@article {1554501, title = {The Environmental Health Impacts of Russia{\textquoteright}s War on Ukraine}, journal = {Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology}, volume = {19}, year = {2024}, url = {https://occup-med.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12995-023-00398-y}, author = {Daniel Hryhorczuk and Barry S. Levy and Mykola Prodanchuk and Oleksandr Kravchuk and Nataliia Bubalo and Alex Hryhorczuk and Timothy B. Erickson} } @report {1559421, title = {Ethiopia Peace \& Justice Survey 2023}, year = {2023}, abstract = {

Ethiopia has a long history of human rights violations and conflicts that have deeply affected the nation. Most recently, the period from 2020 to 2022 saw intense conflict in the Tigray, Amhara and Afar regions with considerable loss of life and allegations of serious violations by all parties to the conflict.

The November 2022 Pretoria Agreement on cessation of hostilities and the subsequent Nairobi Agreement created opportunities to address historical grievances and confront gross rights violations, including the adoption of a comprehensive transitional justice process.\ However, violence continues in regions like Benishangul-Gumuz, Gambella, Sidama and Oromia due to protracted intercommunal conflicts. Climate change and droughts have exacerbated food insecurity, while armed conflict persists in Oromia, where peace talks have not progressed so far, and violence has erupted in Amhara.

Before the Tigray conflict, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed introduced transitional justice initiatives to distance Ethiopia from the abuses of previous regimes. This
included the establishment of the 2018 Ethiopian Reconciliation Commission pursuant to a newly enacted Reconciliation Law and acknowledgment of the pre-2018 regime{\textquoteright}s violence against the Ethiopian people. Institutions like the Attorney General{\textquoteright}s Office have initiated procedures to hold past perpetrators
accountable for corruption and other forms of abuses committed before\ and during the 2018 transition. Amidst the Tigray war, Ethiopia continued transitional
justice efforts. The government shut down the Reconciliation Commission and established the National Dialogue Commission, adding a dialogue process parallel to the transitional justice process. The government also established the Transitional Justice Working Group of Experts (TJWGE), which released a
Green Paper on policy options after the 2023 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. The TJWGE has undertaken national consultations ahead of drafting a national
transitional justice policy for Ethiopia.

Peace processes often neglect affected communities{\textquoteright} perspectives, despite their crucial role in sustaining peace and preventing atrocities. The TJWGE consultations, while important, might not have fully captured the population{\textquoteright}s diverse views across all regions. To complement this process, the Harvard
Humanitarian Initiative (HHI) in collaboration with the Partnership for Pastoralist Development Association (PAPDA) and local universities, and with support from
the Global Initiative for Justice, Truth and Reconciliation (GIJTR), and the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience (ICSC), implemented a rigorous,
representative, and methodologically robust consultation to gain a deeper understanding of the population{\textquoteright}s perceptions about peace and justice. This
comprehensive mixed-method research gathered data from diverse communities across all regions of Ethiopia, including a survey of 6,689 randomly selected adult Ethiopians. Its results are presented in this report.

}, author = {Phuong Pham and Tadesse Simie Metekia and Negussie Deyessa and Abdulkadir Mah and Luciana Vosniak and Patrick Vinck} } @report {1545586, title = {Understanding Climate, Conflict, and Environmental Impacts in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)}, year = {2023}, abstract = {

In 2022, the\ World Risk Report ranked the Philippines as the most disaster-prone country in the world.\ As such, the country is highly vulnerable to climate change, under which both the frequency and intensity of disasters are projected to increase. Yet, more frequent typhoons, rising sea levels, and loss of biodiversity will have especially severe consequences for communities living in fragile contexts experiencing conflict and environmental degradation. With this in mind, HHI and MSU-IIT have established a joint research area of focus: to expand and strengthen knowledge on the intersection of climate change, conflict, and the environment. Through a collaborative research initiative that examines this intersection in the BARMM, HHI and MSU-IIT seek to better inform practice and policy across the humanitarian, development, and peace and security sectors and ultimately support community resilience in conflict affected areas.

To launch this research initiative, HHI and MSU-IIT welcomed representatives from academia, local, national, and international NGOs, and community and local government leaders to MSU-IIT{\textquoteright}s Iligan City campus for a two-day workshop entitled {\textquotedblleft}Understanding Climate, Conflict, and Environmental Impacts in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.{\textquotedblright}

This report documents the process of designing and implementing the workshop, summarizes its outputs, and discusses steps for continued engagement in research and practice at the intersection of climate change, environmental degradation, and conflict.

} } @report {1532231, title = {Towards Resilient Communities: Scoping Study Report | Nepal}, year = {2023}, abstract = {

Nepal is a hotspot for natural hazards and has repeatedly experienced different geological, hydrological, meteorological, and biological hazards. The frequent changes in the type, magnitude, and frequency of these hazards exacerbated by changing phenomena of climatic extremes necessitate reviewing existing preparedness practices and suggesting more work on preparedness measures.


The HHI Program on Resilient Communities has undertaken a scoping study to review existing practices and identify opportunities for strengthening preparedness in Nepal. The scoping study is the first phase in a project that seeks to improve community resilience to disasters through applied research relevant to effective disaster preparedness and management.


The following report summarizes existing literature and highlights findings from a series of consultations with agencies working in disaster risk reduction and management in the country. These consultations found that despite significant progress in legislation and institutional arrangements for preparedness and risk reduction, there are still gaps in effective implementations of endorsed legislation, coordination among agencies, and resources (human, technical and financial).


The study highlights the need to capacitate government officials working at the local and national levels by enhancing understanding and knowledge of shifting patterns of hazards and its effective management techniques.


Similarly, the study also pinpoints the need for advanced trainings in search and rescue operations for key responders. The study concludes by highlighting the importance of coordination with academic and research institutions to project future scenarios of hazards for better management, indicating a need for national-level research and training programs and initiatives dedicated to disaster management.

}, author = {Ganesh Dhungana and Hannah Stoddard and Vincenzo Bollettino} } @report {1520541, title = {2022 Impact Report}, year = {2023}, author = {Harvard Humanitarian Initiative} } @article {1521666, title = {Challenges in Humanitarian Response Implementation: A Large-Scale Review of Aid Worker Perspectives}, journal = {Disasters}, year = {2023}, abstract = {

Aid workers offer important perspectives for better understanding the most pervasive challenges that arise when implementing emergency response programming in humanitarian settings. This study provides a global review of these perspectives, derived from 4,679 applications of aid workers applying to the National NGO Program on Humanitarian Leadership (NNPHL), in which applicants were asked to respond to the question, {\textquotedblleft}What do you consider to be the biggest challenges in the implementation of emergency response programming in today{\textquoteright}s humanitarian settings.{\textquotedblright} Through a qualitative coding process, the research team identified 14 major challenges that were pervasive across the applicant responses and cross-tabulated these with applicant demographics. Coordination (30\%) and the operating environment (29.5\%) were the most frequently reported challenges by the applicant pool. The study finds a significant association between challenges identified and certain demographic variables, including region of applicant origin, type of organization worked at, and number of years of experience. The results produced by the study{\textquoteright}s large sample size and methodology supplement a body of literature that is largely made up of small-scale, context specific studies in which disaggregation of data by demographics is not possible.

}, url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/disa.12607}, author = {Vincenzo Bollettino and Rachel Isely and Godfred Nyarko and Chloe Rudnicki and Karima Rehmani and Hannah Stoddard and Patrick Vinck} } @article {1499926, title = {COVID-19-related mental health challenges and opportunities perceived by mental health providers in the Philippines}, journal = {Asian Journal of Psychiatry}, volume = {84}, year = {2023}, abstract = {This paper outlines the psychosocial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic as reported by 145 licensed mental health providers in the Philippines in an online survey. Respondents perceived an increase in observed mental health disorders in their beneficiaries and an overall decrease in stigma associated with receiving mental health care services during the pandemic. Respondents further identified specific stigma-related help-seeking barriers during the pandemic. Positive impacts of\ telehealth\ and importance of increased public education of mental health were highlighted, with implications for improving the landscape of mental health care for Philippines post-pandemic.}, url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876201823001338}, author = {Vincenzo Bollettino and Cheryl Yunn Shee Foo and Hannah Stoddard and Mark Daza and Antonio C. Sison and Mendiola Teng-Calleja and Patrick Vinck} } @booklet {1507136, title = {Philippines Disaster Preparedness Scorecard}, year = {2023} } @report {1507151, title = {Conflict and Food Systems Haiti Report}, year = {2023}, abstract = {This research sought to investigate the impact of conflict on various elements of the food system in Haiti to identify those with the biggest influence on food and nutrition security amongst people experiencing extreme poverty. This research systematically maps components of local and national food systems; identifies specific pressure points where conflict interacts with them; and proposes operational, policy and research actions tailored to supporting and strengthening food systems disrupted and transformed by conflict in Haiti.}, author = {Ronak B. Patel and Caitriona Dowd and Kelsey Gleason and Samuel Polzin and Denise Ripamonti and Angela Garvey} } @report {1507156, title = {Conflict and Food Systems Somalia Report}, year = {2023}, abstract = {This research sought to investigate the impact of conflict on various elements of the food system in Somalia to identify those with the biggest influence on food and nutrition security amongst people experiencing extreme poverty. This research systematically maps components of local and national food systems; identifies specific pressure points where conflict interacts with them; and propos operational, policy and research actions tailored to supporting and strengthening food systems disrupted and transformed by conflict in Somalia.}, author = {Ronak B. Patel and Caitriona Dowd and Kelsey Gleason and Samuel Polzin and Denise Ripamonti and Angela Garvey} } @report {1507161, title = {Conflict and Food Systems Sudan Report}, year = {2023}, abstract = {This research sought to investigate the impact of conflict on various elements of the food system in Sudan to identify those with the biggest influence on food and nutrition security amongst people experiencing extreme poverty. This research systematically maps components of local and national food systems; identifies specific pressure points where conflict interacts with them; and proposes operational, policy and research actions tailored to supporting and strengthening food systems disrupted and transformed by conflict in Sudan.}, author = {Ronak B. Patel and Caitriona Dowd and Kelsey Gleason and Samuel Polzin and Denise Ripamonti and Angela Garvey} } @report {1507146, title = {Conflict and Food Systems Synthesis Report}, year = {2023}, abstract = {

This research sought to investigate the impact of conflict on various elements of the food system to identify those with the biggest influence on food and nutrition security amongst people experiencing extreme poverty. Drawing on evidence from Somalia, Haiti and Sudan, this cross-country research systematically mapped components of local, national and international food systems; identified specific pressure points where conflict interacts with them; and proposed operational, policy and research actions tailored to supporting and strengthening food systems disrupted and transformed by conflict.

The research finds that across all three country contexts, conflict has a negative impact on the food system in ways that are Connected - complex interconnections between different nodes in the food system; Cumulative - successive, repeated exposure to specific distortions and disruptions in the food system that intensify impacts; and Compounding - combined impacts of co-occurring effects on the food system that act together to multiply impacts.

}, author = {Ronak B. Patel and Caitriona Dowd and Kelsey Gleason and Samuel Polzin and Denise Ripamonti and Angela Garvey} } @report {1464631, title = {Technologies in Humanitarian Settings: Engagement and Inclusion of Women}, year = {2022}, institution = {Harvard Humanitarian Initiative}, author = {Sebasti{\'a}n S and Khan S and Vinck P} } @report {1464636, title = {Technologies in Humanitarian Settings: Supporting Community-led ICTs}, year = {2022}, institution = {Harvard Humanitarian Initiative}, author = {Turner W and Khan S and Vinck P} } @report {1464986, title = {Playbook - Technologies in Humanitarian Settings: Engagement and Local Innovation}, year = {2022}, institution = {Harvard Humanitarian Initiative}, author = {Vinck P and Khan S} } @report {1464641, title = {Technologies in Humanitarian Settings: Balanced, Principled, and Complementary Partnerships}, year = {2022}, institution = {Harvard Humanitarian Initiative}, author = {Sebasti{\'a}n S and Melend{\'e}z Vicente J and Khan S and Vinck P} } @report {1464626, title = {Technologies in Humanitarian Settings: Community and Stakeholder Engagement}, year = {2022}, institution = {Harvard Humanitarian Initiative}, author = {Frost L and Khan S and Vinck P} } @report {1464646, title = {Technologies in Humanitarian Settings: Digital Upskilling of Humanitarian Actors}, year = {2022}, institution = {Harvard Humanitarian Initiative}, author = {Frost L and Khan S and Vinck P} } @article {1447086, title = {Assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among Venezuelan refugees and migrants in Colombia using respondent-driven sampling (RDS}, journal = {BMJ Open}, year = {2022}, abstract = {

Objectives: To determine factors associated with adherence to COVID-19 mitigation measures, related symptoms and testing, as well as pandemic-related income loss among Venezuelan refugee and migrant adults in urban and border areas of Colombia.

Design: Phone-based respondent-driven sampling

Setting: Bogot{\'a} and Norte de Santander, Colombia.

Participants: 605 adult Venezuelan refugees and migrants residing in Bogot{\'a} (n=305) and Norte de Santander (n=300), who arrived in Colombia after 2014 and completed the survey in August and September 2020.

Primary and secondary outcome measures:\ Full COVID-19 compliance (vs incomplete or no compliance), any COVID-19-related symptoms (vs none) and income loss due to isolation measures in Colombia (vs no income change or increase in income).

Results:\ Older age was associated with lower odds of compliance with physical distancing measures (0.94, 0.90{\textendash}0.99; p=0.01) for those in Bogot{\'a}. Nearly 15\% of refugees and migrants in both locations (81 of 605) experienced at least one symptom consistent with COVID-19. Having a health condition was associated with higher odds of experiencing COVID-19-related symptoms in Bogot{\'a} (4.00, 1.22{\textendash}13.06; p=0.02) and Norte de Santander (6.99, 1.95{\textendash}24.99; p=0.003). Around 8\% in both locations (48 of 605) were tested for COVID-19. Around 90\% in both locations (537 of 605) had trouble earning an income after the introduction of isolation measures, and the median reported monthly income decreased by half in Bogot{\'a} and by 30\% in Norte de Santander. A higher level of education (3.46, 1.02{\textendash}11.75; p=0.05) was associated with higher odds of income loss among participants in Norte de Santander.

Conclusions:\ Results indicate high compliance with COVID-19 mitigation measures, low testing rates and high pandemic-related income loss among Venezuelan refugees and migrants in Colombia. This study provides insights into a hard-to-reach refugee and migrant population in Colombia; additional study on the effects of the pandemic on hidden populations is warranted.

}, url = {https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/12/10/e054820}, author = {Phuong Pham and Katrina Keegan and Lisa Grazina Johnston and Jose Rodas and Maria Alejandra Restrepo and Carol Wei and Patrick Vinck} } @article {1447044, title = {Human trafficking and the growing malady of disinformation}, journal = {Frontiers in Public Health}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Disinformation has endangered the most vulnerable communities within our world. The anti-trafficking movement in particular has been adversely impacted by disinformation tactics advanced through the QAnon campaign. QAnon{\textquoteright}s extremist messaging exacerbates gendered, racist, and xenophobic manifestations of trafficking victimization as well as problematic responses to trafficking that underpin historic structural inequities built into the United States{\textquoteright} response to trafficking. We describe an overview of mechanisms used by the QAnon campaign to spread disinformation and illustrate how these mechanisms adversely affect the anti-trafficking movement. Given the critical role of healthcare providers in both the identification and connection to care for trafficked persons, as well as their susceptibility to disinformation, we provide several recommendations for the health sector to leverage their educational and advocacy power to combat trafficking disinformation while addressing the root causes of human trafficking.}, url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2022.987159/full}, author = {Jaya Prakash and Timothy B. Erickson and Stoklosa, Hanni} } @report {1439073, title = {2021 Impact Report}, year = {2022}, author = {Harvard Humanitarian Initiative} } @article {1438251, title = {Improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), with a focus on hand hygiene, globally for community mitigation of COVID-19}, journal = {PLOS Water}, year = {2022}, abstract = {

Continuity of key water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure and WASH practices{\textemdash}for example, hand hygiene{\textemdash}are among several critical community preventive and mitigation measures to reduce transmission of infectious diseases, including COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases. WASH guidance for COVID-19 prevention may combine existing WASH standards and new COVID-19 guidance. Many existing WASH tools can also be modified for targeted WASH assessments during the COVID-19 pandemic. We partnered with local organizations to develop and deploy tools to assess WASH conditions and practices and subsequently implement, monitor, and evaluate WASH interventions to mitigate COVID-19 in low- and middle-income countries in Latin America and the Caribbean and Africa, focusing on healthcare, community institution, and household settings and hand hygiene specifically. Employing mixed-methods assessments, we observed gaps in access to hand hygiene materials specifically despite most of those settings having access to improved, often onsite, water supplies. Across countries, adherence to hand hygiene among healthcare providers was about twice as high after patient contact compared to before patient contact. Poor or non-existent management of handwashing stations and alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) was common, especially in community institutions. Markets and points of entry (internal or external border crossings) represent congregation spaces, critical for COVID-19 mitigation, where globally-recognized WASH standards are needed. Development, evaluation, deployment, and refinement of new and existing standards can help ensure WASH aspects of community mitigation efforts that remain accessible and functional to enable inclusive preventive behaviors.

}, url = {https://journals.plos.org/water/article?id=10.1371/journal.pwat.0000027} } @article {1438253, title = {Evaluation of change in emergency care knowledge and skills among front-line healthcare providers in Ukraine with the Basic Emergency Care course: a pretest/post-test study}, journal = {BMJ Open}, year = {2022}, abstract = {

Objective:\ Evaluate the change in participant emergency care knowledge and skill confidence after implementation of the WHO-International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Basic Emergency Care (BEC) course.

Design:\ Pretest/post-test quasi-experimental study.

Setting:\ Mechnikov Hospital in Dnipro, Ukraine.

Participants:\ Seventy-nine participants engaged in the course, of whom 50 (63.3\%) completed all assessment tools. The course was open to healthcare providers of any level who assess and treat emergency conditions as part of their practice. The most common participant profession was resident physician (24\%), followed by health educator (18\%) and prehospital provider (14\%).

Interventions:\ The 5-day WHO-ICRC BEC course.

Primary and secondary outcome measures:\ Change in pre-course and post-course knowledge and skill confidence assessments. Open-ended written feedback was collected upon course completion and analysed for common themes.

Results:\ Participant knowledge assessment scores improved from 19 (IQR 15{\textendash}20) to 22 (IQR 19{\textendash}23) on a 25-point scale (p\<0.001). Participant skill confidence self-assessment scores improved from 2.5 (IQR 2.1{\textendash}2.8) to 2.9 (IQR 2.5{\textendash}3.3) on a 4-point scale (p\<0.001). The most common positive feedback themes were high-quality teaching and useful skill sessions. The most common constructive feedback themes were translation challenges and request for additional skill session time.

Conclusions:\ This first implementation of the WHO-ICRC BEC course for front-line healthcare providers in Ukraine was successful and well received by participants. This is also the first report of a BEC implementation outside of Africa and suggests that the course is also effective in the European context, particularly in humanitarian crisis and conflict settings. Future research should evaluate long-term knowledge retention and the impact on patient outcomes. Further iterations should emphasise local language translation and consider expanding clinical skills sessions.

}, url = {https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/12/6/e050871}, author = {Sean M Kivlehan and Amy Allen and Olha Viun and Dmitry A Makarov and Daniel Schnorr and Sonny Patel and Ryzhenko, Sergii A and Phuong Pham and Erickson, Timothy B} } @article {1434141, title = {Maintaining Health Professional Education During War: A Scoping Review}, journal = {Medical Education}, year = {2022}, abstract = {

Purpose:\ War negatively impacts health professional education when healthcare is needed most. The aims of this scoping review are to describe the scope of barriers and targeted interventions to maintaining health professional education during war and summarize the research.

Methods:\ We conducted a scoping review between June 20, 2018, and August 2, 2018. The search was restricted to English publications including peer reviewed publications without date ranges involving war and health professional education (medical school, residency training, and nursing school), with interventions described to maintain educational activities. Two independent reviewers completed inclusion determinations and data abstraction. Thematic coding was performed using an inductive approach allowing dominant themes to emerge. The frequency of barrier and intervention themes and illustrative quotes were extracted. Articles were divided into modern/postmodern categories to permit temporal and historical analysis of thematic differences.

Results:\ Screening identified 3,271 articles, with 56 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Publication dates ranged from 1914-2018 with 16 unique wars involving 17 countries. The studies concerned medical students (61.4\%), residents (28.6\%) and nursing students (10\%). Half involved the modern era and half the postmodern era. Thematic coding identified 5 categories of barriers and targeted interventions in maintaining health professions education during war: curriculum, personnel, wellness, resources, and oversight, with most involving curriculum and personnel. The distribution of themes among various health professional trainees was similar. The frequency and specifics changed temporally reflecting innovations in medical education and war, with increased focus on oversight and personnel during the modern era and greater emphasis on wellness, curriculum, and resources during the postmodern era.

Conclusions:\ There are overarching categories of barriers and targeted interventions in maintaining health professional education during war which evolve over time. These may serve as a useful framework to strategically support future research and policy efforts.

}, url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35388529/}, author = {Valerie A. Dobiesz and Madeline Schwid and Roger D. Dias and Benjamin Aiwonodagbon and Baraa Tayeb and Adrienne Fricke and Phuong Pham and Timothy B. Erickson} } @article {1432680, title = {Bastardizing Peacekeeping and the Birth of Hybrid Warfare}, journal = { Prehospital and Disaster Medicine}, year = {2022}, url = {https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/prehospital-and-disaster-medicine/article/bastardizing-peacekeeping-and-the-birth-of-hybrid-warfare/F7985E335AFC8414D623C52219626A69}, author = {Frederick M. Burkle and Krzysztof Goniewicz and Amir Khorram-Manesh} } @article {1432836, title = {Climate Change and Civil-Military Coordination in the Philippines: How climate change disasters will impact aid delivery in areas affected by conflict}, journal = {Climate, Disaster and Development Journal}, year = {2022}, abstract = {

The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world and frequently ranks among the top three countries most impacted by disasters. Ongoing conflict with non-state armed actors results in scenarios where civilians are impacted by both conflict and natural hazards. The result is a situation where civilian relief agencies operate in proximity to the military. We argue that there is an important need for principled civil-military coordination in these contexts to ensure the integrity of security operations to support peace and stability while preserving the independence of humanitarian actors serving crisis-affected populations.


