations in conflict-affected areas are addressed.MethodsFrom 2003 Médecins Sans Frontières introduced HIV care, including antiretroviral therapy, into 24 programmes in conflict or post-conflict settings, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. HIV care and treatment activities were usually integrated within other medical activities. Project data collected in the Fuchia software system were analysed and outcomes compared with ART-LINC data. Programme reports and other relevant documents and interviews with local and headquarters staff were used to develop lessons learned.ResultsIn the 22 programmes where ART was initiated, more than 10,500 people were diagnosed with HIV and received medical care, and 4555 commenced antiretroviral therapy, including 348 children. Complete data were available for adults in 20 programmes (n = 4145). At analysis, 2645 (64%) remained on ART, 422 (10%) had died, 466 (11%) lost to follow-up, 417 (10%) transferred to another programme, and 195 (5%) had an unclear outcome. Median 12-month mortality and loss to follow-up were 9% and 11% respectively, and median 6-month CD4 gain was 129 cells/mm 3.Patient outcomes on treatment were comparable to those in stable resource-limited settings, and individuals and communities obtained significant benefits from access to HIV treatment. Programme disruption through instability was uncommon with only one program experiencing interruption to services, and programs were adapted to allow for disruption and population movements. Integration of HIV activities strengthened other health activities contributing to health benefits for all victims of conflict and increasing the potential sustainability for implemented activities.ConclusionsWith commitment, simplified treatment and monitoring, and adaptations for potential instability, HIV treatment can be feasibly and effectively provided in conflict or post-conflict settings.

Two solitudes: post‐tsunami and post‐conflict Aceh

In August 2005, after the devastating tsunami in the Indian Ocean Basin, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the cessation of hostilities was signed by Aceh's longstanding adversaries-the Government of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM). The tsunami was a major catalyst for 'disaster diplomacy'-international political pressure, which, this paper argues, was an important ingredient in creating conditions for the MoU, although the situation within Aceh also shaped the peace process. Based on interviews conducted in 2006 and 2007 with government officials, GAM representatives and fighters, and non-governmental organization staff in Aceh, this paper finds that assistance for tsunami survivors far exceeds that available for conflict survivors and ex-combatants. The formation of these two solitudes-the tsunami-affected and the conflict-affected-compounds challenges for sustaining peace in Aceh. This research points to an enduring lack of livelihoods for former fighters and conflict victims that may threaten a sustainable peace.