The research reveals significant challenges in protecting the integrity of independence of both military and humanitarian actors in areas impacted by both conflict and disaster and underscores the need for principled humanitarian civil-military coordination to avert threats to both humanitarian aid workers and disaster affected populations. The findings are particularly relevant to South East Asia where the use of military in disaster response is common. The findings also underscore the need for research on the role of militaries in responding to disasters in light of anticipated impacts of climate change.\ 

}, url = {https://www.cddjournal.org/article/view/vol05-iss1-2}, author = {Vincenzo Bollettino and Lea Ivy Manzanero} } @article {1432864, title = {The new humanitarian crisis in Ukraine: Coping with the public health impact of hybrid warfare, mass migration, and mental health trauma}, journal = {Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness}, year = {2022}, abstract = {

One of the largest mass movements of displaced people from their homelands in recent history must be recognized and assisted by the Free World. The unprovoked Russian attacks on Ukraine during February-March 2022 will leave long-lasting devastating effects on millions of innocent victims. Nations worldwide, especially NATO member countries, will need to intervene to ameliorate the situation. This letter describes major public health issues apart from the COVID-19 pandemic that are emerging concerns, such as shortages of healthcare professionals, chronic care treatments and health prevention services, disinformation communication campaigns affecting the healthcare infrastructure, and the generational impact of the conflict on people{\textquoteright}s mental health. A global response and public health support need immediate action including humanitarian assistance, food security, clean water supplies, adequate shelter, and safe transportation out of the active military zones.

}, url = {https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/disaster-medicine-and-public-health-preparedness/article/new-humanitarian-crisis-in-ukraine-coping-with-the-public-health-impact-of-hybrid-warfare-mass-migration-and-mental-health-trauma/D582C74BE1CFCE16E865BE6FD206}, author = {Sonny S. Patel and Timothy B. Erickson} } @book {1431735, title = {Health Technologies and Innovations to Effectively Respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic}, year = {2022}, publisher = {Frontiers Media SA}, organization = {Frontiers Media SA}, address = {Lausanne}, abstract = {

The COVID-19 pandemic marks one of the greatest global challenges experienced this century. It has led to more than 20 million reported infections and caused more than 800 000 deaths world-wide. Despite attempts at lifting restrictions for lock-downs and seeking ways {\textquotedblleft}back{\textquotedblright} to a {\textquotedblleft}new normal{\textquotedblright}, we are far from a stable transition to a new normal life.

Digital Health solutions have already been used in many ways from tracking and tracing apps to deep learning for analysis of computerized tomography images or audio-based diagnosis and early symptom recognition. However, there are many technologies and innovations that remain unexploited with vast potential in improving the reliability, trustability, usability, and explainability of healthcare services: including the speed and quality of diagnosis, healthcare process and results. In addition, novel technology solutions and innovations to adapt processes and technologies are desperately needed. Further, there is a need for new regulatory pathways and processes for rapid testing, approval and integration of these new technologies into practice.

Many opportunities for the development and application of health technologies and digital health exist in the global fight against Coronavirus that concerns all of us.

In this light, this Research Topic aims to explore new approaches and scientific developments that enable and accelerate the adoption and diffusion of health technology innovations in health systems to improve the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The collection will bring together novel technologies, innovations and approaches, including studies and cases from a highly interdisciplinary point of view to harness strengths and perspectives of diverse experts.

Topic of interest include but are not limited to:

  1. Digital data
  2. E-health/M-health
  3. New production methods for rapid and flexible manufacturing at scale for:
  4. Digital health care
}, editor = {Bj{\"o}rn Wolfgang Schuller and Phuong Pham and Synho Do and Constantinos S. Pattichis and Pradeep Nair} } @report {1431736, title = {Symposium Report: The Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Vulnerable Communities in the Philippines}, year = {2022}, abstract = {

The COVID-19\ pandemic has caused the loss of millions of lives, disrupted the global economy, and created secondary impacts on livelihoods, education, and mental health across the globe. No country or economic group has been immune to the direct impacts of the pandemic, but marginalized communities are particularly vulnerable to the secondary impacts including some public health measures like extended lockdowns. Marginalized populations are those excluded from mainstream social, economic, educational, political, and/or cultural life. They can be excluded or discriminated due to multiple factors such as their race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, language, and/or displacement, among others. The Harvard Humanitarian Initiative{\textquoteright}s (HHI) Resilient Communities Program sought to understand how vulnerable or marginalized communities in the Philippines experienced COVID-19, and how communities coped and adapted in response to direct and indirect effects of COVID-19, including public health measures. To do this, HHI invited Filipino authors exploring this central question to submit papers for consideration to be selected to present and share in a symposium. In addition to its research objectives, the symposium sought to connect researchers and practitioners to create a network of professionals dedicated to serving the needs of marginalized communities in the country.

Watch the full symposium:\ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zC1FzWRUuo

}, author = {HHI Resilient Communities} } @article {1430300, title = {Protective Behaviors Associated With Gender During the 2018-2020 Ebola Outbreak in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo}, journal = {JAMA Network Open}, year = {2022}, abstract = {

Importance:\ In 2018 to 2020, the Democratic Republic of the Congo experienced the world{\textquoteright}s second largest Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak, killing 2290 individuals; women were disproportionately infected (57\% of all cases) despite no evidence of differential biological EVD risk. Understanding how gender norms may influence exposure to EVD, intensity, and prognosis as well as personal protective behaviors against the virus is important to disease risk reduction and control interventions.

Objective:\ To assess whether men and women differ in personal protective behaviors (vaccine acceptance, health-seeking behaviors, physical distancing) and the mediating role of EVD information and knowledge, perceived disease risk, and social relations.

Design, Setting, and Participants:\ This cross-sectional, multistage cluster survey study of 1395 randomly selected adults was conducted in the Ebola-affected regions of North Kivu from April 20, 2019, to May 10, 2019. Path analyses were conducted using structural equation modeling to examine associations among study variables. Statistical analysis was conducted from August 2019 to May 2020.

Main Outcomes and Measures:\ The main behavioral outcomes of interest were (1) vaccine acceptance, (2) formal health care seeking, and (3) self-protective behaviors. The primary factor of interest was self-reported gender identity. We also assessed sociodemographic factors.

Results:\ Among the study{\textquoteright}s 1395 participants, 1286 (93\%) had Nande ethnicity and 698 (50\%) were women; the mean (SD) age was 34.5 (13.1) years. Compared with female participants, male participants reported significantly higher levels of education, wealth, and mobile phone access. There were associations found between gender and all EVD preventive behavioral outcomes, with evidence for mediation through EVD knowledge and belief in rumors. Men reported greater EVD knowledge accuracy compared with women (mean [SE] score for men: 12.06 [0.13] vs women: 11.08 [0.16];\ P \< .001), and greater knowledge accuracy was associated with increases in vaccine acceptance (β = 0.37;\ P \< .001), formal care seeking (β = 0.39;\ P \< .001), and self-protective behaviors (β = 0.35;\ P \< .001). Lower belief in rumors was associated with greater vaccine acceptance (β = -0.30;\ P \< .001), and greater EVD information awareness was associated with increased adoption of self-protective behaviors (β = 0.23;\ P \< .001).

Conclusions and Relevance:\ This survey study found gender differences in adopting preventive protective behaviors against EVD. These findings suggest that it is critical to design gender-sensitive communication and vaccination strategies, while engaging women and their community as a whole in any response to infectious disease outbreaks. Research on the potential link between gender and sociodemographics factors associated with disease risk and outcomes is needed.

}, url = {https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2789084?guestAccessKey=913d31f8-9a73-4dc3-a424-28758b6a288b\&utm_source=jps\&utm_medium=email\&utm_campaign=author_alert-jamanetwork\&utm_content=author-author_engagement\&utm_term=1m}, author = {Phuong Pham and Manasi Sharma and Kennedy Kihangi Bindu and Pacifique Zikomangane and Rachel C. Nethery and Eric Nilles and Patrick Vinck} } @article {1431734, title = {The humanitarian sector needs clear job profiles for climate science translators {\textendash} more than ever during a pandemic}, journal = {Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society}, year = {2022}, abstract = {A new generation of {\textquotedblleft}climate science translators{\textquotedblright} (CSTs) is currently evolving, both as independent professionals and affiliated with humanitarian agencies. While people in this role represent an opportunity to foster communication and collaboration between climate science, humanitarian decision-support, policy and decision making, there are neither clear job profiles, nor established criteria for success. Based on an analysis of job opportunities published on one of the largest humanitarian and development aid job portals we show that the demand for CSTs has been increasing since 2011. Subsequently, we present a characterization of core skills for the next generation of CSTs aiming to establish a space for not only current CSTs to thrive, but also a path for future translators to follow, with milestones and opportunities for recognition.}, url = {https://journals.ametsoc.org/view/journals/bams/aop/BAMS-D-20-0263.1/BAMS-D-20-0263.1.xml}, author = {Markus Enenkel and Andrew Kruczkiewicz} } @book {1447087, title = {Community Resilience When Disaster Strikes Security and Community Health in UK Flood Zones}, year = {2022}, publisher = {Springer }, organization = {Springer }, abstract = {

This book addresses the operationalization of community resilience in the United Kingdom (UK) in connection with severe floods. Written for early academic professionals, students, and community practitioners, it investigates the educational and practical meaning and application of community resilience using a UK-centric local-level case study. Exploring the perceptions of both those who have been affected by a natural hazard and those who have not, the book reveals how trust, community resources, and neighborhood security can offer effective ways of bringing communities together after a natural hazard.

The author introduces the topic of community resilience as it applies to disasters in Chapter 1 and its implications for securing and improving the wellbeing of disaster-affected communities in Chapters 2 and 3. In Chapter 4, the lessons learned contributing to the available information and research on community resilience are reviewed. Finally, the author offers recommendations and outlines future directions in coping with the uncertainty and insecurity caused by natural hazards in Chapter 5.

}, url = {https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-07992-4 }, author = {Sonny S. Patel} } @report {1417406, title = {Shining a Light on Internal Displacement: A Vision for the Future}, year = {2021} } @webarticle {1417398, title = {Getting ahead of Cholera and Putting Cholera behind}, year = {2021}, url = {https://www.anticipation-hub.org/news/getting-ahead-of-cholera-and-putting-cholera-behind}, author = {Juan Chaves-Gonzalez} } @article {1415957, title = {Measuring gender-based violence risk mitigation in humanitarian settings: results from a comprehensive desk review and systematic mapping}, journal = {BMJ Open}, year = {2021}, abstract = {

Objectives:\ To systematically document measurement approaches used in the monitoring and evaluation of gender-based violence (GBV) risk mitigation activities, categorise the types of available literature produced by sector, identify existing tools and measures and identify knowledge gaps within the humanitarian sector.

Design:\ Systematic mapping and in-depth review.

Data sources: Pubmed, Global Health, PsychInfo, ReliefWeb, OpenGrey (grey literature), Google Scholar, Web of Science (Social Science Index)

Eligibility criteria: a structured search strategy was systematically applied to 17 databases as well as registers, websites and other resources to identify materials published between 1 January 2005 and 15 May 2019.

Data extraction and synthesis: Those resources that met the inclusion criteria underwent a comprehensive full-text review. A detailed matrix was developed and key data from each resource were extracted to allow for the assessment of patterns in thematic areas.

Results:\ A total of 2108 documents were screened. Overall, 145 documents and 112 tools were reviewed, representing 10 different humanitarian sectors. While numerous resources exist, many lack sufficient information on how to monitor outputs or outcomes of GBV risk mitigation activities. There is also limited guidance on how to integrate the measurement of GBV risk mitigation into existing monitoring and evaluation frameworks. Those reports that aimed to measure GBV risk mitigation activities mostly employed qualitative methods and few measured the impact of a GBV risk mitigation with robust research designs.

Conclusions:\ Recent efforts to adapt humanitarian response to COVID-19 have highlighted new and existing challenges for GBV risk mitigation. There is a significant gap in the evidence base around the effectiveness of GBV risk mitigation across all sectors. Understanding and strengthening measurement approaches in GBV risk mitigation remains a critical task for humanitarian response.

}, url = {https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/11/9/e050887.full}, author = {Jocelyn Kelly and Emily Ausubel and Emma Kenny and Meredith Blake and Christine Heckman and Sonia Rastogi and Vandana Sharma} } @article {1414556, title = {Climate and Migration in East and the Horn of Africa: Spatial Analysis of Migrants{\textquoteright} Flows Data}, year = {2021}, abstract = {

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Regional Data Hub (RDH) for the East and Horn of Africa partnered with the Humanitarian Geoanalytics Program (HumGeo) at the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI) to analyze the complexities of and interactions between migration, conflict, environmental changes, and climate-related events in Yemen, and the East and Horn of Africa between 2018 and 2020.

This research aims to answer the following questions through a variety of geospatial analyses:

1) How did out-migration rates in any given administrative region change over time and, was it statistically significant compared to administrative regions around it?

2) How do the numbers of migrants and the overall migration trends vary across space and time, for each cited reason for migration (aka {\textquoteleft}driver of migration{\textquoteright})?

3) How do environmental variables, e.g. temperature and precipitation, correlate with outmigration in in the East and Horn of Africa?

This study provides new insights into out-migration patterns in the region, demonstrates a novel way to investigate changing reasons for out-migration using a variety of spatial analysis methods, and establishes a foundation for future studies to analyze the complex and evolving relationship between migration and climate change that will continue to intensify in the years to come.

}, author = {Erica Nelson and Saira Khan} } @report {1414829, title = {Climate and Migration in East and the Horn of Africa: Spatial Analysis of Migrants{\textquoteright} Flows Data}, year = {2021}, abstract = {

The drivers of human displacement are becoming more and more complex, ranging from conflict and persecution to the increasingly pertinent variables of heightened mobility and social media influences. Of rapidly but appropriately escalating concern is the impact of climate change. While the intensity and severity of climate-induced disasters and climate-related migration will be unevenly distributed across space and time, the World Bank estimates that approximately 140 million people will be displaced globally due to climate-related reasons by 2050. The effects of climate change are expected to be particularly pronounced in Africa, where rising temperatures, unpredictable anomalous rainfall and high vulnerability to extreme natural hazards will continue to exacerbate conflict and harm local and regional human, economic, and environmental security.

In the East and Horn of Africa (EHoA) in particular, the dependence on rain-fed agriculture and pastoralism means that livelihoods and food security are inextricably linked and affected by long-term or sudden environmental changes and natural hazards. The extreme natural hazards that have struck EHoA in recent years have caused widespread hunger, displacement, loss of critical infrastructure and livelihoods, and death

In an effort to understand the complex variables that influence migration, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) developed the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) to track and gather information about populations on the move. The Flow Monitoring Registry (FMR) captures a wealth of data about the migratory routes, the demographics and nationality of migrants, reasons for migration, modes of transportation used to facilitate movement, and vulnerabilities experienced by these populations. While the descriptive data provides a wealth of information, more can be done to analyze the complexities of and interactions between migration, conflict, environmental changes, and climate-related events. Climate projections further suggest that environmental changes will likely further lead to decreased water availability, lowered agricultural productivity, and increased disease transmission in the region, producing complex ramifications regarding local and regional conflicts, economics, politics, and migration.

The porous borders in EHoA have contributed to some of the highest volumes of cross border movement in the world. In 2020 alone, EHoA hosted 6.5 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and 3.5 million refugees and asylum seekers.6 In the same year, the Horn of Africa experienced unusually high levels of precipitation leading to disastrous floods and landslides and creating ideal conditions for an detrimental locust plague towards the end of 2019 that devastated crops and disrupted livelihoods. The extreme precipitation experienced across much of the Horn in 2019 was preceded by anomalous rainfall the previous year. 2018 was particularly hot and dry in the Horn of Africa, with positive temperature anomalies of around 2{\textdegree}C and below-average precipitation contributing to drought-like conditions in Somalia, Eritrea, and Djibouti while Kenya and Sudan experienced above-average precipitation.8 The drought-like conditions in Somalia, Eritrea, and Djibouti contributed to widespread food insecurity that affected approximately 12 million people. These extreme weather conditions are increasingly exacerbating the already complex and interconnected factors driving migration in the Horn of Africa, and are only expected to escalate in the future.

For this study, the IOM RDH in Nairobi partnered with the Humanitarian Geoanalytics Program at the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative to leverage spatial analytics to investigate migration flows in the East and Horn of Africa and Yemen. Geospatial analytics hold tremendous potential to introduce new ways of thinking, build research capacity, study impacts, and facilitate costeffective programming. The adoption of geospatial methods into research oriented towards populations on the move, gives us the capacity to accurately characterize the spatial heterogeneity of migrating populations. Furthermore, by incorporating environmental variables into this spatial analysis, we begin to reveal relationships previously undiscovered that could contribute to a richer understanding regarding migration in the region.

}, author = {Erica Nelson and Saira Khan} } @report {1410984, title = {Gender-Based Violence and COVID-19 in Fragile Settings: A Syndemic Model}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The long-standing pandemic of gender-based violence has been worsened by COVID-19 and related containment measures, particularly in fragile settings marked by conflict, poverty, and weak infrastructure. At the same time, the implementation of gender-insensitive COVID-19 control policies can exacerbate the community transmission of COVID-19. These interactions form a syndemic{\textemdash}two or more pandemics whose interactions compound the severity of each. This report identifies the key avenues through which these two pandemics have synergistic effects and offers recommendations for mitigating their impact.}, url = {https://www.usip.org/publications/2021/08/gender-based-violence-and-covid-19-fragile-settings-syndemic-model}, author = {Luissa Vahedi and Jessica Anania and Jocelyn Kelly} } @article {1414390, title = {Perspectives on the current state of Nigeria{\textquoteright}s emergency care system among participants of an emergency medicine symposium: a qualitative appraisal}, journal = {BMJ Open}, year = {2021}, abstract = {

Emergency care systems provide timely and relevant care to the acutely ill and injured. Published commentaries have characterised deficiencies in the Nigerian emergency care system and offered potential solutions but have not included the perspectives of the Nigerian public. A more inclusive approach that includes feedback from the public may help improve the Nigerian emergency care system through better understanding of the needs, values and expectations of the community.

The participants in this study identified shortcomings and opportunities to improve prehospital care, hospital care and health system governance. The results of this study may help healthcare professionals, policy makers and community leaders identify gaps in the emergency care system and offer solutions in harmony with the needs, values and expectations of the community. If successful, these community-informed interventions may serve as a model to improve emergency care systems throughout Africa.

}, url = {https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/11/8/e043869.info}, author = {Agnes Usoro and Benjamin Aiwonodagbon and Jonathan Strong and Sean Kivlehan and Babatunde A. Akodu and Ayobami Olufadeji} } @article {1408823, title = {Factors influencing utilization and perception of health care: a qualitative study among traumatized Yazidi refugees in Germany}, journal = {BMC Psychiatry}, year = {2021}, abstract = {

Background: Ensuring adequate utilization of healthcare services for displaced populations is critical, yet there are well-documented treatment gaps. Yazidi women captured by the Islamic State (IS) were subjected to extreme trauma and violence. This study aims to understand perceptions of healthcare providers and utilization of these services among women who experienced extreme trauma.

Methods: This is a qualitative study with voluntary participation offered to approximately 400 women resettled through the Special Quota Program. An empirical approach was used to collect data and a grounded theory approach was used for content analysis. Participants ranked their interactions with providers on a Likert scale. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were assessed using the impact of event scale-revised questionnaire.

Results: A total of 116 Yazidi women participated in this study. The women experienced an average of 6.8 months of captivity by IS and 93\% met criteria for probable PTSD. Eighty-three percent of the women interacted with a physician; 80\% found this interaction helpful. Sixty-nine percent interacted with psychologists; 61\% found this interaction helpful. Six themes emerged: {\textquotedblleft}reminders of trauma{\textquotedblright} and {\textquotedblleft}hopelessness{\textquotedblright} in relation to the traumatic experience; {\textquotedblleft}immediate relief{\textquotedblright} and {\textquotedblleft}healing through pharmaceutical treatment{\textquotedblright} in relation to provider interventions, and {\textquotedblleft}support{\textquotedblright} and {\textquotedblleft}cultural differences{\textquotedblright} in relation to interactions with providers.

Conclusions: There exist major barriers to care for Yazidi women who experienced extreme trauma, particularly in regards to psychiatric care. Perceptions of healthcare providers and perceived effectiveness of therapy are critical factors that must be taken into consideration to improve healthcare utilization and outcomes.

}, url = {https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-021-03335-7}, author = {Virginia M. Tran and Laila Fozouni and Jana K. Denkinger and Caroline Rometsch and Florian Junne and Patrick Vinck and Phuong Pham} } @article {1414392, title = {Global Emergency Medicine: A Scoping Review of the Literature from 2020}, journal = {Academic Emergency Medicine: Official Journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine}, year = {2021}, abstract = {

Objective: To identify, screen, highlight, review, and summarize some of the most rigorously conducted and impactful original research and review articles in global emergency medicine (EM) published in 2020 in the peer-reviewed and gray literature.

Methods: A broad systematic search of peer-reviewed publications related to global EM indexed on PubMed and in the gray literature was conducted. The titles and abstracts of the articles on this list were screened by members of the Global Emergency Medicine Literature Review team to identify those that met our criteria of original research or review articles in the domains of Disaster and Humanitarian Response, Emergency Care in Resource-Limited Settings, and Emergency Medicine Development. Those articles that met these screening criteria were then scored using one of three scoring templates appropriate to the article type. Those articles that scored in the top 5\% then underwent in-depth narrative summarization.

Results: The 2020 GEMLR search initially identified 35,970 articles, more than 50\% more than last year{\textquoteright}s search. From these, 364 were scored based on their full text. Nearly three-fourths of the scored articles constituted original research, of which nearly three-fourths employed quantitative research methods. Nearly 10\% of the articles identified this year were directly related to COVID-19. Research involving Emergency Care in Resource-Limited Settings again constituted most of the articles in this year{\textquoteright}s review, accounting for more than 60\% of the literature scored. A total of 20 articles underwent in-depth narrative critiques.

Conclusions: The number of studies relevant to global EM identified by our search was very similar to last year. Revisions to our methodology to identify a broader range of research were successful in identifying more qualitative research and studies related to Disaster and Humanitarian Response. The number of COVID-19-related articles is likely to continue to increase in subsequent years.

}, url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1111/acem.14356}, author = {Indi Trehan and Sean M. Kivlehan and Kamna S. Balhara and Joseph Bonney and Braden J. Hexom and Amelia Y. Pousson and Nana Serwaa A. Quao and Megan M. Rybarczyk and Anand Selvam and Benjamin D. Nicholson and Nidhi Bhaskar and Torben K. Becker and Global Emergency Medicine Literature Review (GEMLR) Group} } @article {1414393, title = {Global Emergency Medicine: A Scoping Review of the Literature from 2020}, journal = {Academic Emergency Medicine: Official Journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine}, year = {2021}, abstract = {

Objective: To identify, screen, highlight, review, and summarize some of the most rigorously conducted and impactful original research and review articles in global emergency medicine (EM) published in 2020 in the peer-reviewed and gray literature.

Methods: A broad systematic search of peer-reviewed publications related to global EM indexed on PubMed and in the gray literature was conducted. The titles and abstracts of the articles on this list were screened by members of the Global Emergency Medicine Literature Review team to identify those that met our criteria of original research or review articles in the domains of Disaster and Humanitarian Response, Emergency Care in Resource-Limited Settings, and Emergency Medicine Development. Those articles that met these screening criteria were then scored using one of three scoring templates appropriate to the article type. Those articles that scored in the top 5\% then underwent in-depth narrative summarization.

Results: The 2020 GEMLR search initially identified 35,970 articles, more than 50\% more than last year{\textquoteright}s search. From these, 364 were scored based on their full text. Nearly three-fourths of the scored articles constituted original research, of which nearly three-fourths employed quantitative research methods. Nearly 10\% of the articles identified this year were directly related to COVID-19. Research involving Emergency Care in Resource-Limited Settings again constituted most of the articles in this year{\textquoteright}s review, accounting for more than 60\% of the literature scored. A total of 20 articles underwent in-depth narrative critiques.

Conclusions: The number of studies relevant to global EM identified by our search was very similar to last year. Revisions to our methodology to identify a broader range of research were successful in identifying more qualitative research and studies related to Disaster and Humanitarian Response. The number of COVID-19-related articles is likely to continue to increase in subsequent years.

}, url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1111/acem.14356}, author = {Indi Trehan and Sean M. Kivlehan and Kamna S. Balhara and Joseph Bonney and Braden J. Hexom and Amelia Y. Pousson and Nana Serwaa A. Quao and Megan M. Rybarczyk and Anand Selvam and Benjamin D. Nicholson and Nidhi Bhaskar and Torben K. Becker and Global Emergency Medicine Literature Review (GEMLR) Group} } @article {1408826, title = {A review of peer-reviewed published research on corruption and disasters in the built environment}, journal = {Disasters}, year = {2021}, abstract = {

This paper presents the findings of a review of academic literature concerning the degree to which corruption worsens naturally-triggered disasters in the built environment. The research employed a {\textquoteleft}systematic literature review{\textquoteright} methodology to analyse leading academic databases, resulting in a detailed analysis of 59 peer-reviewed, published papers. It was found that while much of the literature focuses on earthquakes (relating to building and infrastructure collapse), the quality of governance and the drivers of corruption, there is presently limited scholarship concerning the general scope, reach and scale of how disasters are worsened by corruption.

}, url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/disa.12500}, author = {David Sanderson and Sonny S. Patel and Martin Loosemore and Anshu Sharma and Kelsy Greenwald and Ronak Patel} } @article {1399675, title = {Mitigating trafficking of migrants and children through disaster risk reduction: Insights from the Thailand flood}, journal = {International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction}, year = {2021}, abstract = {

Thailand{\textquoteright}s flood of 2011 was devastating for the communities and inhabitants of the country, affecting approximately 13 million people and causing damages totaling THB 1.43 trillion (46.5 billion USD). The presence of a natural hazards disaster such as this can magnify individuals{\textquoteright} vulnerability to human trafficking, or mitigate it depending on the disaster risk reduction practices of the surrounding community. The Sendai Framework is the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction{\textquoteright}s international framework for these situations, outlining targets and priorities for action to reduce negative outcomes, such as trafficking, from natural events. This study aimed to understand how a disaster risk reduction and preparedness lens, based on the Sendai Framework, in the context of the humanitarian response to this 2011 flood, could inform human trafficking prevention efforts for future disasters. Qualitative methodology, utilizing a content analysis approach, was employed. It was found that migrant workers and children were at the greatest risk for trafficking, and resiliency efforts by communities and families, in conjunction with coordinated initiatives by NGOs and the government, were essential in preserving individuals{\textquoteright} well-being. Further, the Sendai Framework is a promising tool to address these areas of disaster response in which the windows of opportunity for traffickers can be closed and those at high trafficking risk can be protected. As disasters continue to occur, there remains a strong need to bring forth a more systematic disaster risk reduction and resilience-enhancing approach to trafficking prevention.

}, url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221242092100234X?via\%3Dihub}, author = {Stoklosa, Hanni and Courtney Julia Burns and Abraar Karan and Michelle Lyman and Nathene Morley and Reena Tadee and Eric Goodwin} } @report {1399953, title = {Global Health Cluster Position on COVID-19 Vaccination in Humanitarian Settings}, year = {2021}, author = {Global Health Cluster COVID-19 Task Team} } @article {1401850, title = {Humanitarian Training with Virtual Simulation during a Pandemic}, journal = {Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness}, year = {2021}, abstract = {

There is an ongoing and established need for humanitarian training and professionalization. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted training programs designed to accomplish this goal, including the Humanitarian Response Intensive Course, which includes a three-day immersive simulation to prepare humanitarian workers for future field work. To provide program continuity, the three day simulation was quickly adapted to a virtual format using a combination of video conferencing, short messaging service, and cloud-based file storage software. Participants were geographically dispersed and participated virtually. Learning objectives were preserved while some components not amenable to a virtual format were removed.

A virtual humanitarian training simulation is a feasible, acceptable, and affordable alternative to an in-person simulation. Participants were engaged and experienced minimal technological disruptions. The majority of students felt the format met or exceeded expectations. However, feedback also emphasized the importance of providing sufficient time for team collaboration and deliverable preparation in the simulation schedule. The virtual format was more affordable than the traditional in-person simulation and diverse expert faculty who could not have attended in-person were able to participate. This format could be used to overcome other barriers to in-person simulation training, including geographic, financial, time, or security.

}, url = {https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/disaster-medicine-and-public-health-preparedness/article/humanitarian-training-with-virtual-simulation-during-a-pandemic/977DBDD4B7129EEB36ABFB0AF2E9BBF4/share/d93aa88a96072ddfc2bfb523cd36d149195c029c}, author = {Sean M. Kivlehan and Kathryne Tenney and Samuel Plasmati and Vincenzo Bollettino and Katie Farineau and Eric J. Nilles and Greg Gottlieb and Stephanie R. Kayden} } @article {1401846, title = {Longitudinal Changes in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder After Resettlement Among Yazidi Female Refugees Exposed to Violence}, journal = {JAMA Network Open}, year = {2021}, abstract = {

Importance:\ Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is highly prevalent among refugees surviving mass atrocities, especially among women. Longitudinal studies investigating factors associated with PTSD course are essential to enable adequate treatment yet widely lacking.

Objective:\ To identify longitudinal changes in PTSD severity and posttraumatic coping among severely traumatized female refugees as well as risk and protective factors for PTSD course.

Design, Setting, and Participants:\ This prospective cohort study took place in 14 German cities in the context of a humanitarian admission program that resettled 1000 especially vulnerable women and children from northern Iraq to Germany. Approximately 400 adult beneficiaries of the humanitarian admission program were eligible for the study. At baseline, a total of 116 of the 400 beneficiaries (29.0\%) participated, with 96 (82.8\%) of these women participating in the follow-up assessment. The study included a baseline assessment conducted 2 years after resettlement (September 1, 2017, to January 12, 2018) and a 1-year follow-up (August 29, 2018, to January 15, 2019).

Exposures:\ Violence and/or captivity during the 2014 genocide in northern Iraq by the so-called Islamic State.

Main Outcomes and Measures:\ Posttraumatic stress disorder severity and coping strategies were assessed in interpreter-aided interviews using the Impact of Event Scale{\textendash}Revised.

Results:\ A total of 116 women (mean [SD] age, 32.2 [8.2] years; 115 [99.1\%] Yazidi; 1 [0.9\%] Christian) participated at baseline. According to the Impact of Event Scale{\textendash}Revised, a high PTSD severity was found (mean [SD] raw sum score, 60.88 [15.75] of 88, with higher scores indicating greater distress), with no significant change over time. Helpful coping strategies included prayer, belief in collective strength, and belief in personal strength. Earlier symptoms of intrusions (β = 0.389,\ P = .007) and longer captivity (β = 0.218,\ P = .02) were identified as being associated with PTSD severity 1 year later. Longer captivity was associated with PTSD aggravation over time (β = 0.227,\ P = .04). Posttraumatic strengthening in faith (β = -0.206,\ P = .05) and in social relationships (β = -0.221,\ P = .03) were associated with a reduction in PTSD symptoms.

Conclusions and Relevance:\ These findings suggest that female refugee survivors of genocide are at high risk for severe and chronic PTSD beyond the initial years of resettlement. The findings provide suggestions for mental health care specialized for particularly vulnerable populations.

}, author = {Jana Katharina Denkinger and Caroline Rometsch and Martha Engelhardt and Petra Windthorst and Johanna Graf and Phuong Pham and Niamh Gibbons and Stephan Zipfel and Florian Junne} } @article {1398368, title = {Association between distress and displacement settings: a cross-sectional survey among displaced Yazidis in northern Iraq}, journal = {~BMC Public Health}, volume = {21}, year = {2021}, abstract = {

Background
Globally 70.8 million people have been forcibly displaced from their homes and are at disproportionally high risk for trauma. At the time of this study, there was an estimated 1.6 million internally displaced persons (IDP) in Iraq, more than two-thirds of whom reside in private, urban settings. This study aims to understand the impact of post-displacement accommodation on mental well-being of the Yazidi minority group displaced in Iraq.

Methods
Multi-stage stratified sampling was used to randomly select IDPs in camp and out of camp settlements in northern Iraq. Standardized questionnaires evaluated factors including exposure to violence and self-reported distress symptoms (measured by Impact of Event Scale-Revised). A multi-variate linear model assessed the relationship between settlement setting and distress symptoms.

Results
One thousand two hundred fifty-six displaced Yazidi participants were included in the study: 63\% in camps and 37\% out of camps. After controlling for exposure to violence, social cohesion, unemployment, and access to basic services, IDPs in camps were predicted to have a 19\% higher mean distress symptom score compared to those out of camps.

Conclusions
This study provides a framework to investigate post-displacement accommodation as a potential intervention to improve well-being for displaced populations. With a shift towards new models of emergency and long-term housing, it is important to understand the potential and limitations of more decentralized models, and identify effective methods to maintain access to basic services while improving living conditions for both displaced populations and their host communities.

}, url = {https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-021-10734-8$\#$citeas}, author = {Pham, P.N. and Fozouni, L. and al-Saiedi} } @article {1408827, title = {Delivering the promise of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in fragile and conflict-affected contexts (FCAC): A case study of the NGO GOAL{\textquoteright}s response to the Syria conflict}, journal = {Progress in Disaster Science}, year = {2021}, abstract = {

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) has helped to reduce global disaster risk, but there has been a lack of progress in disaster risk reduction (DRR) for people living in fragile and conflict affected contexts (FCAC). Given the mounting evidence that DRR cannot be implemented through conventional approaches in FCAC, serious efforts must be made to understand how to meet SFDRR{\textquoteright}s goals. This paper offers a case study of international non-governmental organization GOAL{\textquoteright}s programming that responds to the protracted crisis in Syria, with a critical discussion on SFDRR and how to adapt humanitarian relief and disaster resilience.

}, url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590061721000326?via\%3Dihub$\#$!}, author = {Sonny S. Patel and Bernard McCaul and Gabriela C{\'a}ceres and Laura E.R. Peters and Ronak Patel and Aaron Clark-Ginsberg} } @report {1395582, title = {Window of Hope: Sustaining education of health professionals in northwest Syria}, year = {2021}, abstract = {This report is based on a comprehensive needs assessment carried out remotely by the HHI team in Syria in 2019. The OSF HESP grant was awarded to a larger project to understand the impact of humanitarian emergencies, including armed conflict, on students enrolled in medical and nursing programs. The goal is to produce a needs assessment toolkit to help support professional health care education programs during conflict. In addition to Syria, where the conflict is ongoing, the project examines Colombia, a recent post-conflict setting, and Rwanda, a developed post-conflict setting.}, author = {Adrienne Fricke and Rahaf Safi} } @article {1394071, title = {Current Perspectives and Concerns Facing Hospital Evacuation: The Results of a Pilot Study and Literature Review}, journal = {Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness}, year = {2021}, abstract = {

Objective: To analyze the evacuation preparedness of hospitals within the European Union (EU).

Method: This study consisted of 2 steps. In the first step, a systematic review of the subject matter, according to the PRISMA flow diagram, was performed. Using Scopus (Elsevier, Amsterdam, Netherlands), PubMed (National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD), and Gothenburg University{\textasciiacute}s search engine, 11 questions were extracted from the review and were sent to representatives from 15 European Union (EU)- and non-EU countries.

Results: The findings indicate that there is neither a full preparedness nor a standard guideline for evacuation within the EU or other non-EU countries in this study. A major shortcoming revealed by this study is the lack of awareness of the untoward consequences of medical decision-making during an evacuation. Some countries did not respond to the questions due to the lack of relevant guidelines, instructions, or time.

Conclusion: Hospitals are exposed to internal and external incidents and require an adequate evacuation plan. Despite many publications, reports, and conclusions on successful and unsuccessful evacuation, there is still no common guide for evacuation, and many hospitals lack the proper preparedness. There is a need for a multinational collaboration, specifically within the EU, to establish such an evacuation planning or guideline to be used mutually within the union and the international community.

}, url = {https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/disaster-medicine-and-public-health-preparedness/article/current-perspectives-and-concerns-facing-hospital-evacuation-the-results-of-a-pilot-study-and-literature-review/12DD82B1E86165CF2BF5414BFBCD9E62}, author = {Amir Khorram-Manesh and Phatthranit Phattharapornjaroen and Luc J Mortelmans and Frederick M. Burkle Jr.} } @article {1399064, title = {Cohort research analysis of disaster experience, preparedness, and competency-based training among nurses}, journal = {PLoS ONE}, year = {2021}, abstract = {

Introduction: It is expected that in unforeseen situations, nurses will provide appropriate medical interventions, using their expertise and skills to reduce the risks associated with the consequences of disasters. Consequently, it is crucial that they are properly prepared to respond to such difficult circumstances. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing the basic competences of nurses in disasters.

Materials and methods: The survey was directed to 468 nurses from all medical centres in Lublin. IBM SPSS Statistics version 23 was used for statistical analyses, frequency analysis, basic descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis. The classical statistical significance level was adopted as α = 0.05.

Results: Based on the logistic regression analysis, it was found that work experience, workplace preparedness, as well as training and experience in disaster response are important predictors of preparedness.

Conclusions: These findings indicate that the nurses{\textquoteright} core competencies for these incidents can be improved through education and training programmes which increase their preparedness for disasters. Nurses are among the most important groups of healthcare professionals facing a disaster and should be involved in all phases of disaster management, such as risk assessment and pre-disaster planning, response during crisis situations and risks{\textquoteright} mitigation throughout the reconstruction period.

}, url = {https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0244488}, author = {Krzysztof Goniewicz and Mariusz Goniewicz and Frederick M. Burkle Jr. and Amir Khorram-Manesh} } @article {1399063, title = {The importance of pre-training gap analyses and the identification of competencies and skill requirements of medical personnel for mass casualty incidents and disaster training}, journal = {BMC Public Health}, year = {2021}, abstract = {

Background: Effective preparedness to respond to mass casualty incidents and disasters requires a well-planned and integrated effort by all involved professionals, particularly those who are working in healthcare, who are equipped with unique knowledge and skills for emergencies. This study aims to investigate and evaluate the level of knowledge and skills related to mass casualty and disaster management in a cohort of healthcare professionals.

Methods: A cross-sectional brief study was conducted using a validated and anonymous questionnaire, with a sample of 134 employees at a clinical hospital in Lublin, Poland.

Results: The findings of this study may indicate a need for standardization of training for hospitals employees. It also suggests a knowledge gap between different professional groups, which calls for adjusting such general training, to at least, the weakest group, while special tasks and mission can be given to other groups within the training occasion.

Conclusion: Pre-Training gap analyses and identification of participants{\textquoteright} competencies and skills should be conducted prior to training in mass casualty incidents and disasters. Such analyses provides an opportunity to develop training curriculum at various skill and knowledge levels from basic to advance. All training in mass casualty incidents and disasters should be subject to ongoing, not just periodic, evaluation, in order to assess continued competency.

}, author = {Krzysztof Goniewicz and Mariusz Goniewicz and Anna W{\l}oszczak-Szubzda and Frederick M. Burkle Jr. and Attila J. Hertelendy and Ahmed Al-Wathinani and Michael Sean Molloy and Amir Khorram-Manesh} } @article {1395049, title = {Unrecognized risks and challenges of water as a major focus of COVID-19 spread}, journal = {Journal of Global Health }, year = {2021}, abstract = {

The unpredictable emergence of Coronavirus 2019 has proven to be challenging for many countries and their preparedness systems. In the heat of the current pandemic, initial interventions have been directed to the medical component of pandemic management, while other parameters such as tracing, retaining, and controlling the infection have been dismantled. It must be remembered that a defective water management system for drinking or personal use cannot only worsen the medical management of an emergency but can also contribute to spreading the disease or other water-borne conditions. This report highlights the significant use of water as a necessity for life and for controlling the pandemic.

}, url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7898659/}, author = {Amir Khorram-Manesh and Krzysztof Goniewicz and Frederick M. Burkle Jr.} } @article {1396165, title = {The impact of COVID-19 on statewide EMS use for cardiac emergencies and stroke in Massachusetts}, journal = {JACEP Open}, year = {2021}, abstract = {

Objective

To evaluate the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on emergency medical services (EMS) use for time-sensitive medical conditions. We examined EMS use for cardiac arrest, stroke, and other cardiac emergencies across Massachusetts during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, evaluating their relationship to statewide COVID-19 incidence and a statewide emergency declaration.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all EMS calls between February 15 and May 15, 2020 and the same time period for 2019. EMS call volumes were compared before and after March 10, the date of a statewide emergency declaration.

Results

A total of 408,758 calls were analyzed, of which 49,405 (12.1\%) represented stroke, cardiac arrest, or other cardiac emergencies. Average call volume before March 10 was similar in both years but decreased significantly after March 10, 2020 by 18.7\% (P\ \<\ 0.001). Compared to 2019, there were 35.6\% fewer calls for cardiac emergencies after March 10, 2020 (153.6 vs 238.4 calls/day,\ P\ \<\ 0.001) and 12.3\% fewer calls for stroke (40.0 vs 45.6 calls/day,\ P\ =\ 0.04). Calls for cardiac arrest increased 18.2\% (28.6 vs 24.2 calls/day,\ P\ \<\ 0.001). Calls for respiratory concerns also increased (208.8 vs 199.7 calls/day,\ P\ \<\ 0.001). There was no significant association between statewide incidence of COVID-19 and EMS call volume.

Conclusions

EMS use for certain time-sensitive conditions decreased after a statewide emergency declaration, irrespective of actual COVID-19 incidence, suggesting the decrease was related to perception instead of actual case counts. These findings have implications for public health messaging. Measures must be taken to clearly inform the public that immediate emergency care for time-sensitive conditions remains imperative.

}, url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/emp2.12351}, author = {Scott A. Goldberg and Rebecca E. Cash and Gregory Peters and Scott G.Weiner and P. Gregg Greenough and Raghu Seethala} } @article {1408828, title = {Converging Impact of the Ongoing Conflict and COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders in Ukraine}, journal = {Journal of Emergency Management}, year = {2021}, abstract = {

Since the Russian annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the subsequent occupation of parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, Ukraine has been facing increasing security and healthcare challenges. The seven-year war in East Ukraine has led to a rise in substance and alcohol use and increasing addiction rates among veterans, internally displaced persons, and civilian survivors. This article examines the combined impact of the ongoing Russo{\textendash}Ukrainian conflict and COVID-19 pandemic on substance use in Ukraine. It also gives an overview of the institutions in place to monitor and improve mental health in the country. The article highlights the urgent need for further funding and research on substance and alcohol addiction, with vulnerable populations affected by the conflict during the COVID-19 pandemic. Frontline healthcare workers in this region should anticipate an increased burden of patients suffering from substance use disorders who are in need of emergency management intervention and proper behavioral health referrals.

}, url = {https://wmpllc.org/ojs/index.php/jem/article/view/2959}, author = {Sonny S. Patel and Oleksii Sukhovii and Oleksandr Zvinchuk and Julian H. Neylan and Erickson, Timothy} } @article {1395230, title = {In Reply to "Hydroxychloroquine Overdose: What Are the Exact Roles of Diazepam and Potassium Infusion?"}, journal = {J Med Toxicol}, volume = {17}, year = {2021}, month = {2021 01}, pages = {85-86}, keywords = {COVID-19, Diazepam, Drug Overdose, Humans, Hydroxychloroquine, Pandemics, Potassium, SARS-CoV-2}, issn = {1937-6995}, doi = {10.1007/s13181-020-00812-5}, author = {Chai, P R and Ferro, E G and Kirshenbaum, J M and Hayes, B D and Culbreth, S E and Boyer, E W and Erickson, T B} } @book {1399069, title = {Emergencies and Public Health Crisis Management-Current Perspectives on Risks and Multiagency Collaboration}, year = {2020}, publisher = {MDPI}, organization = {MDPI}, abstract = {

Disasters and public health emergencies are inevitable and can happen anywhere and anytime. However, they can be mitigated and their impacts can be minimized by utilizing appropriate measures in all four different phases of disaster management, i.e., mitigation and prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. Several factors are crucial for achieving successful disaster management. Altogether, this Issue offers new insights into emergency and public health crisis management from a multiagency perspective and allows discussion about new potential risks; lessons learned; and the introduction of new concepts such as flexible surge capacity, and shows some new aspects of practicing multiagency collaboration before, during, and after disasters and public health emergencies.

}, author = {Amir Khorram-Manesh and Frederick M. Burkle Jr.} } @article {1399065, title = {Implications and limitations of Social Distancing Strategies (SDS) to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic}, journal = {Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness}, year = {2020}, author = {Krzysztof Goniewicz and Frederick M. Burkle Jr. and Amir Khorram-Manesh} } @article {1389353, title = {Modeling pastoralist movement in response to environmental variables and conflict in Somaliland: Combining agent-based modeling and geospatial data}, journal = {PLOS ONE}, year = {2020}, abstract = {

This study explores how pastoralists respond to changing environments in Somaliland . An agent-based model is used to simulate the movement of nomadic pastoralists based on typologically diverse, historical data of environmental, interpersonal, and transactional variables in Somaliland and Puntland between 2008 and 2018. Through subsequent application of spatial analysis such as choropleth maps, kernel density mapping, and standard deviational ellipses, we characterize the resultant pastoralist population distribution in response to these variables.

}, author = {Erica Nelson and Saira Khan and Swapna Thorve and P. Gregg Greenough} } @article {1399078, title = {The Development of Swedish Military Healthcare System: Part II-Re-evaluating the Military and Civilian Healthcare Systems in Crises Through a Dialogue and Study Among Practitioners}, journal = {Military Medicine}, year = {2020}, abstract = {

Introduction: Historical changes have transformed Sweden from being an offensive to a defensive and collaborative nation with national and international engagement, allowing it to finally achieve the ground for the civilian{\textendash}military collaboration and the concept of a total defense healthcare. At the same time, with the decreasing number of international and interstate conflicts, and the military{\textquoteright}s involvement in national emergencies and humanitarian disaster relief, both the need and the role of the military healthcare system within the civilian society have been challenged. The recent impact of the COVID-19 in the USA and the necessity of military involvement have led health practitioners to anticipate and re-evaluate conditions that might exceed the civilian capacity of their own countries and the need to have collaboration with the military healthcare. This study investigated both these challenges and views from practitioners regarding the benefits of such collaboration and the manner in which it would be initiated.

Material and Method: A primary study was conducted among responsive countries using a questionnaire created using the Nominal Group Technique. Relevant search subjects and keywords were extracted for a systematic review of the literature, according to the PRISMA model.

Results: The 14 countries responding to the questionnaire had either a well-developed military healthcare system or units created in collaboration with the civilian healthcare. The results from the questionnaire and the literature review indicated a need for transfer of military medical knowledge and resources in emergencies to the civilian health components, which in return, facilitated training opportunities for the military staff to maintain their skills and competencies.

Conclusions: As the world witnesses a rapid change in the etiology of disasters and various crises, neither the military nor the civilian healthcare systems can address or manage the outcomes independently. There is an opportunity for both systems to develop future healthcare in collaboration. Rethinking education and training in war and conflict is indisputable. Collaborative educational initiatives in disaster medicine, public health and complex humanitarian emergencies, international humanitarian law, and the Geneva Convention, along with advanced training in competency-based skill sets, should be included in the undergraduate education of health professionals for the benefit of humanity.

}, author = {Amir Khorram-Manesh and Frederick M. Burkle Jr. and Phatthranit Phattharapornjaroen and Milad Ahmadi Marzaleh and Mohammed Al Sultan and Matti Mantysaari and Eric Carlstr{\"o}m and Krzysztof Goniewicz and Emelia Santamaria and John David Comandante and Robert Dobson and Boris Hreckovski and Glenn-Egil Torgersen and Luc J. Mortelmans and Mirjam de Jong and Yohan Robinson} } @article {1399070, title = {Humanitarian Aid Workers: The Forgotten First Responders}, journal = {Prehospital and Disaster Medicine}, year = {2020}, abstract = {

Humanitarian aid workers are an overlooked population within the structure of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) research and assistance. This negligence is an industry-wide failure to address aid workers{\textquoteright} psychological health issues. The suspected numbers of death by suicide, diagnosed PTSD, depression, anxiety disorders, hazardous alcohol and drug consumption, emotional exhaustion, and other stress-related problems are impossible to quantify but are considered endemic. Tools for establishing organizational frameworks for mental health and psychosocial support are readily available. However, the capacity to implement this assistance requires the creation and practice of an open and non-judgmental culture, based on the realistic acceptance that aid work has become inherently dangerous. The possibility of developing a psychological problem because of aid work has increased along with the rise in levels of disease, injury, kidnapping, and assault. As a result, expressions of traumatic stress have become the norm rather than an exception. This commentary outlines the essential steps and components necessary to meet these requirements.

}, url = {https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/prehospital-and-disaster-medicine/article/humanitarian-aid-workers-the-forgotten-first-responders/F7FA565F992B610CB51B96347205F09C}, author = {Robert I.S. Macpherson and Frederick M. Burkle Jr.} } @article {1395867, title = {Access to Care and Prevalence of Hypertension and Diabetes Among Syrian Refugees in Northern Jordan}, journal = {JAMA Network Open}, year = {2020}, abstract = {

Importance\ \ The management of noncommunicable diseases in humanitarian crises has been slow to progress from episodic care. Understanding disease burden and access to care among crisis-affected populations can inform more comprehensive management.

Objective\ \ To estimate the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes with biological measures and to evaluate access to care among Syrian refugees in northern Jordan.

Design, Setting, and Participants\ \ This cross-sectional study was undertaken from March 25 to April 26, 2019, in the districts of Ramtha and Mafraq, Jordan. Seventy clusters of 15 households were randomly sampled, and chain referral was used to sample Syrian households, representative of 59 617 Syrian refugees. Adults were screened and interviewed about their access to care. Data analysis was performed from May to September 2019.

Exposures\ \ Primary care delivered through a humanitarian organization since 2012.

Main Outcomes and Measures\ \ The main outcomes were self-reported prevalence of hypertension and diabetes among adults aged 18 years or older and biologically based prevalence among adults aged 30 years or older. The secondary outcome was access to care during the past month among adults aged 18 years or older with a diagnosis of hypertension or diabetes.

Results\ \ In 1022 randomly sampled households, 2798 adults aged 18 years or older, including 275 with self-reported diagnoses (mean [SD] age, 56.5 [13.2] years; 174 women [63.3\%]), and 915 adults aged 30 years or older (608 women [66.5\%]; mean [SD] age, 46.0 [12.8] years) were screened for diabetes and hypertension. Among adults aged 18 years or older, the self-reported prevalence was 17.2\% (95\% CI, 15.9\%-18.6\%) for hypertension, 9.8\% (95\% CI, 8.6\%-11.1\%) for diabetes, and 7.3\% (95\% CI, 6.3\%-8.5\%) for both conditions. Among adults aged 30 years or older, the biologically based prevalence was 39.5\% (95\% CI, 36.4\%-42.6\%) for hypertension, 19.3\% (95\% CI, 16.7\%-22.1\%) for diabetes, and 13.5\% (95\% CI, 11.4\%-15.9\%) for both conditions. Adjusted for age and sex, prevalence for all conditions increased with age, and women had a higher prevalence of diabetes than men (adjusted prevalence ratio, 1.3\%; 95\% CI, 1.0\%-1.7\%), although the difference was not significant. Complications (57.4\%; 95\% CI, 51.5\%-63.1\%) and obese or overweight status (82.8\%; 95\% CI, 79.7\%-85.5\%) were highly prevalent. Among adults aged 30 years or older with known diagnoses, 94.1\% (95\% CI, 90.9\%-96.2\%) currently took medication. Among adults aged 18 years or older with known diagnoses, 26.8\% (95\% CI, 21.3\%-33.1\%) missed a medication dose in the past week, and 49.1\% (95\% CI, 43.3\%-54.9\%) sought care in the last month.

Conclusions and Relevance\ \ During this protracted crisis, obtaining care for noncommunicable diseases was feasible, as demonstrated by biologically based prevalence that was only moderately higher than self-reported prevalence. The high prevalence of complications and obese or overweight status, however, suggest inadequate management. Programs should focus on reinforcing adherence and secondary prevention to minimize severe morbidity.

}, url = {https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2771453$\#$:~:text=Household\%20surveys\%20have\%20documented\%20that,more\%20adult\%20with\%20an\%20NCD.\&text=A\%202016\%20household\%20survey\%20among,\%25)\%20and\%20diabetes\%20(9.2\%25).}, author = {P. Gregg Greenough, MD, MPH and Ravi Goyal and Ratnayake, Ruwan and Fatma Rawashdeh and Raeda AbuAlRub and Nahla Al-Ali and Muhammad Fawad and Mohammad Bani Han} } @article {1399091, title = {The Impact of Experience, Length of Service, and Workplace Preparedness in Physicians{\textquoteright} Readiness in the Response to Disasters}, journal = {Journal of Clinical Medicine}, year = {2020}, abstract = {With an increasing number of natural and man-made disasters, the need for preparedness in all levels of management is obvious. Among healthcare professionals responding to these emergencies, physicians are of particular importance due to their significant roles as leaders and frontline workers in minimizing morbidity and mortality of the affected population. This study analyses the preparedness of 549 physicians from all medical centers in Lublin, Poland to formulate their observations, suggestions, and recommendations concerning the improvement of the chain of response in disaster management. The results of this study show that the perceived preparedness of physicians for disaster management and response is not as high as it should be, and the majority of the respondents perceived their disaster preparedness insufficient. Training of physicians in disaster management and principles of disaster medicine is needed, by focusing on the specificity of rescue response to emergencies following disasters, and medical and non-medical aspects of the response with particular emphasis on a management approach covering all hazards.}, author = {Krzysztof Goniewicz and Mariusz Goniewicz and Frederick M. Burkle Jr. and Amir Khorram-Manesh} } @article {1379995, title = {Network Analysis of Actors Working to Support Disaster Preparedness and Resilience in the Philippines}, year = {2020}, abstract = {The Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI) partnered with Root Change to conduct a network analysis of actors working to support disaster preparedness and resilience in the Philippines. The study design is modeled after a summative phase external evaluation that HHI conducted in 2016-2017 on the START Network{\textquoteright}s Disasters and Emergency Preparedness Program (DEPP). Network analysis techniques applied in this evaluation have been adapted from the DEPP work to analyze the disaster resilience network in coastal Bangladesh under the Resilient Communities Program. In this report, we present the network analysis and methods used. We also detail findings and recommendations for HHI and other in-country partners about how these results can inform programs to strengthen disaster resilience and climate change in the Philippines.}, author = {Phuong Pham and Vincenzo Bollettino and Patrick Vinck and Ariana Marnicio and Lea Ivy Manzanero and Mark Toldo and Rachel Dickinson and Alexis Smart and Evan Bloom} } @article {1399079, title = {Sustainability Editorial Disasters and Public Health Emergencies-Current Perspectives in Preparedness and Response}, journal = {Sustainability}, year = {2020}, abstract = {

Disasters and public health emergencies are inevitable and can happen anywhere and anytime. However, they can be mitigated and their impacts can be minimized by utilizing appropriate measures in all four different phases of disaster management, i.e., mitigation and prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. Several factors are crucial for achieving successful disaster management. In the mitigation and preparation phase, all risks should be reviewed and new ones should be added and analyzed carefully to propose proper solutions and plans. In the preparedness phase, the ability and knowledge of each organization and all individuals in the management system should be tested and evaluated to ensure good readiness in responding to an emergency. Furthermore, plans should be available at all levels of the emergency chain of action to cope with all issues in the response and recovery phases [1,2]. This Issue of Sustainability aimed to cover emergency and public health crisis management from a multiagency perspective, by discussing lessons learned, introducing new ideas about flexible surge capacity, and showing the way it can practice multiagency collaboration.

}, url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/12/20/8561}, author = {Amir Khorram-Manesh and Frederick M. Burkle Jr.} } @article {1394068, title = {Global Public Health Database Support to Population-Based Management of Pandemics and Global Public Health Crises, Part I: The Concept}, journal = {Prehospital and Disaster Medicine}, year = {2020}, abstract = {This two-part article examines the global public health (GPH) information system deficits emerging in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. It surveys past, missed opportunities for public health (PH) information system and operational improvements, examines current megatrend changes to information management, and describes a new multi-disciplinary model for population-based management (PBM) supported by a GPH Database applicable to pandemics and GPH crises.}, url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7653233/}, author = {Frederick M. Burkle Jr. and David A. Bradt and Benjamin J. Ryan} } @article {1394069, title = {Global Public Health Database Support to Population-Based Management of Pandemics and Global Public Health Crises, Part II: The Database}, journal = {Prehospital and Disaster Medicine}, year = {2020}, abstract = {

This two-part article examines the global public health (GPH) information system deficits emerging in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. It surveys past, missed opportunities for public health (PH) information system and operational improvements, examines current megatrend changes to information management, and describes a new multi-disciplinary model for population-based management (PBM) supported by a GPH Database applicable to pandemics and GPH crises.

}, url = {https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/prehospital-and-disaster-medicine/article/global-public-health-database-support-to-populationbased-management-of-pandemics-and-global-public-health-crises-part-ii-the-database/2CF1F9CA713E055AE91080668F6ECC1F}, author = {Frederick M. Burkle Jr. and David A. Bradt and Joseph Green and Benjamin J. Ryan} } @article {1399092, title = {The gap of knowledge and skill {\textendash} One reason for unsuccessful management of mass casualty incidents and disasters}, journal = {American Journal of Emergency Medicine}, year = {2020}, author = {Krzysztof Goniewicz and Frederick M. Burkle Jr. and Amir Khorram-Manesh} } @article {1408825, title = {The Landscape of Disinformation on Health Crisis Communication During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Ukraine: Hybrid Warfare Tactics, Fake Media News and Review of Evidence}, journal = {Journal of Science Communication}, year = {2020}, abstract = {

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the world in ways not seen since the 1918{\textendash}1920 Spanish Flu. Disinformation campaigns targeting health crisis communication during this pandemic seek to cripple the medical response to the novel coronavirus and instrumentalize the pandemic for political purposes. Propaganda from Russia and other factions is increasingly infiltrating public and social media in Ukraine. Still, scientific literature has only a limited amount of evidence of hybrid attacks and disinformation campaigns focusing on COVID-19 in Ukraine. We conducted a review to retrospectively examine reports of disinformation surrounding health crisis communication in Ukraine during the COVID-19 response. Based on the themes that emerged in the literature, our recommendations are twofold: 1) increase transparency with verified health crisis messaging and, 2) address the leadership gap in reliable regional information about COVID-19 resources and support in Ukraine.

}, url = {https://jcom.sissa.it/archive/19/05/JCOM_1905_2020_A02}, author = {Sonny Patel and Omar Moncayo and Kristina Conroy and Doug Jordan and Erickson, Timothy} } @article {1399096, title = {Optimizing Scarce Resource Allocation During COVID-19: Rapid Creation of a Regional Health-Care Coalition and Triage Teams in San Diego County, California}, journal = {Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness}, year = {2020}, abstract = {

Successful management of an event where healthcare needs exceed regional healthcare capacity requires coordinated strategies for scarce resource allocation. Publications for rapid development, training, and coordination of regional hospital triage teams manage the allocation of scarce resources during COVID-19 are lacking. Over a period of 3 weeks, over 100 clinicians, ethicists, leaders, and public health authorities convened virtually to achieve consensus on how best to save the most lives possible and share resources. This is referred to as population-based crisis management. The rapid regionalization of 22 acute care hospitals across 4500 square miles in the midst of a pandemic with a shifting regulatory landscape was challenging, but overcome by mutual trust, transparency, and confidence in the public health authority. Because many cities are facing COVID-19 surges, we share a process for successful rapid formation of healthcare care coalitions, Crisis Standard of Care, and training of Triage Teams. Incorporation of continuous process improvement and methods for communication is essential for successful implementation. Utilization of our regional healthcare coalition communications, incident command system, and the crisis care committee helped mitigate crisis care in the San Diego and Imperial County region as COVID-19 cases surged and scarce resource collaborative decisions were required.

}, url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7684024/}, author = {Asha Devereaux and Holly Yang and Gilbert Seda and Viji Sankar and Ryan C. Maves and Navaz Karanjia and John Scott Parrish and Christy Rosenberg and Paula Goodman-Crews and Lynette Cederquist and Frederick M. Burkle Jr. and Jennifer Tuteur and Chiara Leroy and Kristi L. Koenig} } @article {1399093, title = {Workflow Solutions for Primary Care Clinic Recovery During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Primer}, journal = {Journal of Public Health Management and Practice}, year = {2020}, author = {Ann M. Nguyen and Attila J. Hertelendy and Melinda Ashton and Frederick M. Burkle Jr.} } @article {1399048, title = {COVID-19 a health reform catalyst? -Analyzing single-payer options in the U.S.: Considering economic values, recent proposals, and existing models from abroad}, journal = {Journal of Hospital Administration}, year = {2020}, abstract = {

The United States has continued to face severe health coverage and spending challenges that have been attributed to a fragmented multi-payer and fee-for-service delivery system which has become even more exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Legislators and healthcare professionals have tried to answer the challenges faced by the U.S. health system through the introduction of several state and federal proposals for a "Medicare-for-all" like system, which have failed to be adopted likely due to the lack of consideration for free-market economic values. Looking to existing models abroad can provide the U.S. with different ways to understand how to achieve the benefits of single-payer models with universal coverage while maintaining the integrity of free-market values. The health systems in wealthy, industrialized countries are closely referenced in this article because of the variation of methods in which each achieves a single-payer/universal coverage model as well as the contrast in their health outcomes compared to that of the U.S. The biggest considerations for any reform effort to achieve an efficient single-payer system with universal coverage is the maintenance of private health insurers and the degree to which expanded government influence would be accepted. The future state of health care remains uncertain and unstable as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, therefore a window of opportunity exists now for leveraging this uncertainty to achieve reform.

}, author = {Alan Parnell and Krzysztof Goniewicz and Amir Khorram-Manesh and Frederick M. Burkle Jr. and Ahmed Al-Wathinani and Attila J. Hertelendy} } @article {1399051, title = {Crisis Standards of Care in a Pandemic: Navigating the Ethical, Clinical, Psychological, and Policy-making Maelstrom}, journal = {International Journal for Quality in Health Care}, year = {2020}, abstract = {

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused clinicians at the frontlines to confront difficult decisions regarding resource allocation, treatment options, and ultimately the life-saving measures that must be taken at the point of care. This article addresses the importance of enacting Crisis Standards of Care (CSC) as a policy mechanism to facilitate the shift to population-based medicine. In times of emergencies and crises such as this pandemic, the enactment of CSC enables concrete decisions to be made by governments relating to supply chains, resource allocation, and provision of care to maximize societal benefit. This shift from an individual to a population-based societal focus has profound consequences on how clinical decisions are made at the point of care. Failing to enact CSC may have psychological impacts for healthcare providers particularly related to moral distress, through an inability to fully enact individual beliefs (individually-focused clinical decisions) which form their moral compass.

}, author = {Attila J. Hertelendy and Gregory R. Ciottone and Cheryl L. Mitchell and Jennifer Gutberg and Frederick M. Burkle Jr.} } @article {1399050, title = {Does the Prosperity of a Country Play a Role in COVID-19 Outcomes?}, journal = {Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness}, year = {2020}, abstract = {

Objective: This study aims to clarify the association between prosperity and novel coronavirus disease 2019 outcomes and its impact on the future management of pandemics.

Methods: This study is an observational study using information from two online registries. The numbers of infected individuals and deaths and the prosperity rank of each country were obtained from worldometer.info and the Legatum Institute{\textquoteright}s Prosperity Index, respectively.

Results: There is a combination of countries with high and low prosperity on the list of coronavirus disease 2019 infected countries. The risk of the virus pandemic seems to be more extensive in countries with high prosperity. A Spearman{\textquoteright}s rho test confirmed a significant correlation between prosperity, the number of coronavirus disease 2019 cases, and the number of deaths at the 99\% level.

Conclusion: New emerging pandemics affect all nations. In order to increase the likelihood of successfully managing future events, it is important to consider pre-existing health security, valid population-based management approaches, medical decision-making, communication, continuous assessment, triage, treatment, early and complete physical distancing strategies, and logistics. These elements cannot be taught on-site and on occasion. There is a need for innovative and regular educational activities for all stakeholders committed to safeguarding our future defense systems concerning diagnostic, protection, treatment, and rehabilitation in pandemics as well as other emergencies.

}, author = {Amir Khorram-Manesh and Eric Carlstr{\"o}m and Attila J. Hertelendy and Krzysztof Goniewicz and Carter B. Casady and Frederick M. Burkle Jr.} } @article {1379997, title = {Ukraine - Conflict in the Donbas: Civilians Hostage to Adversarial Geopolitics}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Since 2014, the war in the Donbas, fueled and sustained by local and regional political priorities, has inflicted a heavy burden of civilian death, injury, displacement, destruction, and lasting trauma. As the conflict continues, the people of Donbas are more isolated than ever from the rest of their country, subjected to discrimination and stigmatization by both the Ukrainian authorities and separatist leaders. Today, a confluence of factors continues to drive conflict in Eastern Ukraine. Triggered by the 2013 Euromaidan protests in Kyiv, the rupture between the post-Maidan Ukrainian government and local elites in the Donbas over aspirations of independence and self-determination highlighted the growing schism between those with Russian-oriented ambitions and those supporting the new Ukrainian regime. As clans, warlords, and oligarchs within Ukraine fight for political influence and financial gain, Russian influence continues to destabilize the Westward-leaning Ukrainian authorities in Kyiv, reinvigorating the enduring geopolitical rivalry between Russia and the West. Humanitarian operations in Eastern Ukraine are also under significant pressure by the separatist authorities. Agencies struggle to bridge the gap between critical needs and their response capacity, while being forced to rely almost exclusively on local organizations. In the process of humanitarian and access negotiations, agencies must guard against the instrumentalization of aid, the blurring of lines between political, military, and relief operations, and an ever-shrinking humanitarian space. What drives this protracted conflict? How have global politics and local agendas contributed to sustaining a {\textquotedblleft}frozen{\textquotedblright} conflict at the expense of communities and in the interest of asserting nationalist independence at all costs? How have the hopes of local communities in the Donbas withered over time, as they navigate the dissonance in geopolitical rhetoric and their lived reality? What avenues exist for reconciliation and unity amidst this violent divisiveness? This report explores these questions and offers reflections based on more than 250 interviews undertaken during two field visits to Ukraine, in both government and separatist-controlled areas, and one visit to Russia, between November 2019 and January 2020. It also draws on an extensive desk analysis of relevant literature to complement the findings of these interviews and consultations.}, url = {https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3657394}, author = {Emmanuel Tronc and Ana{\"\i}de Nahikian} } @article {1399046, title = {Ahmadreza Djalali, MD, PhD is Dying}, journal = {Prehospital and Disaster Medicine}, year = {2020}, author = {Frederick M. Burkle Jr.} } @article {1399045, title = {Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response in Poland: Prevention, Surveillance, and Mitigation Planning}, journal = {Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness}, year = {2020}, abstract = {

Objectives: Biological weapons are one of the oldest weapons of mass destruction used by man. Their use has not only determined the outcome of battles, but also influenced the fate of entire civilizations. Although the use of biological weapons agents in a terrorist attack is currently unlikely, all services responsible for the surveillance and removal of epidemiological threats must have clear guidelines and emergency response plans.

Methods: In the face of the numerous threats appearing in the world, it has become necessary to put the main emphasis on modernizing, securing, and maintaining structures in the field of medicine which are prepared for unforeseen crises and situations related to the use of biological agents.

Results: This article presents Poland{\textquoteright}s current preparation to take action in the event of a bioterrorist threat. The study presents both the military aspect and procedures for dealing with contamination.

Conclusions: In Poland, as in other European Union countries fighting terrorism, preparations should be made to defend against biological attacks, improve the flow of information on the European security system, strengthen research centers, train staff, create observation units and vaccination centers, as well as prepare hospitals for the hospitalization of patients{\textemdash}potential victims of bioterrorist attacks.

}, author = {Krzysztof Goniewicz and Beata Osiak and Witold Paw{\l}owski and Robert Czerski and Frederick M. Burkle Jr. and Dorota Lasota and Mariusz Goniewicz} } @report {1399047, title = {Robert Fox Interview with Frederick M. Burkle on Population-based Triage Management}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Interview: At first sight, Population-based Triage, PBT for short, isn{\textquoteright}t the most enticing social formula-but it may be the key to how the UK manages the next stages of the current Corona quagmire-and prepare for the next one, when and not if it happens. It could, and probably should, become standard operating procedure in public health population-based management decisions in the outbreak of widespread pestilence and disease. We need that new Public Health Strategy now. Under the PBT plan the population as a whole is treated to the triage technique familiar in accident and emergency, and battlefield medicine. Medical and rescue teams concentrate on treating the salvageable in preference to those most likely to die. "Traditional health care systems care systems care for patients individually, while public health is caring for an entire population," says Professor Frederick Burkle, Senior Scholar and Scientist of Public Health at Harvard. He published his plan for a population-based approach to pandemic in 2006. It was used in the major desk-top exercise by Public Health England for tackling a major influenza pandemic, Operation Cygnus, in 2016. The report partly adopted the professor{\textquoteright}s clear-eyed approach to running a major pandemic operation, but left many questions open. If they had been addressed in the present Covid crisis, thousands of lives might have bene saved. Much the same goes for Exercise Isis carried out by National Health Scotland in 2018, focused on a major outbreak of MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome). The lessons of both exercises have been taken aboard, according to Matt Hancock, but as they say in Scots law, it looks like a case of not proven. Both the Cygnus and Isis reports of 2017 and 2018 cannot conceal the serious shortcomings in preparation against a major public health emergency. The Cygnus exercise, for instance concentrates on the role of the Local Resilience Forums in coordinating emergency services-yet the representatives of the eight LRFs were explicit about their lack of resources. The LRFs have proved vital since March, but they have no statutory powers and no funding. More ominously the Isis report for the Scottish Health flags up the lack of availability of protective equipment-PPE-for a nationwide viral outbreak. The problem of managing a workable Public Health Emergency strategy for this coronavirus crisis is brilliantly illustrated BBC1{\textquoteright}s drama documentary, The Salisbury Poisonings. It tells the real events of the attack by the nerve agent Novichok on the Skripals in Salisbury two years ago. The heroine is the Wiltshire Public Health Officer Tracy.}, author = {Frederick M. Burkle Jr.} } @article {1380001, title = {English Version: "Never Forget: Views on Peace and Justice Within Conflict-Affected Communities in Northern Iraq"}, year = {2020}, abstract = {

This survey offers a snapshot of the perceptions and attitudes about peace and justice within communities affected by the conflict with the Islamic State (IS). It is based on 5,213 interviews conducted in 2019 among a representative sample of internally displaced persons in northern Iraq and residents of the city of Mosul and surrounding areas.The research documents a severe lack of trust in official institutions, particularly in the Government of Iraq itself, stemming in large part from the belief that these institutions do not act in the best interest of the population. Few respondents had confidence in the Government of Iraq{\textquoteright}s ability to investigate the crimes committed by the Islamic State fairly and accurately and to provide justice to survivors of the conflict.Despite the mistrust, respondents favor local justice and truth-seeking mechanisms. They view these efforts as necessary to build a durable peace, alongside measures to address the root causes of the rise of IS and longstanding divisions between the people of Iraq. However, rather than the challenge being diversity itself, the challenge is the Government of Iraq{\textquoteright}s ability to promote and facilitate reconciliation and unity.Without an accountable government that is perceived to be legitimate and is trusted by all Iraqis, calls for justice and accountability may go unanswered, and the country risks slipping back into another conflict.

The research was conducted by the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative in partnership with Mosul University and the Iraq-based Public Policy Institute. It was supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, which played no role in the design, analysis or publication of the research.

}, author = {Abdulrazzaq Al-Saiedi and Kevin Coughlin and Muslih Irwani and Waad Ibrahim Khalil and Phuong Pham and Patrick Vinck} } @article {1380000, title = {الترجمة العربية (Arabic Version): "Never Forget: Views on Peace and Justice Within Conflict-Affected Communities in Northern Iraq"}, year = {2020}, abstract = {

This survey offers a snapshot of the perceptions and attitudes about peace and justice within communities affected by the conflict with the Islamic State (IS). It is based on 5,213 interviews conducted in 2019 among a representative sample of internally displaced persons in northern Iraq and residents of the city of Mosul and surrounding areas.The research documents a severe lack of trust in official institutions, particularly in the Government of Iraq itself, stemming in large part from the belief that these institutions do not act in the best interest of the population. Few respondents had confidence in the Government of Iraq{\textquoteright}s ability to investigate the crimes committed by the Islamic State fairly and accurately and to provide justice to survivors of the conflict.Despite the mistrust, respondents favor local justice and truth-seeking mechanisms. They view these efforts as necessary to build a durable peace, alongside measures to address the root causes of the rise of IS and longstanding divisions between the people of Iraq. However, rather than the challenge being diversity itself, the challenge is the Government of Iraq{\textquoteright}s ability to promote and facilitate reconciliation and unity.Without an accountable government that is perceived to be legitimate and is trusted by all Iraqis, calls for justice and accountability may go unanswered, and the country risks slipping back into another conflict.

The research was conducted by the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative in partnership with Mosul University and the Iraq-based Public Policy Institute. It was supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, which played no role in the design, analysis or publication of the research.

}, author = {Abdulrazzaq Al-Saiedi and Kevin Coughlin and Muslih Irwani and Waad Ibrahim Khalil and Phuong Pham and Patrick Vinck} } @article {1399042, title = {50 States or 50 Countries: What Did We Miss and What Do We Do Now?}, journal = {Prehospital and Disaster Medicine}, year = {2020}, abstract = {

There have been multiple inconsistencies in the manner the COVID-19 pandemic has been investigated and managed by countries. Population-based management (PBM) has been inconsistent, yet serves as a necessary first step in managing public health crises. Unfortunately, these have dominated the landscape within the United States and continue as of this writing. Political and economic influences have greatly influenced major public health management and control decisions. Responsibility for global public health crises and modeling for management are the responsibility of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Health Regulations Treaty (IHR). This review calls upon both to reassess their roles and responsibilities that must be markedly improved and better replicated world-wide in order to optimize the global public health protections and its PBM.\ 

}, author = {Frederick M. Burkle Jr. and Asha V. Devereaux} } @article {1380002, title = {Bangladesh Network Analysis Report}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Coordination among actors during an emergency is crucial for effective, efficient action. The existence of pre-disaster relationships between actors can strengthen the speed with which coordination occurs in a disaster setting, making relationshipbuilding before a disaster an important element of preparedness. As such, understanding the relationships between stakeholders working to advance disaster resilience and response is a crucial first step to support institutional strengthening and capacity building. The Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI), Concern Worldwide, and Jagrata Juba Shangha (JJS) are jointly implementing programs to enhance climate change adaptation and disaster resilience among coastal communities in Bagerhat District, Bangladesh. This district is located in Bangladesh{\textquoteright}s low-elevation coastal zones, which are especially vulnerable to natural disasters and have already begun to see the effects of climate change. Bagerhat has high levels of food and water insecurity and poverty, and is highly vulnerable to natural disasters and climate change impacts (5). The district has been heavily impacted by recent cyclones, and is experiencing sea level rise and saltwater intrusion. This network analysis was undertaken to support strengthening coordination and collaboration among actors working on climate change adaptation and disaster resilience in Bagerhat.}, author = {Sarah Ferguson and Vincenzo Bollettino and Phuong Pham and Patrick Vinck and Rachel Dickinson and Alexis Smart and Evan Bloom} } @article {1380003, title = {Case Study: Academic/NGO Collaboration to Understand Climate Change and Disaster Resilience Implementation in Bagerhat District, Bangladesh}, year = {2020}, abstract = {This case study describes a research collaboration between an academic institution and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) designed to inform programs to strengthen coordination in Bangladesh. The case describes the rationale for conducting the study, the research process, and outcomes of the research. The objective of the case study is to support local or municipal governments, NGOs, students, or other program managers to consider how collaboration with academic institutions could enhance their programs, as well as how research such as a network analysis could be useful to inform their work. For those interested in conducting a network analysis, the case also provides resources and tools to support researchers and organizations to replicate the study in their program context.}, author = {Vincenzo Bollettino and Sarah Ferguson} } @article {1399043, title = {Delayed Primary and Specialty Care: The Coronavirus Disease-2019 Pandemic Second Wave}, journal = {Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness}, year = {2020}, abstract = {

Time is of the essence to continue the pandemic disaster cycle with a comprehensive post-COVID-19 health care delivery system RECOVERY analysis, plan and operation at the local, regional and state level. The second wave of COVID-19 pandemic response are not the ripples of acute COVID-19 patient clusters that will persist until a vaccine strategy is designed and implemented to effect herd immunity. The COVID-19 second wave are the patients that have had their primary and specialty care delayed. This exponential wave of patients requires prompt health care delivery system planning and response.

}, author = {Eric Weinstein and Luca Ragazzoni and Frederick M. Burkle Jr. and Mea Allen and David Hogan and Della Corte, Francesco} } @article {1395047, title = {Frequency and Factors Associated with Violence Against Female Sex Workers in Tehran, Iran}, journal = {Sexuality \& Culture}, year = {2020}, abstract = {

Female Sex Workers are among those women who are significantly more vulnerable to violence. Apart from the human rights perspective, assessing the frequency of violence among sex workers is especially important because of its relation to the spread of HIV and other sexually-transmitted infections. This cross-sectional, observational study was conducted among 263 female sex workers in southern parts of Tehran and their suburban regions in 2017 where the population is considered more socially and economically vulnerable. To evaluate univariate analysis between sexual violence and physical violence as dependent variables and the assumed exposures as well as confounders, the models were built distinctly. The models included exposures of the questionnaire as independent variables. The exposure factors with a p value of less than 0.2 were moved into the multiple logistic regression models. The rates of sexual violence and physical violence were reported as 72.2\% and 82.3\% respectively. According to our results, sexual violence is associated with higher education, working in streets, drug usage, having the experience of forced unprotected sex and feeling of discrimination. Physical violence is associated with low education, drug usage and feeling of discrimination in multiple analyses. Addressing the violence against female sex workers is a complex multifactorial issue in Iran. It requires structural changes in some social, legal, economic and health infrastructure programs.

}, author = {Nasim Sadat Hosseini Divkolaye and Javad Khalatbari and Marjan Faramarzi and Fariba Seighali and Shokoufeh Radfar and Ali ArabKhazaeli and Frederick M. Burkle Jr} } @article {1395107, title = {Geographic Information System Technology: Review of the Challenges for Its Establishment as a Major Asset for Disaster and Emergency Management in Poland}, journal = {Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness}, year = {2020}, abstract = {

Technical and technological progress in the 21st century, especially emerging geographic information system (GIS) technology, offers new and unprecedented opportunities to counteract the impact of crisis situations and emergencies. Computerization and development of GIS enabled the digital visualization of space for interactive analysis of multiple data in the form of models or simulations. Additionally, computerization, which gives rise to a new quality of database management, requires continuous modernization of computer hardware and software. This study examines selected examples of the implications and impact of the GIS commonly used in Poland.

}, author = {Krzysztof Goniewicz and Maciej Magiera and Dorota Ruci{\'n}ska and Witold Paw{\l}owski and Frederick M. Burkle Jr. and Attila J. Hertelendy and Mariusz Goniewicz} } @article {1394074, title = {Declining Public Health Protections within Autocratic Regimes: Impact on Global Public Health Security, Infectious Disease Outbreaks, Epidemics, and Pandemics}, journal = {Prehospital and Disaster Medicine}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Public health emergencies of international concern, in the form of infectious disease outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics, represent an increasing risk to the world's population. Management requires coordinated responses, across many disciplines and nations, and the capacity to muster proper national and global public health education, infrastructure, and prevention measures. Unfortunately, increasing numbers of nations are ruled by autocratic regimes which have characteristically failed to adopt investments in public health infrastructure, education, and prevention measures to keep pace with population growth and density. Autocratic leaders have a direct impact on health security, a direct negative impact on health, and create adverse political and economic conditions that only complicate the crisis further. This is most evident in autocratic regimes where health protections have been seriously and purposely curtailed. All autocratic regimes define public health along economic and political imperatives that are similar across borders and cultures. Autocratic regimes are seriously handicapped by sociopathic narcissistic leaders who are incapable of understanding the health consequences of infectious diseases or the impact on their population. A cross section of autocratic nations currently experiencing the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) are reviewed to demonstrate the manner where self-serving regimes fail to manage health crises and place the rest of the world at increasing risk. It is time to re-address the pre-SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) global agendas calling for stronger strategic capacity, legal authority, support, and institutional status under World Health Organization (WHO) leadership granted by an International Health Regulations Treaty. Treaties remain the most successful means the world has in preventing, preparing for, and controlling epidemics in an increasingly globalized world.}, url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7156578/}, author = {Frederick M. Burkle Jr.} } @report {1381390, title = {Harvard Humanitarian Initiative 2018-2019 Annual Report}, year = {2020}, abstract = {This Harvard Humanitarian Initiative Annual Report covers the 2018-2019 period of activities. Within it readers can find an overview of HHI{\textquoteright}s humanitarian research \& efforts, including HHI{\textquoteright}s role at Harvard University and finances for the time period.}, author = {Harvard Humanitarian Initiative} } @article {1394072, title = {Political Intrusions into the International Health Regulations Treaty and Its Impact on Management of Rapidly Emerging Zoonotic Pandemics: What History Tells Us}, journal = {Prehospital and Disaster Medicine}, year = {2020}, abstract = {For a large number of health care providers world-wide, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is their first experience in population-based care. In past decades, lower population densities, infectious disease outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics were rare and driven almost exclusively by natural disasters, predatory animals, and war. In the early 1900s, Sir William Osler first advanced the knowledge of zoonotic diseases that are spread from reservoir animals to human animals. Once rare, they now make up 71\% or more of new diseases. Globally, zoonotic spread occurs for many reasons. Because the human population has grown in numbers and density, the spread of these diseases accelerated though rapid unsustainable urbanization, biodiversity loss, and climate change. Furthermore, they are exacerbated by an increasing number of vulnerable populations suffering from chronic deficiencies in food, water, and energy. The World Health Organization (WHO) and its International Health Regulation (IHR) Treaty, organized to manage population-based diseases such as Influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), H1N1, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), HIV, and Ebola, have failed to meet population-based expectations. In part, this is due to influence from powerful political donors, which has become most evident in the current COVID-19 pandemic. The global community can no longer tolerate an ineffectual and passive international response system, nor tolerate the self-serving political interference that authoritarian regimes and others have exercised over the WHO. In a highly integrated globalized world, both the WHO with its IHR Treaty have the potential to become one of the most effective mechanisms for crisis response and risk reduction world-wide. Practitioners and health decision-makers must break their silence and advocate for a stronger treaty, a return of the WHO{\textquoteright}s singular global authority, and support highly coordinated population-based management. As Osler recognized, his concept of "one medicine, one health" defines what global public health is today.}, url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7167298/}, author = {Frederick M. Burkle Jr.} } @report {1381388, title = {Displacement \& Destruction: Analysis of Idlib, Syria 2017-2020}, year = {2020}, abstract = {As the Syrian civil war enters its tenth year on\  March 15, the Signal Program on Human Security and Technology conducted satellite imagery analysis to capture the rapid expansion of displaced people{\textquoteright}s camps and the widespread impact of aerial bombardment in Idlib, Syria. This work was completed in collaboration with Save the Children and World Vision International. On 1 March 2020, the UN estimated that 961,286 individuals have been displaced since December 1, 2019; this is the largest mass displacement and acute humanitarian crisis since the\  Syrian conflict began in 2012. Analyzing two internally displaced person (IDP) camps, the Signal team found that the camp areas analyzed increased by approximately 100\% and 177\% respectively between September 2017 and February 2020. Camp growth between December 2019 and 2020 revealed new structures and further construction, consistent with a significant influx of displaced persons.\ \ The UN Human Rights Council reports that between May 2019 and January 2020, aerial bombardment and a surge of ground-level assaults contributed to a wave of IDPs throughout Idlib as civilian areas were repeatedly targeted. Signal{\textquoteright}s analysis of two areas in conflict-affected towns in southern Idlib found that approximately 30\% of structures were damaged; this figure likely underestimates the total damage.}, author = {Signal Program} } @article {1394769, title = {Opportunities Lost: Political Interference in the Systematic Collection of Population Health Data During and After the 2003 War in Iraq}, journal = {Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness}, year = {2020}, abstract = {

The review of the article, {\textquotedblleft}Developing a Public Health Monitoring System in a War-torn Region: A Field Report from Iraqi Kurdistan,{\textquotedblright} prompted the writing of this commentary. Decisions to implement health data systems within Iraq require exploration of many otherwise undisclosed or unknown historical facts that led to the politicization of and ultimate demise of the pre-2003 Iraq war systematic health data monitoring system designed to mitigate both direct and indirect mortality and morbidity. Absent from the field report{\textquoteright}s otherwise accurate history leading up to and following the war is the politically led process by which the original surveillance system planned for the war and its aftermath was destroyed. The successful politicization of the otherwise extensively planned for public health monitoring in 2003 and its legacy harmed any future attempts to implement similar monitoring systems in succeeding wars and conflicts. Warring factions only collect military casualty data. The field report outlines current attempts to begin again in building a systematic health monitoring system emphasizing it is the {\textquotedblleft}only way to manage the complex post-war events that continue to lead to disproportionate preventable mortality and morbidity.{\textquotedblright}

}, author = {Frederick M. Burkle Jr.} } @webarticle {1394079, title = {Collective trauma is real, and could hamper Australian communities{\textquoteright} bushfire recovery}, year = {2020}, url = {https://theconversation.com/collective-trauma-is-real-and-could-hamper-australian-communities-bushfire-recovery-131555}, author = {Erin Smith and Frederick M. Burkle Jr.} } @webarticle {1394077, title = {How Worried Should We Be About the Novel Coronavirus?}, year = {2020}, url = {https://www.civilbeat.org/2020/02/how-worried-should-we-be-about-the-coronavirus/}, author = {Seiji Yamada and Frederick M. Burkle Jr.} } @report {1381394, title = {Household Disaster Resilience Assessment, Bagerhat District, Bangladesh}, year = {2020}, author = {Patrick Vinck and Sarah Ferguson and Vincenzo Bollettino} } @article {1395229, title = {Chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine and COVID-19}, journal = {Toxicol Commun}, volume = {4}, year = {2020}, month = {2020}, pages = {40-42}, abstract = {The media have featured the antimalarials chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) to treat coronavirus (COVID-19). Political leaders have touted their use and recommended availability to the public. These anti-inflammatory agents have substantial human toxicity with a narrow therapeutic window. CQ and HCQ poisoning cause myocardial depression and profound hypotension due to vasodilation. Bradycardia and ventricular escape rhythms arise from impaired myocardial automaticity and conductivity due to sodium and potassium channel blockade. With cardiotoxicity, ECGs may show widened QRS, atrioventricular heart block and QT interval prolongation. CQ may also cause seizures, often refractory to standard treatment. Of concern is pediatric poisoning, where 1-2 pills of CQ or HCQ can cause serious and potentially fatal toxicity in a toddler. The treatment of CQ/HCQ poisoning includes high-dose intravenous diazepam postulated to have positive ionotropic and antidysrhythmic properties that may antagonize the cardiotoxic effects of CQ. Infusions of epinephrine titrated to treat unstable hypotension, as well as potassium for severe hypokalemia may be required. Current scientific evidence does not support treatment or prophylactic use of these agents for COVID-19 disease. Regulatory and public health authorities recognize that CQ/HCQ may offer little clinical benefit and only add risk requiring further investigation before wider public distribution.}, issn = {2473-4306}, doi = {10.1080/24734306.2020.1757967}, author = {Erickson, T B and Chai, P R and Boyer, E W} } @article {1395222, title = {Five Decades of Global Chemical Terror Attacks: Data Analysis to Inform Training and Preparedness}, journal = {Disaster Med Public Health Prep}, year = {2020}, month = {2020 Jul 24}, pages = {1-12}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Chemical weapons attacks during the recent conflict in Syria and Iraq highlight the need to better understand the changing epidemiology of chemical weapons use, especially among non-state actors. Public health professionals and policy-makers require this data to prioritize funding, training, chemical weapons preparedness, disaster response, and recovery. The purpose of this investigation is to provide descriptive data that can be used by policy-makers and public safety officials to better prepare for these potential attacks. METHODS: A five-decade descriptive retrospective review of The Global Terrorism Database, maintained by the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism, was conducted to understand trends in chemical agents, targets, and routes of exposure. We reviewed and analyzed data specific to these documented chemical attacks between 1970 and 2017. RESULTS: 383 terror attacks involved chemical weapons over the study period. A specific agent was named in 154 incidents, while 124 incidents could be classified into traditional chemical weapons categories (eg, vesicant, choking agents). A route of exposure was identified in 242 attacks, with the most common routes of exposure being dermal-mucosal and inhalational. Caustic agents were used in the highest portion of attacks (25\%) where the route of exposure was known. Explosive devices were used in 21\% of attacks to deliver these chemical agents. Of particular note, private citizens and educational facilities were targeted in 25\% and 12\% of attacks, respectively. The average number of attacks increased from 6 per year between 1970 and 2011 to 24.9 per year between 2011 and 2017 (coinciding with the start of the Syria conflict). The most commonly utilized chemicals were chlorine (26.0\%), tear gas (20.8\%), and cyanide (15.6\%). Blood agent incidents declined from 32.6\% before the September 11, 2001 attacks to 13.6\% after 2001, while nerve agent attacks fell from 9.3\% to 1.2\%. In contrast, choking (namely chlorine) and vesicant (mustard) agent use increased from 7\% to 48.1\% and from 2.3\% to 6.2\% of attacks, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Chemical weapon use in global terrorism remains an increasingly common occurrence that requires better characterization. The average number of chemical terrorist attacks per year is increasing, with a large proportion resulting from the conflicts in Iraq and Syria. Choking (chlorine) and vesicant (mustard) agents have become the predominant chemical terror agent since 2001, with a decreased incidence of blood (cyanogenic) and nerve (sarin) agents. Future preparedness initiatives should focus on vulnerable targets such as private citizens and educational institutions. Improving blast injury response is essential, along with prioritizing disaster training focused on choking agents, vesicants, and caustics.}, issn = {1938-744X}, doi = {10.1017/dmp.2020.176}, author = {DeLuca, Michael A and Chai, Peter R and Goralnick, Eric and Erickson, Timothy B} } @article {1395226, title = {Intentional Hydroxychloroquine Overdose Treated with High-Dose Diazepam: an Increasing Concern in the COVID-19 Pandemic}, journal = {J Med Toxicol}, volume = {16}, year = {2020}, month = {2020 07}, pages = {314-320}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Recent attention on the possible use of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine to treat COVID-19 disease has potentially triggered a number of overdoses from hydroxychloroquine. Toxicity from hydroxychloroquine manifests with cardiac conduction abnormalities, seizure activity, and muscle weakness. Recognizing this toxidrome and unique management of this toxicity is important in the COVID-19 pandemic. CASE REPORT: A 27-year-old man with a history of rheumatoid arthritis presented to the emergency department 7~hours after an intentional overdose of hydroxychloroquine. Initial presentation demonstrated proximal muscle weakness. The patient was found to have a QRS complex of 134~ms and QTc of 710~ms. He was treated with early orotracheal intubation and intravenous diazepam boluses. Due to difficulties formulating continuous diazepam infusions, we opted to utilize an intermitted intravenous bolus strategy that achieved similar effects that a continuous infusion would. The patient recovered without residual side effects. DISCUSSION: Hydroxychloroquine toxicity is rare but projected to increase in frequency given its selection as a potential modality to treat COVID-19 disease. It is important for clinicians to recognize the unique effects of hydroxychloroquine poisoning and initiate appropriate emergency maneuvers to improve the outcomes in these patients.}, keywords = {Adult, Coronavirus Infections, COVID-19, Diazepam, Drug Overdose, Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions, Humans, Hydroxychloroquine, Male, Pandemics, Pneumonia, Viral, Suicide, Attempted, Treatment Outcome, United States}, issn = {1937-6995}, doi = {10.1007/s13181-020-00790-8}, author = {Chai, Peter R and Ferro, E G and Kirshenbaum, J M and Hayes, B D and Culbreth, S E and Boyer, E W and Erickson, T B} } @article {1395227, title = {Pesticide Exposure and Heat Exhaustion in a Migrant Agricultural Worker: A Case of Labor Trafficking}, journal = {Ann Emerg Med}, volume = {76}, year = {2020}, month = {2020 08}, pages = {215-218}, abstract = {To our knowledge, there are no published reports of heat exhaustion and pesticide exposure in a labor trafficked patient in the literature. Here we represent the case of J.C.J.L., who was labor trafficked. He presented to a local emergency department with heat exhaustion and pesticide exposure related to working conditions in a Mississippi corn field. Unfortunately, while he received medical treatment, his labor trafficking condition was missed. Emergency departments should be equipped to assess for human trafficking and connect trafficked persons with the resources they need. Emergency physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for human trafficking among migrant workers presenting with occupation-related complaints.}, keywords = {Adult, Dehydration, Emergency Service, Hospital, Farmers, Heat Exhaustion, Human Trafficking, Humans, Male, Mississippi, Occupational Exposure, Pesticides, Renal Insufficiency, Transients and Migrants}, issn = {1097-6760}, doi = {10.1016/j.annemergmed.2020.03.007}, author = {Stoklosa, Hanni and Kunzler, Nathan and Ma, Zheng Ben and Luna, Juan Carlos Jimenez and de Vedia, Gonzalo Martinez and Erickson, Timothy B} } @article {1395221, title = {Rapid Assessment of Opioid Exposure and Treatment in Cities Through Robotic Collection and Chemical Analysis of Wastewater}, journal = {J Med Toxicol}, volume = {16}, year = {2020}, month = {2020 04}, pages = {195-203}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Accurate data regarding opioid use, overdose, and treatment is important in guiding community efforts at combating the opioid epidemic. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is a potential method to quantify community-level trends of opioid exposure beyond overdose data, which is the basis of most existing response efforts. However, most WBE efforts collect parent opioid compounds (e.g., morphine) at wastewater treatment facilities, measuring opioid concentrations across large catchment zones which typically represent an entire municipality. We sought to deploy a robotic sampling device at targeted manholes within a city to semi-quantitatively detect opioid metabolites (e.g., morphine glucuronide) at a sub-city community resolution. METHODS: We deployed a robotic wastewater sampling platform at ten residential manholes in an urban municipality in North Carolina, accounting for 44.5\% of the total municipal population. Sampling devices comprised a robotic sampling arm with in situ solid phase extraction, and collected hourly samples over 24-hour periods. We used targeted mass spectrometry to detect the presence of a custom panel of opioids, naloxone, and buprenorphine. RESULTS: Ten sampling sites were selected to be a representative survey of the entire municipality by integrating sewer network and demographic GIS data. All eleven metabolites targeted were detected during the program. The average morphine milligram equivalent (MME) across the nine illicit and prescription opioids, as excreted and detected in wastewater, was 49.1 (standard deviation of 31.9) MME/day/1000-people. Codeine was detected most frequently (detection rate of 100\%), and buprenorphine was detected least frequently (12\%). The presence of naloxone correlated with city data of known overdoses reversed by emergency medical services in the prehospital setting. CONCLUSION: Wastewater-based epidemiology with smart sewer selection and robotic wastewater collection is feasible to detect the presence of specific opioids, naloxone, methadone, and buprenorphine within a city. These results suggest that wastewater epidemiology could be used to detect patterns of opioid exposure and may ultimately provide information for opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment and harm reduction programs.}, issn = {1937-6995}, doi = {10.1007/s13181-019-00756-5}, author = {Endo, Norkio and Ghaeli, Newsha and Duvallet, Claire and Foppe, Katelyn and Erickson, Timothy B and Matus, Mariana and Chai, Peter R} } @article {1395223, title = {SARS-CoV-2 Titers in Wastewater Are Higher than Expected from Clinically Confirmed Cases}, journal = {mSystems}, volume = {5}, year = {2020}, month = {2020 Jul 21}, abstract = {Wastewater surveillance represents a complementary approach to clinical surveillance to measure the presence and prevalence of emerging infectious diseases like the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. This innovative data source can improve the precision of epidemiological modeling to understand the penetrance of SARS-CoV-2 in specific vulnerable communities. Here, we tested wastewater collected at a major urban treatment facility in Massachusetts and detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA from the gene at significant titers (57 to 303 copies per ml of sewage) in the period from 18 to 25 March 2020 using RT-qPCR. We validated detection of SARS-CoV-2 by Sanger sequencing the PCR product from the gene. Viral titers observed were significantly higher than expected based on clinically confirmed cases in Massachusetts as of 25 March. Our approach is scalable and may be useful in modeling the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and future outbreaks. Wastewater-based surveillance is a promising approach for proactive outbreak monitoring. SARS-CoV-2 is shed in stool early in the clinical course and infects a large asymptomatic population, making it an ideal target for wastewater-based monitoring. In this study, we develop a laboratory protocol to quantify viral titers in raw sewage via qPCR analysis and validate results with sequencing analysis. Our results suggest that the number of positive cases estimated from wastewater viral titers is orders of magnitude greater than the number of confirmed clinical cases and therefore may significantly impact efforts to understand the case fatality rate and progression of disease. These data may help inform decisions surrounding the advancement or scale-back of social distancing and quarantine efforts based on dynamic wastewater catchment-level estimations of prevalence.}, issn = {2379-5077}, doi = {10.1128/mSystems.00614-20}, author = {Wu, Fuqing and Zhang, Jianbo and Xiao, Amy and Gu, Xiaoqiong and Lee, Wei Lin and Armas, Federica and Kauffman, Kathryn and William Hanage and Matus, Mariana and Ghaeli, Newsha and Endo, Noriko and Duvallet, Claire and Poyet, Mathilde and Moniz, Katya and Washburne, Alex D and Erickson, Timothy B and Chai, Peter R and Thompson, Janelle and Alm, Eric J} } @article {1395224, title = {SARS-CoV-2 titers in wastewater foreshadow dynamics and clinical presentation of new COVID-19 cases}, journal = {medRxiv}, year = {2020}, month = {2020 Jun 23}, abstract = {Current estimates of COVID-19 prevalence are largely based on symptomatic, clinically diagnosed cases. The existence of a large number of undiagnosed infections hampers population-wide investigation of viral circulation. Here, we use longitudinal wastewater analysis to track SARS-CoV-2 dynamics in wastewater at a major urban wastewater treatment facility in Massachusetts, between early January and May 2020. SARS-CoV-2 was first detected in wastewater on March 3. Viral titers in wastewater increased exponentially from mid-March to mid-April, after which they began to decline. Viral titers in wastewater correlated with clinically diagnosed new COVID-19 cases, with the trends appearing 4-10 days earlier in wastewater than in clinical data. We inferred viral shedding dynamics by modeling wastewater viral titers as a convolution of back-dated new clinical cases with the viral shedding function of an individual. The inferred viral shedding function showed an early peak, likely before symptom onset and clinical diagnosis, consistent with emerging clinical and experimental evidence. Finally, we found that wastewater viral titers at the neighborhood level correlate better with demographic variables than with population size. This work suggests that longitudinal wastewater analysis can be used to identify trends in disease transmission in advance of clinical case reporting, and may shed light on infection characteristics that are difficult to capture in clinical investigations, such as early viral shedding dynamics.}, doi = {10.1101/2020.06.15.20117747}, author = {Wu, Fuqing and Xiao, Amy and Zhang, Jianbo and Moniz, Katya and Endo, Noriko and Armas, Federica and Bonneau, Richard and Brown, Megan A and Bushman, Mary and Chai, Peter R and Duvallet, Claire and Erickson, Timothy B and Foppe, Katelyn and Ghaeli, Newsha and Gu, Xiaoqiong and Hanage, William P and Huang, Katherine H and Lee, Wei Lin and Matus, Mariana and McElroy, Kyle A and Nagler, Jonathan and Rhode, Steven F and Santillana, Mauricio and Tucker, Joshua A and Wuertz, Stefan and Zhao, Shijie and Thompson, Janelle and Alm, Eric J} } @article {1395225, title = {Traumatic pedestrian and bicyclist injuries associated with intoxication}, journal = {Am J Emerg Med}, year = {2020}, month = {2020 Aug 16}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Drug and alcohol use are risk factors for trauma among operators of motor vehicles and contribute to trauma in pedestrians and bicyclists. We describe the prevalence of drug and alcohol use and clinical consequences in a cohort of pedestrians and bicyclists with trauma. METHODS: We analyzed a 25-month data set of 916 trauma team activations from January 2017-January 2019 at an urban, level I trauma center. Blood ethanol levels and urine toxicology screens were obtained in 94 pedestrian and bicyclist trauma activations. We compared pedestrians or bicyclists with a positive urine or blood screen (n~=~69) to those with negative screens (n~=~25). We conducted a retrospective chart review to determine mechanism of injury, injury pattern, and disposition from the emergency department (ED). RESULTS: Overall, 38 (55\%) of injured patients with positive screen were pedestrians and 31 (45\%) were bicyclists. Fentanyl was the most commonly detected drug (n~=~38; 40\%), followed by opiates (n~=~27; 29\%), and tetrahydrocannabiol (THC) (n~=~23; 25\%). Twenty-one patients were positive for ethanol. Pedestrians and bicyclists with positive toxicology screens were significantly more likely to sustain fractures (p~<~.01), require an operative procedure (p~<~.05), or intensive care unit admission (p~<~.05). CONCLUSION: Our study builds on previous literature which suggests that intoxicated bicyclists and pedestrians suffer frequent and more severe injury than their sober counterparts. Public health campaigns should educate bicyclists and pedestrians about the risks of cycling or walking in areas of road traffic while under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs.}, issn = {1532-8171}, doi = {10.1016/j.ajem.2020.08.024}, author = {Tonellato, D J and Ransohoff, J R and Nash, C and Melanson, S E F and Petrides, A K and Tolan, N V and Goldberg, S A and Boyer, E W and Chai, P R and Erickson, T B} } @article {1395228, title = {"Emerging Technologies and Medical Countermeasures to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Agents in East Ukraine"}, journal = {Conflict and Health}, volume = {14}, year = {2020}, month = {2020}, pages = {24}, abstract = {Since 2014, Ukraine has been beset by an armed conflict with international and internal dimensions. The nature of this conflict is multidimensional, and disaster preparedness and response in this context must be as well. Health experts from Ukraine, the United States of America, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, and Norway convened for an educational event in Dnipro, East Ukraine on November 11-15, 2019. At the event, "Emerging Technologies and Countermeasures to CBRN Agents: Advanced Training Response to Conflict and Security Challenges in East Ukraine," over 1,000 participants participated in panel discussions, didactic lectures, and an advanced training on various dimensions of disaster response. This report provides an overview of the key discussions and outcomes of the event.}, issn = {1752-1505}, doi = {10.1186/s13031-020-00279-9}, author = {Patel, Sonny S and Grace, Robert M and Chellew, Patrick and Prodanchuk, Mykola and Romaniuk, Olha and Skrebets, Yuriy and Ryzhenko, Sergii A and Erickson, Timothy B} } @book {1424921, title = {Extraordinary Justice: Law, Politics, and the Khmer Rouge Tribunals}, year = {2019}, publisher = {Columbia University Press}, organization = {Columbia University Press}, author = {Craig Etcheson} } @report {1389363, title = {Lessons Learned Report: Using Satellite Data Analysis in Conflict/Famine-Affected Areas}, year = {2019}, abstract = {This report captures the lessons learned during a project titled, {\textquotedblleft}Children on the Move: Using Satellite Data Analysis in Conflict/Famine-Affected Areas.{\textquotedblright} This document details the project{\textquoteright}s progression and the rationale for transitioning from satellite imagery analysis to agent-based modeling as the primary mode of analysis. This project was conducted in collaboration with the Governance Lab at New York University, the Signal Program on Human Security and Technology at Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, and UNICEF.\ }, author = {Saira Khan and Rob Baker and Caitlin Howarth and Erica Nelson and Isaac Baker and Natalia Adler and Stefaan Verhulst} } @report {1389359, title = {Satellite Imagery Interpretation Guide of Landscape Features in Somaliland}, year = {2019}, abstract = {

This guide outlines the tools and techniques to establish a foundation for visual analysis and discusses how these techniques can assist in identifying notable landscape features pertaining to agriculture, settlements, water catchment, and livestock in northern Somalia. To the knowledge of the Signal Program analysts, there is no systematic open-source remote sensing documentation of frequently occurring natural and man-made features in Somalia. This guide helps users to identify and analyze these features, particularly humanitarian practitioners supporting activities in the Horn of Africa. This project, titled {\textquotedblleft}Children on the Move: Using Satellite Data Analysis in Conflict/Famine-Affected Areas,{\textquotedblright} was carried out in collaboration with UNICEF, the GovLab at NYU, and the Signal Program on Human Security and Technology at Harvard Humanitarian Initiative.

}, author = {Saira Khan and Isaac Baker and Rob Baker} } @article {1395045, title = {The burden of diabetes and use of diabetes care in humanitarian crises in low-income and middle-income countries}, journal = {The Lancet}, volume = {7}, year = {2019}, pages = {638-647}, abstract = {Human suffering as a result of natural disasters or conflict includes death and disability from non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, which have largely been neglected in humanitarian crises. The objectives of this Series paper were to examine the evidence on the burden of diabetes, use of health services, and access to care for people with diabetes among populations affected by humanitarian crises in low-income and middle-income countries, and to identify research gaps for future studies. We reviewed the scientific literature on this topic published between 1992 and 2018. The results emphasise that the burden of diabetes in humanitarian settings is not being captured, clinical guidance is insufficient, and diabetes is not being adequately addressed. Crisis-affected populations with diabetes face enormous constraints accessing care, mainly because of high medical costs. Further research is needed to characterise the epidemiology of diabetes in humanitarian settings and to develop simplified, cost-effective models of care to improve the delivery of diabetes care during humanitarian crises.}, author = {Sylvia Kehlenbrink and James Smith and Eimhin Ansbro and Daniela C Fuhr and Anson Cheung and Ratnayake, Ruwan} } @article {1395042, title = {Diabetes in humanitarian crises: the Boston Declaration}, journal = {The Lancet}, volume = {7}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Nearly three out of every four deaths worldwide in 2017 were caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs).\ Many countries have made progress reducing risk factors for NCDs such as tobacco use, hyperlipidaemia, and hypertension, but no countries have successfully reversed the increasing trends in diabetes prevalence and mortality from diabetes.\ This situation represents a massive global health failure, since type 2 diabetes is largely preventable with lifestyle modification and cost-effective treatments exist for both type 2 and type 1 diabetes.\  Type 1 diabetes is of particular concern, since it is fatal in the absence of insulin treatment.}, url = {https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(19)30197-4/fulltext}, author = {Sylvia Kehlenbrink and Lindsay M Jaacks} } @report {1381397, title = {Perceptions of Vulnerability, Preparedness, Assistance, and Barriers: Regional Infographics, the Philippines}, year = {2019}, abstract = {

This report provides a regional breakdown of household perceptions and self-reported activities on several key questions related to disaster preparedness and recovery in the Philippines. These are: who and what is vulnerable? What preparedness activities have households undertaken? What assistance have households received and what helped them recover the most? What are the barriers?

The report is intended to be used in conjunction with the full report {\textquotedblleft}Perceptions of Disaster Resilience and Preparedness in the Philippines{\textquotedblright} (2018), which explores perceptions on a wider variety of disaster related issues in greater detail. Data for both reports were derived from a nationwide, household-level survey of randomly selected adults aged 18 years old and above, representing all of Philippines economic strata, conducted in 2017.

}, author = {Tilly Alcayna and Vincenzo Bollettino and Lea Manzanero and Patrick Vinck} } @article {1381408, title = {Realities and Myths of the {\textquotedblleft}Triple Nexus{\textquotedblright}: Local Perspectives on Peacebuilding, Development, and Humanitarian Action in Mali}, year = {2019}, abstract = {

Despite decades of development programming for a country once upheld as a {\textquotedblleft}model democracy{\textquotedblright} in Africa, Mali remains a country destabilized by extreme poverty; escalating violence and instability; and diminishing prospects for Malians{\textquoteright} futures in education, livelihoods, and stability. Even in light of an ongoing international presence and intervention in the country, and millions of dollars raised and spent each year on humanitarian programming, the persistent degradation of governance, livelihoods, and security continues.

What drives this state of affairs? How have international and regional actors contributed to sustaining a stagnating state at the expense of civilian populations and in the interest of preventing transnational Sahelian turmoil from expanding into the Maghreb and beyond to
European borders? What are the expectations and aspirations of local communities as they navigate the interconnected influences of extremist groups, government actors, and international military forces?

This paper examines these questions and offers reflections on various dynamics of the international response and the perceptions of local communities in this context. In particular, this analysis assesses the viability of the {\textquotedblleft}triple nexus{\textquotedblright} concept, which aims{\textemdash}in protracted
and complex crises such as Mali{\textemdash}to forge an operational and policy alignment between international peacebuilding, development, and humanitarian efforts. The paper is based on a desk analysis of relevant literature, as well as over 130 interviews and consultations
undertaken with a variety of stakeholders, including government and non-state armed group representatives, civil society members, activists, journalists, humanitarians, analysts, diplomats, entrepreneurs, beneficiaries, displaced people, and students. The interviews were conducted in Mali, particularly in Bamako and in Central Mali, as well as abroad, between December 2018 and March 2019. The paper proceeds in four parts. Part I examines the key elements driving instability in this context. Part II focuses on international responses. Part III discusses the implications for the {\textquotedblleft}triple nexus.{\textquotedblright} Part IV offers concluding remarks.

}, author = {Emmanuel Tronc and Rob Grace and Ana{\"\i}de Nahikian} } @article {1395043, title = {Challenges associated with providing diabetes care in humanitarian settings}, journal = {The Lancet}, volume = {7}, year = {2019}, pages = {648-656}, abstract = {The humanitarian health landscape is gradually changing, partly as a result of the shift in global epidemiological trends and the rise of non-communicable diseases, including diabetes. Humanitarian actors are progressively incorporating care for diabetes into emergency medical response, but challenges abound. This Series paper discusses contemporary practical challenges associated with diabetes care in humanitarian contexts in low-income and middle-income countries, using the six building blocks of health systems described by WHO (information and research, service delivery, health workforce, medical products and technologies, governance, and financing) as a framework. Challenges include the scarcity of evidence on the management of diabetes and clinical guidelines adapted to humanitarian contexts; unavailability of core indicators for surveillance and monitoring systems; and restricted access to the medicines and diagnostics necessary for adequate clinical care. Policy and system frameworks do not routinely include diabetes and little funding is allocated for diabetes care in humanitarian crises. Humanitarian organisations are increasingly gaining experience delivering diabetes care, and interagency collaboration to coordinate, improve data collection, and analyse available programmes is in progress. However, the needs around all six WHO health system building blocks are immense, and much work needs to be done to improve diabetes care for crisis-affected populations.}, url = {https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(19)30083-X/fulltext}, author = {Philippa Boulle and Sylvia Kehlenbrink and James Smith and David Beran and Kiran Jobanputra} } @article {1381679, title = {Revisiting the Sphere standards: comparing the revised Sphere standards to living standards in three urban informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya}, journal = {Journal of International Humanitarian Action}, volume = {4}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Humanitarian actors have long used the Sphere Handbook and its minimum standards to guide operational practice. The new revision attempts to update these standards partly to address urban crises that have challenged the humanitarian system. Yet, these indicators have never been based on a substantial body of evidence or data from the varied living standards found in cities or specifically informal settlements. This study aims to contextualize the Sphere standards for urban populations by comparing a sample of the revised key indicators to living standards in three urban informal settlements of Nairobi, Kenya, during a non-crisis period to examine their relevance and applicability, and discuss the implications.}, url = {https://link.springer.com/epdf/10.1186/s41018-019-0054-y?author_access_token=JYj3pQ3hb2VY6uEXBCUg7W_BpE1tBhCbnbw3BuzI2RME-udvfkQbmd2p5Qe_qJBSqLKw1r_fsCV8NHya5CN5LFbC2Cmlw24zM_BzAjHOCZWmFblS1ReT22TTyJxYIAV7YAXPoTlVGQb3wcNlNiUjVg\%3D\%3D}, author = {Ronak B. Patel and Jay Chadhuri} } @article {1381676, title = {Institutional trust and misinformation in the response to the 2018{\textendash}19 Ebola outbreak in North Kivu, DR Congo: a population-based survey}, journal = {The Lancet Infectious Diseases}, volume = {19}, year = {2019}, pages = {529-536}, abstract = {The current outbreak of Ebola in eastern DR Congo, beginning in 2018, emerged in a complex and violent political and security environment. Community-level prevention and outbreak control measures appear to be dependent on public trust in relevant authorities and information, but little scholarship has explored these issues. We aimed to investigate the role of trust and misinformation on individual preventive behaviours during an outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD).}, url = {https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(19)30063-5/fulltext}, author = {Patrick Vinck and Phuong Pham and Kenedy Bungu and Juliet Bedford and Eric Nilles} } @article {1381677, title = {Natural Hazards Governance in South Asia}, journal = {Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Natural Hazard Science}, year = {2019}, abstract = {South Asia is faced with a range of natural hazards, including floods, droughts, cyclones, earthquakes, landslides, and tsunamis. Rapid and unplanned urbanization, environmental degradation, climate change, and socioeconomic conditions are increasing citizens{\textquoteright} exposure to and risk from natural hazards and resulting in more frequent, intense, and costly disasters. Although governments and the international community are investing in disaster risk reduction, natural hazard governance in South Asian countries remain weak and often warrants a review when a major natural disaster strikes. Natural hazards governance is an emerging concept, and many countries in South Asia have a challenging hazard governance context.}, url = {http://oxfordre.com/naturalhazardscience/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780199389407.001.0001/acrefore-9780199389407-e-231}, author = {Mihir Bhatt and Kelsey Gleason and Ronak B. Patel} } @article {1395220, title = {Evaluation of an Enhanced Peer Mentoring Program on Scholarly Productivity and Promotion in Academic Emergency Medicine: A Five-Year Review}, journal = {J Natl Med Assoc}, volume = {111}, year = {2019}, month = {2019 Dec}, pages = {600-605}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To design, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of an enhanced peer mentoring program (EPMP) for faculty in emergency medicine aimed at overcoming traditional mentoring challenges. METHODS: Full time faculty (Clinical Instructor, Assistant, and Associate levels) were placed into peer groups (based upon their primary academic roles) led by senior faculty advisors at the Professor level. Peer groups met at least quarterly from 2012 to 2017. In lieu of a structured curriculum, session topics were informed by individual faculty surveys and peer group consensus. Areas of focus included work-life balance, prioritizing academic commitments, identification of mentors (both within and external to the department and university), networking opportunities, promotions goals, and career satisfaction. RESULTS: Effectiveness of the EPMP was evaluated by academic productivity and advancement over a 5- year period. A total of 22 faculty members participated in the program. There was an increase in promotions to the next academic level, from 3 promotions in the five years before the program to 7 promotions in the five years of the program. Total grant funding increased 3-fold from $500,000 to $1,706,479 from the first year to the last year of the evaluation period. CONCLUSIONS: This enhanced peer mentoring program was effective in mitigating many of the traditional mentoring challenges faced by faculty in academia and was successful in improving both academic productivity and advancement.}, keywords = {Academic Medical Centers, Career Mobility, Chicago, Efficiency, Organizational, Emergency Medicine, Faculty, Medical, Female, Humans, Male, Mentoring, Peer Group, Program Evaluation, Research Support as Topic}, issn = {1943-4693}, doi = {10.1016/j.jnma.2019.07.001}, author = {Prendergast, Heather M and Heinert, Sara W and Erickson, Timothy B and Thompson, Trevonne M and Vanden Hoek, Terry L} } @report {1381976, title = {Fragile Future: The human cost of conflict in Afghanistan}, year = {2018}, abstract = {This context analysis examines the humanitarian, political, societal, and economic dimensions that make the protracted conflict in Afghanistan intractable and precarious for civilian populations. The report is based on field visits to numerous regions in Afghanistan in July 2018 {\textemdash} which included interviews and consultations with a variety of actors, including political stakeholders, humanitarian agencies, and populations affected by conflict {\textemdash} as well as a review of recent and relevant literature. The purpose of this analysis is to (1) provide a current assessment of the conflict, drawing from field interviews and an in- depth assemblage of various reports and resources, (2) examine the interconnected and interdependent interests fueling the conflict, and (3) suggest that if these dynamics persist in the way they have for decades, recent elections and peace talks will represent yet another setback for Afghan communities and a peaceful future for the country.}, url = {https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3291982}, author = {Emmanuel Tronc and Ana{\"\i}de Nahikian} } @article {1381947, title = {Precision Health in Disaster Medicine and Global Public Health}, journal = { Prehospital and Disaster Medicine}, volume = {33}, year = {2018}, pages = {565 - 566}, abstract = {Current debates about precision medicine take different perspectives on its relevance and value in global health. The term has not yet been applied to disaster medicine or humanitarian health, but it may hold significant value. An interpretation of the term for global public health and disaster medicine is presented here for application to vulnerable populations. Embracing the term may drive more efficient use and targeting of limited resources while encouraging innovation and adopting the new approaches advocated in current humanitarian discourse.}, url = {https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/prehospital-and-disaster-medicine/article/precision-health-in-disaster-medicine-and-global-public-health/E6C3FDA81FF4929859E6E8CF6ED02F98}, author = {Ronak B. Patel} } @report {1381966, title = {Humanitarian Access Obstruction in Somalia: Externally Imposed and Self-Inflicted Dimensions }, year = {2018}, abstract = {

Access obstruction in conflict settings has emerged as a critical operational and policy concern across the humanitarian sector, but there remains a dearth of analysis regarding the ways in which humanitarian organizations perpetuate self-inflicted access obstacles. Drawing on qualitative interviews conducted with local and international actors negotiating frontline humanitarian access in Somalia, this paper will examine the ways in which this context elucidates this phenomenon. Toward this end, this paper examines two dimensions of humanitarian access obstruction in this context. The first set of dynamics consists of externally imposed obstacles that stem from governmental actors, Al-Shabaab, access "gatekeepers" motivated by financial gain, and the insecure nature of the environment. The second set of dynamics consists of self-inflicted dimensions of access obstruction that emanate from decisions that international humanitarian organizations (IHOs) have made at the strategic or policy level. These issues include the physical "bunkerization" of IHOs, programmatic shortcomings, the discounting of local humanitarian actors{\textquoteright} agency, and the ways that IHOs exhibit programmatic partiality in response to donors{\textquoteright} interests and counterterrorism legislation. Through examining these issues, this paper highlights fact that, although the discourse on humanitarian access obstruction tends to emphasize difficulties arising from externally imposed obstacles, it is also important to interrogate the value and methods of humanitarian programming itself.

}, url = {https://ssrn.com/abstract=3284256}, author = {Emmanuel Tronc and Rob Grace and Ana{\"\i}de Nahikian} } @report {1382169, title = {Cagayan Valley Region: Household Preparedness}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Typhoon Ompong (Mangkhut) has had a major impact on the north of the Philippines damaging in excess of 76,000 homes in Cagayan Province (Region II Cagayan Valley) and completing destroying more than 10,000 homes there. The Philippines government and many national and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will be involved in the response. To help tailor the response it is useful to know what the level of preparedness for disaster was in Cagayan Valley Province before the storm hit.
The following statistics, compiled by the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, were gathered between March and April of 2017.}, author = {Program on Resilient Communities} } @report {1382170, title = {Cordillera Administrative Region: Household Preparedness}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Typhoon Ompong (Mangkhut) has had a major impact on the north of the Philippines displacing more than 50,000 people in Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and resulting in over PhP 14 billion in agriculatural damages (equivalent to approx. USD 270 million). The Philippines government and many national and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will be involved in the response. To help tailor the response it is useful to know what the level of preparedness for disaster was in Cordillera Administrative Region before the storm hit. The following statistics, compiled by the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, were gathered between March and April of 2017.}, author = {Program on Resilient Communities} } @report {1381948, title = {Perceptions of Disaster Resilience and Preparedness in the Philippines}, year = {2018}, abstract = {

The Philippines is one of the world{\textquoteright}s most disaster-prone countries. Located along the boundary of major tectonic plates and at the center of a typhoon belt, its islands are regularly impacted by floods, typhoons, landslides, earthquakes, volcanoes, and droughts. The Philippines also ranks among the top three countries in the world for population exposure and vulnerability to hazards. The Philippine government has developed strong coping mechanisms over their long history of experience with disasters. Yet, significant gaps remain in disaster management capacities across different regions of the Philippines and surprisingly little data are available referencing local levels of disaster resilience and preparedness.

This research aims to address the gap in knowledge on both local disaster resilience and preparedness by providing a comprehensive overview of household measures of resilience and levels of disaster preparedness. This is the first nationwide household survey on measures of disaster resilience and disaster preparedness carried out in the Philippines. It comes at a time of critical importance as efforts are being made to ensure disaster management is based on evidence, especially at the local level and amid national discussions on centralizing disaster resilience efforts under a single national agency.

Learn more by filling out our contact survey

}, author = {Vincenzo Bollettino and Tilly Alcayna and Krish Enriquez and Patrick Vinck} } @booklet {1394023, title = {An Innovative Global Diplomacy Public Health Student Program {\textendash} Lessons from the Field in a Post-Conflict Medellin, Colombia}, year = {2018}, abstract = {

For over fifty years, Colombia has been embroiled in conflict, displacing nearly seven million people, second only to Syria for the highest number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the world. Most are displaced to urban environments into dense informal settlements with inadequate water, sanitation, shelter and power infrastructure. The city of Medell{\'\i}n, has become home to over 200,000 IDPs in informal agglomerations. Medell{\'\i}n{\textquoteright}s transformation to a city of progress and innovation through the promotion of {\textquotedblleft}social urbanism{\textquotedblright} is an example of how collaboration between city institutions and government sectors can address issues of poverty, violence, equality, engagement, and reintegration of displaced populations in Colombia.

The Post-Conflict Colombia Public Health Project is a collaborative academic exchange program aimed at bringing together public health students from the United States and Colombia for the purpose of understanding between the people of both countries. The project aims to educate students while also providing direct service and fostering long-term cross-cultural relationships and sustainable projects. Seminars, skill building workshops, cultural experiences, and community engagement are used to build professional competencies and inform policy recommendations for future projects. Despite the limited research on the educational impact of short-term global emersion programs, small scale evaluations point to an increase in learners{\textquoteright} cross-cultural adaptability. The believed benefit to students{\textquoteright} professional and personal development must be balanced with ethical considerations including preparedness of students, health and safety risks, cultural sensitivity, and issues of sustainability. In order to address these concerns, programs should be developed collaboratively through bi-directional participatory relationships, incorporating both education and direct service components, and promoting local capacity building and long-term sustainability.

Our course pairs 16 carefully selected graduate-level public health and medical students from Harvard and Universidad de Antioquia, who will serve as both student and citizen ambassadors, to come together and share about their culture, values, and experiences through the lens of diplomacy and dialogue to make a meaningful impact in the people and country of Colombia. The course examines the social development model of Medell{\'\i}n and its impact on advances in peace, social equity, and health. Beyond the theoretical concepts, students will learn to apply them to the Granizal community in order to create practical solutions that are sustainable, scalable, innovative, and measurable.

As other disciplines move away from curricula limited to rote learning and fact-based content, public health and policy education will also benefit from incorporating experiential and competency-based learning with an emphasis on skill building in leadership, management, policy-making, and research.5 The Institute of Medicine{\textquoteright}s 2003 report, Who Will Keep the Public Healthy? Educating Public Health Professionals for the 21st Century, recommends eight content areas as essential to graduate level public health education programs: informatics, genomics, communication, cultural competence, community-based participatory research, global health, policy and law, and public health ethics.6 The report further acknowledges the importance of developing international relationships between academic institutions, community organizations, and health agencies for collaboration in interdisciplinary and community-based research, learning, and service. Health disparities, issues of social justice, and public health threats from infectious disease are less and less confined by political and geographic boundaries. The future generation of leaders in public health and policy must be able to bridge nations and cultures through diplomacy and be equipped to develop innovative strategies and partnerships across professional disciplines and on a global scale.

While several public health approaches have been documented in the literature, we describe a model for a multi-institutional and cross-cultural collaboration based on The Post-Conflict Colombia Public Health Project, a three-week intensive course developed in partnership between the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, the Open Hands Initiative, and the University of Antioquia. While this model is a public health course focusing on Colombia, the concepts and educational strategies can be applied across academic disciplines and to other countries and communities.

} } @report {1381674, title = {DEPP Evaluation Summative Phase Report}, year = {2018}, abstract = {This report provides the summative results from the three-year external impact evaluation of the Disasters and Emergencies Preparedness Programme (DEPP) conducted by a team at the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI). The DEPP was a {\textsterling}40 million programme funded by the Department for International Development (DFID) that aimed to strengthen skills and capacity and improve the quality and speed of humanitarian response in countries that are at risk of natural disasters or emergencies.}, author = {Phuong Pham and Vandana Sharma and Rebecca H{\'e}mono and Jessica Jean-Francois and Jennifer Scott} } @report {1381675, title = {DEPP Evaluation Summative Phase Report Annexes}, year = {2018}, abstract = {

This report provides the summative results from the three-year external impact evaluation of the Disasters and Emergencies Preparedness Programme (DEPP) conducted by a team at the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI). The DEPP was a {\textsterling}40 million programme funded by the Department for International Development (DFID) that aimed to strengthen skills and capacity and improve the quality and speed of humanitarian response in countries that are at risk of natural disasters or emergencies.

This document provides the annexes of the report.\ 

}, author = {Phuong Pham and Vandana Sharma and Rebecca H{\'e}mono and Jessica Jean-Francois and Jennifer Scott} } @report {1381681, title = {Signal Code: Ethical Obligations for Humanitarian Information Activities}, year = {2018}, abstract = {

Humanitarians today lack sufficient ethical guidance adapted to the realities of humanitarianism in the information age to responsibly navigate the challenges and realities of the digital age.

The Signal Code: Ethical Obligations for Humanitarian Information Activities translates and applies the foundational sources of ethical humanitarian practice to humanitarian information activities, such as mobile devices, WiFi provision, data collection, storage and analysis, and biometric registration tools. This document represents the first effort to provide humanitarian practitioners and researchers with comprehensive ethical guidance for this increasingly commonplace and critical area of humanitarian practice.

The Obligations builds upon the rights-based approach first articulated in the January 2017 publication of The Signal Code: A Human Rights Approach to Information during Crisis. The Code seeks to identify extant international humanitarian and human rights law and standards, as well as other relevant and accepted international instruments, that provide all people basic rights pertaining to the access to, and provision and treatment of, information during a crisis. The first volume of the Code is employed as an underlying framework for how the Obligations is structured and from where the obligations are, in part, derived.

For more information please visit\ https://signalcode.org/obligations/

}, author = {Stuart R. Campo and Caitlin N. Howarth and Nathaniel A. Raymond and Daniel P. Scarnecchia} } @article {1382168, title = {From the battlefield to the bedroom: a multilevel analysis of the links between political conflict and intimate partner violence in Liberia}, journal = {BMJ Global Health}, volume = {3}, year = {2018}, abstract = {

Objectives\ Assess the link between levels of armed conflict and postconflict intimate partner violence (IPV) experienced by women in Liberia.

Methods\ Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project data were used to measure conflict-related fatalities in districts in Liberia during the country{\textquoteright}s civil war from 1999 to 2003. These data were linked to individual-level data from the 2007 Demographic and Health Survey, including past-year IPV. Multilevel logistic models accounting for the clustering of women within districts evaluated the relationship of conflict fatalities with postconflict past-year IPV. Additional conflict measures, including conflict events and cumulative years of conflict, were assessed.

Results\ After adjusting for individual-level characteristics correlated with IPV, residence in a conflict fatality-affected district was associated with a 50\% increase in risk of IPV (adjusted OR (aOR): 1.55, 95\% CI 1.26 to 1.92). Women living in a district that experienced 4{\textendash}5 cumulative years of conflict were also more likely to experience IPV (aOR 1.88, 95\% CI 1.29 to 2.75).

Conclusion\ Residing in a conflict-affected district even 5 years after conflict was associated with postconflict IPV.

Policy implications\ Recognising and preventing postconflict IPV violence is important to support long-term recovery in postconflict settings.

}, url = {https://gh.bmj.com/content/3/2/e000668}, author = {Jocelyn Kelly and Elizabeth Colantuoni and Courtland Robinson and Michele R Decker} } @report {1381975, title = {HHI Annual Report 2017 }, year = {2018}, abstract = {

The HHI 2017 Annual Report provides a look into the research and educational activities of the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative.\ 

At a time of deepening challenges nationally, globally, and especially in the humanitarian sector, the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI) is uniquely positioned to shape the future of humanitarian response, research, and education. The crises of the past year - including protracted conflicts, refugee displacement, and worsening natural disasters - have further underscored the importance of our work, and deepened our commitment to advancing the science and practice of humanitarian response. Our growing team of leading researchers, practitioners, and educators is working with local organizations and international institutions to build the evidence-base within the field, exchange knowledge with tens of thousands of current and future practitioners around the globe, and shape the development of policy at the forefront of humanitarian action.

}, author = {Harvard Humanitarian Initiative} } @report {1381946, title = {Refugee Connectivity: A Survey of Mobile Phones, Mental Health, and Privacy at a Syrian Refugee Camp in Greece}, year = {2018}, abstract = {The report, Refugee Connectivity: A Survey of Mobile Phones, Mental Health, and Privacy at a Syrian Refugee Camp in Greece, is the result of 2017 field research by Data \& Society, the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative{\textquoteright}s (HHI) Signal Program on Human Security and Technology, and Centre for Innovation at Leiden University. Lead authors of the report are Mark Latonero, Ph.D. of Data \& Society, Danielle Poole of HHI/Signal and the Harvard School of Public Health, and Jos Berens, formerly of Leiden University.\ }, author = {Mark Latonero and Danielle Poole and Jos Berens} } @report {1382174, title = {Engaging with People Affected by Armed Conflicts and Other Situations of Violence: Recommendations for Humanitarian Organizations and Donors in the Digital Era}, year = {2018}, abstract = {

ICRC \& the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI) launch a joint discussion paper that provides recommendations for humanitarian organisations and donors in today{\textquoteright}s digital era.

Based on a review of the relevant literature and interviews with representatives of the humanitarian sector, donors, and community-based organizations, the paper offers an overview of how the humanitarian community currently engages with people affected by armed conflict and violence; a review of the opportunities and challenges for meaningful engagement; and a series of recommendations for both humanitarian organizations and donors.

}, author = {International Committee of the Red Cross and Harvard Humanitarian Initiative} } @article {1381968, title = {Human Rights and Mixed Methods}, journal = {Chance}, volume = {31}, year = {2018}, pages = {29-37}, abstract = {Research in the field of human rights can have many goals. Among others, it serves to uncover and document evidence of crimes, seeks to tell the stories of victims and survivors, and strives to inform and influence policies and strategies to deal with human rights violations. Most commonly, it is defines as seeking to uncover "the truth" - what happened, to whom, by whom, where, when, how, and how many were effected.\ }, url = {http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09332480.2018.1438706}, author = {Phuong Pham and Patrick Vinck} } @article {1381949, title = {Making sense of child, early and forced marriage among Syrian refugee girls: a mixed methods study in Lebanon}, journal = {BMJ Global Health}, volume = {3}, year = {2018}, abstract = {

The Syrian conflict has resulted in over 2.3 million child refugees in the Middle East and the prevalence of early marriage has reportedly increased among displaced Syrian families. This study explores the underlying factors contributing to child marriage among Syrian refugees in Lebanon with the goal of informing community-based strategies to address the issue.

In July{\textendash}August 2016, trained interviewers collected self-interpreted stories in Lebanon using Cognitive Edge{\textquoteright}s SenseMaker, a mixed-method data collection tool. Participants included married and unmarried Syrian girls, Syrian parents as well as married and unmarried men. Each participant shared a story about the experiences of Syrian girls and then interpreted the story by plotting their perspectives on a variety of questions. Patterns in the responses were analysed in SPSS and the accompanying qualitative narratives were reviewed to facilitate interpretation of the quantitative results.

}, url = {http://gh.bmj.com/content/3/1/e000509}, author = {Susan Andrea Bartels and Saja Michael and Sophie Roupetz and Stephanie Garbern and Lama Kilzar and Harveen Bergquist and Nour Bakhache and Colleen Davison and Annie Bunting} } @article {1395216, title = {Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: A Review of Search and Rescue and Emergency Medical Services Operations, 2006-2015}, journal = {Wilderness Environ Med}, volume = {29}, year = {2018}, month = {2018 Dec}, pages = {463-470}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (APIS) lies at the northern tip of Wisconsin and is home to a network of 21 islands along Lake Superior. The goal of this report is to investigate search and rescue (SAR) and emergency medical services (EMS) trends at APIS in an effort to improve visitor safety and resource allocation. METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis reviewing APIS SAR reports and annual EMS summary reports from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2015. Information related to incident type, incident date, individual demographic characteristics and activities, injury/illness type, cost, and contributing factors were recorded and analyzed in frequency tables. RESULTS: From 2006 to 2015, APIS SAR conducted 133 total missions assisting 261 individuals-200 not injured/ill, 57 injured/ill, and 4 fatalities. Median cost per SAR incident involving aircraft totaled $21,695 (range: $2,993-141,849), whereas incidents not involving aircraft had a median cost of $363 (range: $35-8,830). Nonmotorized boating was the most common activity resulting in SAR incidents. All 4 fatalities were attributed to drowning while kayaking or swimming. Cold-related injury/illness accounted for nearly half of all injuries/illnesses (45\%) with the most commonly reported contributing factor being high winds. EMS responded to a total of 134 incidents. Trauma and first aid accounted for 43\% and 34\% of EMS workload, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this study highlights the hazards associated with the frigid and rough conditions of Lake Superior. The reported results aim to help APIS personnel more saliently convey risks to visitors and plan appropriately in an effort to decrease the need for future rescues.}, keywords = {Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Treatment, Female, Humans, Incidence, Male, Parks, Recreational, Rescue Work, Retrospective Studies, Wisconsin, Workload, Wounds and Injuries}, issn = {1545-1534}, doi = {10.1016/j.wem.2018.06.010}, author = {Small, Elan R and Burbank, Sarah R and Lorme, Jeanette M and Carlson, Karl and Erickson, Timothy B and Young, David S} } @article {1395219, title = {Case 12-2018: A 30-Year-Old Woman with Cardiac Arrest}, journal = {N Engl J Med}, volume = {378}, year = {2018}, month = {2018 Apr 19}, pages = {1538-1549}, keywords = {Adult, Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic, Antidotes, Bradycardia, Diagnosis, Differential, Drug Overdose, Electric Countershock, Electrocardiography, Female, Heart Arrest, Humans, Sodium Bicarbonate, Substance-Related Disorders, Suicide, Attempted}, issn = {1533-4406}, doi = {10.1056/NEJMcpc1800322}, author = {Goldstein, Joshua N and Dudzinski, David M and Erickson, Timothy B and Linder, Grace} } @article {1395214, title = {Environmental and Ecological Effects of Climate Change on Venomous Marine and Amphibious Species in the Wilderness}, journal = {Wilderness Environ Med}, volume = {29}, year = {2018}, month = {2018 09}, pages = {343-356}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Recent analyses of data show a warming trend in global average air and sea surface ocean temperatures. The atmosphere and ocean have warmed, the amounts of snow and ice have diminished, the sea level has risen, and the concentrations of greenhouse gases have increased. This article will focus on climate change and projected effects on venomous marine and amphibious creatures with the potential impact on human health. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of environmental, ecological, and medical literature with a focus on climate change, toxinology, and future modeling specific to venomous aquatic and amphibious creatures. Species included venomous jellyfish, poisonous fish, crown-of-thorns starfish, sea snakes, and toxic frogs. RESULTS: In several projected scenarios, rising temperatures, weather extremes, and shifts in seasons will increase poisonous population numbers, particularly with certain marine creatures like jellyfish and crown-of-thorns starfish. Habitat expansions by lionfish and sea snakes are projected to occur. These phenomena, along with increases in human populations and coastal development will likely increase human-animal encounters. Other species, particularly amphibious toxic frogs, are declining rapidly due to their sensitivity to any temperature change or subtle alterations in the stability of their environment. If temperatures continue to rise to record levels over the next decades, it is predicted that the populations of these once plentiful and critically important animals to the aquatic ecosystem will decline and their geographic distributions will shrink. CONCLUSION: Review of the literature investigating the effect and forecasts of climate change on venomous marine and amphibious creatures has demonstrated that temperature extremes and changes to climatic norms will likely have a dramatic effect on these toxicological organisms. The effects of climate change on these species through temperature alteration and rising coastal waters will influence each species differently and in turn potentially affect commercial industries, travel, tourism, and human health.}, keywords = {Amphibian Venoms, amphibians, Animals, climate change, Cnidaria, Ecology, Elapid Venoms, Environment, Fishes, Poisonous, Humans, Hydrophiidae, Venoms, Wilderness}, issn = {1545-1534}, doi = {10.1016/j.wem.2018.04.003}, author = {Needleman, Robert K and Neylan, Isabelle P and Erickson, Timothy B} } @article {1395215, title = {Implementing a STEMI system of care in urban Bangalore: Rationale and Study Design for heart rescue India}, journal = {Contemp Clin Trials Commun}, volume = {10}, year = {2018}, month = {2018 Jun}, pages = {105-110}, abstract = {Background: A system of care designed to measure and improve process measures such as symptom recognition, emergency response, and hospital care has the potential to reduce mortality and improve quality of life for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Objective: To document the methodology and rationale for the implementation and impact measurement of the Heart Rescue India project on STEMI morbidity and mortality in Bangalore, India. Study Design: A hub and spoke STEMI system of care comprised of two interventional, hub hospitals and five spoke hospitals will build and deploy a dedicated emergency response and transport system covering a 10 Km. radius area of Bangalore, India. High risk patients will receive a dedicated emergency response number to call for symptoms of heart attack. A dedicated operations center will use geo-tracking strategies to optimize response times including first responder motor scooter transport, equipped with ECG machines to transmit ECG{\textquoteright}s for immediate interpretation and optimal triage. At the same time, a dedicated ambulance will be deployed for transport of appropriate STEMI patients to a hub hospital while non-STEMI patients will be transported to spoke hospitals. To enhance patient recognition and initiation of therapy, school children will be trained in basic CPR and signs and symptom of chest pain. Hub hospitals will refine their emergency department and cardiac catheterization laboratory protocols using continuous quality improvement techniques to minimize treatment delays. Prior to hospital discharge, secondary prevention measures will be initiated to enhance long-term patient outcomes.}, issn = {2451-8654}, doi = {10.1016/j.conctc.2018.04.002}, author = {Ramesh, Aruna and LaBresh, Kenneth A and Begeman, Rhea and Bobrow, Bentley and Campbell, Teri and Chaudhury, Nayanjeet and Edison, Marcia and Erickson, Timothy B and Manning, John D and Prabhakar, Bellur S and Kotini-Shah, Pavitra and Shetty, Naresh and Williams, Pamela A and Vanden Hoek, Terry} } @article {1395217, title = {Novichok agents: a historical, current, and toxicological perspective}, journal = {Toxicol Commun}, volume = {2}, year = {2018}, month = {2018}, pages = {45-48}, abstract = {The , or "newcomer" class of nerve agents are lesser characterized, weaponized organophosphate agents. The use of known agents in warfare is banned under the Chemical Weapons Convention of 1997. agents are considered more potent than VX gas and can be applied in unitary and binary forms. Like other nerve agents, agents irreversibly bind acetylcholinesterase and produce a cholinergic toxidrome. Uniquely, these agents are thought to also target neurons in the peripheral nervous system. Delayed treatment or massive exposure may therefore cause a debilitating neuropathy. The recent 2018 assassination attempt of Russian dissident Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the United Kingdom highlights the importance of recognizing the potential lethal effects of these nerve agents. Treatment of agent poisoning is similar to management of other nerve agents. Given increasing worldwide incidents attributed to chemical weapons such as agents, clinicians should know how to rapidly recognize symptoms of acute poisoning and administer life-saving antidotal therapy, when indicated.}, issn = {2473-4306}, doi = {10.1080/24734306.2018.1475151}, author = {Chai, Peter R and Hayes, Bryan D and Erickson, Timothy B and Boyer, Edward W} } @article {1395213, title = {Potential Environmental and Ecological Effects of Global Climate Change on Venomous Terrestrial Species in the Wilderness}, journal = {Wilderness Environ Med}, volume = {29}, year = {2018}, month = {2018 06}, pages = {226-238}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Climate change has been scientifically documented, and its effects on wildlife have been prognosticated. We sought to predict the overall impact of climate change on venomous terrestrial species. We hypothesize that given the close relationship between terrestrial venomous species and climate, a changing global environment may result in increased species migration, geographical redistribution, and longer seasons for envenomation, which would have repercussions on human health. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of environmental, ecological, and medical literature was performed with a focus on climate change, toxinology, and future modeling specific to venomous terrestrial creatures. Species included venomous reptiles, snakes, arthropods, spiders, and Hymenoptera (ants and bees). Animals that are vectors of hemorrhagic infectious disease (eg, mosquitos, ticks) were excluded. RESULTS: Our review of the literature indicates that changes to climatic norms will have a potentially dramatic effect on terrestrial venomous creatures. Empirical evidence demonstrates that geographic distributions of many species have already shifted due to changing climatic conditions. Given that most terrestrial venomous species are ectotherms closely tied to ambient temperature, and that climate change is shifting temperature zones away from the equator, further significant distribution and population changes should be anticipated. For those species able to migrate to match the changing temperatures, new geographical locations may open. For those species with limited distribution capabilities, the rate of climate change may accelerate faster than species can adapt, causing population declines. Specifically, poisonous snakes and spiders will likely maintain their population numbers but will shift their geographic distribution to traditionally temperate zones more often inhabited by humans. Fire ants and Africanized honey bees are expected to have an expanded range distribution due to predicted warming trends. Human encounters with these types of creatures are likely to increase, resulting in potential human morbidity and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Temperature extremes and changes to climatic norms may have a dramatic effect on venomous terrestrial species. As climate change affects the distribution, populations, and life histories of these organisms, the chance of encounters could be altered, thus affecting human health and the survivability of these creatures.}, keywords = {Animal Distribution, Animals, Animals, Poisonous, climate change, hymenoptera, Snakes, spiders, Wilderness}, issn = {1545-1534}, doi = {10.1016/j.wem.2017.11.004}, author = {Needleman, Robert K and Neylan, Isabelle P and Erickson, Timothy} } @article {1395218, title = {Responding to chemical weapons violations in Syria: legal, health, and humanitarian recommendations}, journal = {Confl Health}, volume = {12}, year = {2018}, month = {2018}, pages = {12}, abstract = {Background: The repeated use of prohibited chemical weapons in the Syrian conflict poses serious health, humanitarian, and security threats to civilians, healthcare personnel, and first responders. Moreover, the use of chemical weapons constitutes a clear and egregious violation of international law-likely amounting to a war crime-for which continued impunity is setting a dangerous precedent in relation to current and future conflicts. This debate article calls upon concerned states, organizations, and individuals to respond urgently and unequivocally to this serious breach of international legal and humanitarian norms. Main Body: Based on health, humanitarian, and legal findings, this article calls for concrete action to: 1) reduce the risk of chemical weapons being used in current and future conflicts; 2) review and support the preparedness equipment and antidote supplies of first responders, humanitarian organizations, and military forces operating in Syria; 3) support international mechanisms for monitoring and enforcing the prohibition on chemical weapons, including through criminal accountability; 4) support civilian victims of chemical weapons attacks, including refugees; and 5) re-commit to the complete elimination of chemical weapons in compliance with the (1993), a comprehensive treaty that bans chemical weapons and requires their complete destruction. Conclusion: All involved states and organizations should take urgent steps to ensure the protection of the most vulnerable victims of conflict, including victims of chemical weapons attacks in Syria, and to reinforce international law in the face of such serious violations.}, issn = {1752-1505}, doi = {10.1186/s13031-018-0143-3}, author = {Julia Brooks and Erickson, Timothy B and Kayden, Stephanie and Ruiz, Raul and Stephen Wilkinson and Burkle, Frederick M} } @report {1381958, title = {Investigating Gender Based Insecurity \& Mobility: Addis Ababa Country Report}, year = {2017}, abstract = {

This study of gender based insecurity in Addis Ababa found that women and girls are vulnerable in public and private spaces at any time to assault and harassment, though they are at greater risk for physical violence, including rape, at night. They sacrifice time, money, education, socializing, and their mental health to mitigate the risks they face moving around their community and the city.
Overall, men commit almost all of the violence described by participants. Much of the insecurity is blamed on unemployed young men that abuse drugs and alcohol. Some also linked unemployment with massive migration from other areas of the country to Addis Ababa. Two cultural factors seem to inform violence against women. First, society normalizes men and boys touching and saying inappropriate things to women and girls, which then leads to increasingly violent forms of abuse. Additionally, limited police response to gender-based violence creates a culture of impunity, which furthers a cultural acceptance of violence against women. Several strategies that draw from participant coping strategies and an analysis of the sources of insecurity can be explored and are detailed at the end of this report.

This formative research seeks to determine the experiences, sources and effects of GBV and GBI among the urban extreme poor of Dhaka, Bangladesh; Port-au-Prince, Haiti; and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with the goal of informing the development of a pilot survey instrument to measure the prevalence and impact of GBI in selected urban slums of the same three cities.\ 

}, author = {Beth J. Maclin and Hannah Wild and Nirma D. Bustamante and Ronak B. Patel} } @report {1381956, title = {Investigating Gender Based Insecurity \& Mobility: Multi-City Report}, year = {2017}, abstract = {

Rapid urbanization is the most significant demographic shift taking place. By the year 2050, it is predicted that 70\% of the world population will be urban. The urban poor live in a state of chronic crisis and reside in extremely dense informal settlements without basic infrastructure or services. High levels of insecurity are of particular concern. Due to their unofficial status, density, high concentrations of poverty and, often, high turnover, urban informal settlements are either extremely difficult to police or effectively remain un-policed and ungoverned. While all residents of urban informal settlements face significant insecurity and susceptibility to violent crimes, women are especially vulnerable.\ 

This formative research seeks to determine the experiences, sources and effects of GBV and GBI among the urban extreme poor of Dhaka, Bangladesh; Port-au-Prince, Haiti; and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with the goal of informing the development of a pilot survey instrument to measure the prevalence and impact of GBI in selected urban informal settlements of the same three cities.\ 

}, author = {Ronak B. Patel and Beth J. Maclin and Nirma D. Bustamante and Hannah Wild} } @article {1382268, title = {Rejection, acceptance and the spectrum between: understanding male attitudes and experiences towards conflict-related sexual violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo}, journal = {BMC Women{\textquoteright}s Health}, volume = {17}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Female survivors of sexual violence in conflict experience not only physical and psychological sequelae from the event itself, but often many negative social outcomes, such as rejection and ostracisation from their families and community. Male relatives {\textendash} whether husbands, fathers, brothers {\textendash} play a key role in determining how the family and community respond to a survivor of sexual violence. Understanding these perspectives could help improve services for survivors of sexual violence, as well as their families and communities.}, url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5721471/}, author = {Jocelyn Kelly and Katherine Albutt and Justin Kabanga and Kimberley Anderson and Michael VanRooyen} } @article {1382176, title = {The association between social cohesion and community resilience in two urban slums of Port au Prince, Haiti}, journal = {International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Multiple recent global agendas have advanced the case for resilience to underpin humanitarian action and disaster risk reduction. These agendas have been incorporated into multiple efforts but evidence to guide action has lagged behind. This study examines a specific link, often cited through qualitative research, between social cohesion and community resilience in two urban slums of Port au Prince, Haiti. Scales to measure social cohesion and resilience are applied to these communities to develop a quantitative measure of these two characteristics. These two characteristics are then analyzed with various other demographic variables of community members to quantitatively explore associations among them. The results show that a higher social cohesion score is statistically associated with a higher resilience score and among the variables tested, social cohesion had the greatest impact on the community resilience as measured by these scales. and shows a statistical association between the two. The findings add to the growing but nascent literature on empirical evidence for resilience characteristics. Further examinations are drawn out of the findings and future investigations should tackle the inductively derived characteristics of resilience to further guide programs and policy.}, url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212420917302947$\#$!}, author = {Ronak B. Patel and Kelsey Gleason} } @audiovisual {1382260, title = {Crisis Code: Humanitarian Protection in the Digital Age}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Crisis Code: Humanitarian Protection in the Digital Age. Panel 1: Humanitarian Threats in the Age of Cyberwar, part of our\ $\#$SwissTouch\ events at swissnex San Francisco.}, url = {https://www.facebook.com/swissnexsanfrancisco/videos/vb.118689797879/10155215798042880/?type=2\&theater} } @article {1382263, title = {Discussion Informed by Recurrent Lessons from a Systematic Review on Targeting Practices in Urban Humanitarian Crises}, journal = {PLOS Currents: Disasters}, year = {2017}, abstract = {

Introduction: Urbanization has challenged many humanitarian practices given the complexity of cities. Urban humanitarian crises have similarly made identifying vulnerable populations difficult. As humanitarians respond to\ cities with chronic deficiencies in basic needs stressed by a crisis, identifying and prioritizing the most in need populations with finite\ resources is critical.

Methods: The full systematic review applied standard systematic review methodology that was described in detail, peer-reviewed, and published before the research was conducted.

Results: While the science of humanitarian practice is still developing, a systematic review of targeting vulnerable populations in urban humanitarian crises shed some light on the evidence base to guide policy and practice. This systematic review, referenced and available online, led to further findings that did not meet the pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria\ for evidence set out in the full review but that the authors, in their expert opinion, believe provide valuable insight nonetheless given their recurrence.

}, url = {http://currents.plos.org/disasters/article/discussion-informed-by-recurrent-lessons-from-a-systematic-review-on-targeting-practices-in-urban-humanitarian-crises/}, author = {Ronak B. Patel and Jami King and Laura Phelps and David Sanderson} } @article {1382265, title = {Introduction to Socio-Ecological Resilience}, journal = {Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Natural Hazard Science}, year = {2017}, abstract = {

In recent years, the notion of resilience has grown into an important concept for both scholars and practitioners working on disasters. This evolution reflects a growing interest from diverse disciplines in a holistic understanding of complex systems, including how societies interact with their environment. This\ new lens\ offers an opportunity to focus on communities{\textquoteright} ability to prepare for and adapt to the challenges posed by natural hazards, and the mechanism they have developed to cope and adapt to threats. This is important because repeated stresses and shocks still cause serious damages to communities across the world, despite efforts to better prepare for disasters.

Scholars from a variety of disciplines have developed resilience frameworks both to guide macro-level policy decisions about where to invest in preparedness and to measure which systems perform best in limiting losses from disasters and ensuring rapid recovery. Yet there are competing conceptions of what resilience encompasses and how best to measure it. While there is a significant amount of scholarship produced on resilience, the lack of a shared understanding of its conceptual boundaries and means of measurement make it difficult to demonstrate the results or impact of resilience programs.

If resilience is to emerge as a concept capable of aiding decision-makers in identifying socio-geographical areas of vulnerability and improving preparedness, then scholars and practitioners need to adopt a common lexicon on the different elements of the concept and harmonize understandings of the relationships amongst them and means of measuring them. This article reviews the origins and evolution of resilience as an interdisciplinary, conceptual umbrella term for efforts by different disciplines to tackle complex problems arising from more frequent natural disasters. It concludes that resilience is a useful concept for bridging different academic disciplines focused on this complex problem set, while acknowledging that specific measures of resilience will differ as different units and levels of analysis are employed to measure disparate research questions.

}, url = {http://naturalhazardscience.oxfordre.com/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780199389407.001.0001/acrefore-9780199389407-e-261}, author = {Vincenzo Bollettino and Patrick Vinck and Tilly Alcayna and Philip Dy} } @article {1382271, title = {A Rights-based Approach to Information in Humanitarian Assistance}, journal = {PLOS Currents: Disasters}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Crisis-affected populations and humanitarian aid providers are both becoming increasingly reliant on information and communications technology (ICTs) for finding and provisioning aid. This is exposing critical, unaddressed gaps in the legal and ethical frameworks that traditionally defined and governed the professional conduct of humanitarian action. The most acute of these gaps is a lack of clarity about what human rights people have regarding information in disaster, and the corresponding obligations incumbent upon governments and aid providers.\  This need is lent urgency by emerging evidence demonstrating that the use of these technologies in crisis response may be, in some cases, causing harm to the very populations they intend to serve.\  Preventing and mitigating these harms, while also working to responsibly ensure access to the benefits of information during crises, requires a rights-based framework to guide humanitarian operations. In this brief report, we provide a commentary that accompanies our report, the\ Signal Code: A Human Rights Approach to Information During Crisis,\ where we have identified five rights pertaining to the use of information and data during crisis which are grounded in current international human rights and customary law. It is our belief that the continued relevance of the humanitarian project, as it grows increasingly dependent on the use of data and ICTs, urgently requires a discussion of these rights and corresponding obligations.}, url = {http://currents.plos.org/disasters/article/a-rights-based-approach-to-information-in-humanitarian-assistance/}, author = {Caitlin Howarth} } @webarticle {1382259, title = {Book Review: The Power Behind Global Health }, year = {2017}, abstract = {Doctoral student\ Summer Marion\ recently published {\textquotedblleft}The Power Behind Global Health,{\textquotedblright} a review of Chelsea Clinton and Devi Sridhar{\textquoteright}s recent book,\ Governing Global Health: Who Runs the World, and Why?\ The review was co-authored with Michael R. Snyder, a research analyst at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and published by the International Peace Institute{\textquoteright}s\ Global Observatory. In their book, Clinton and Sridhar profile the inner workings of four of the biggest players in global heath, including two traditional institutions -- the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank {\textendash} and their younger cousins, known as public-private partnerships (PPPs) {\textendash} the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis, and Malaria; and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Marion and Snyder analyze the book{\textquoteright}s empirical contributions to the field of global health governance, examining disruption and innovation brought about by the rise of PPPs. Additionally, the review highlights the close relationships among PPPs, global health reform, and recent shifts toward earmarked and philanthropic funding. Finally, the book review evaluates Clinton and Sridhar{\textquoteright}s contributions to principal-agent theory, a commonly used framework in studies of multilateral aid, and potential for elaboration in future research.}, url = {https://theglobalobservatory.org/2017/08/global-public-health-sars-ebola-aids/}, author = {Summer Marion and Michael R. Snyder} } @article {1382233, title = {Beyond the Protective Effect: Towards a Theory of Harm for Information Communication Technologies in Mass Atrocity Response}, journal = {Genocide Studies and Prevention: An International Journal}, volume = {11}, year = {2017}, pages = {9-24}, abstract = {Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) are now being employed as a standard part of mass atrocity response, evidence collection, and research by non-governmental organizations, governments, and the private sector. Deployment of these tools and techniques occur for a variety of stated reasons, most notably the ostensible goal of {\textquotedblleft}protecting{\textquotedblright} vulnerable populations. However, these often experimental applications of ICTs and digital data are occurring in the absence of agreed normative frameworks and accepted theory to guide their ethical and responsible use. This article surveys the current state-of-the-art of ICT use in mass atrocity response and research to identify harms and hazards inherent in the use of ICT-centric approaches in mass atrocity producing environments. The article proposes an initial theory of harm for evaluating the potential risks and impacts of these applications as a critical component of developing ethical standards for the responsible use of ICTs in the mass atrocity response context.}, url = {http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/gsp/vol11/iss1/5/}, author = {Kristin Bergtora Sandvik and Nathaniel A. Raymond} } @article {1385303, title = {Stigmatisation and rejection of survivors of sexual violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo}, journal = {Disasters}, volume = {41}, year = {2017}, pages = {211-227}, abstract = {Studies report that between 6 per cent and 29 per cent of survivors of sexual violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are rejected by their families and communities. This research project was designed to provide insights into survivors{\textquoteright} experiences of stigmatisation and rejection. Surveys were conducted with 310 women as they sought psychosocial services in eastern DRC. In total, 44.3 per cent of women reported suffering rejection after sexual violence. The majority of women felt that their status in the household (58.0 per cent) and community (54.9 per cent) diminished after rape. The odds of rejection were greater among women reporting ongoing displacement, pregnancy owing to sexual violence, worsening family relations, and diminished community status. This work highlights the extremely high levels of loss associated with the war in eastern DRC, particularly among survivors of sexual violence. The rejection of a survivor of rape has concrete and devastating psychosocial consequences.}, url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27238379}, author = {Katherine Albutt and Jocelyn Kelly and Justin Kabanga and Michael VanRooyen} } @report {1382270, title = {The Signal Code: A Human Rights Approach to Information During Crisis}, year = {2017}, abstract = {

The Signal Code is the result of a six month study by the Signal Program on Human Security and Technology at the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI) at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to identify what human rights people have to information during disasters. The Signal Code identifies five rights from multiple sources of international human rights and humanitarian law and standards that already exist and apply to humanitarian information activities (HIAs).\ 

These five rights are the following: 1. The Right to Information; 2. The Right to Protection; 3. The Right to Privacy and Security; 4. The Right to Data Agency; and 5. The Right to Rectification and Redress. The goal of the Signal Code is to provide a foundation for the future development of ethical obligations for humanitarian actors and minimum technical standards for the safe, ethical, and responsible conduct of HIAs before, during, and after disasters strike.

Visit the Signal Code Minisite

}, author = {Faine Greenwood and Caitlin Howarth and Danielle Escudero Poole and Nathaniel A. Raymond and Daniel P. Scarnecchia} } @report {1382269, title = {What Practices Are Used to Identify and Prioritize Vulnerable Populations Affected by Urban Humanitarian Emergencies?}, year = {2017}, institution = {Humanitarian Evidence Programme}, abstract = {

Individuals and organizations responding to humanitarian crises recognize the need to improve urban emergency response and preparedness {\textendash} including the need to devise better methods for assessing vulnerability within urban populations.\ 

This systematic review represents the first ever attempt to systematically search, sort and synthesize the existing evidence in order to consolidate findings on the tools, methods and metrics used to identify and prioritize vulnerable people, households and communities, including those displaced within and to urban areas. It is accompanied by a stand-alone executive summary and evidence brief.\ It forms part of a series of humanitarian evidence syntheses and systematic reviews commissioned by the\ Humanitarian Evidence Programme.\ 

}, url = {https://policy-practice.oxfam.org.uk/publications/what-practices-are-used-to-identify-and-prioritize-vulnerable-populations-affec-620190}, author = {Ronak B. Patel and Jami King and Laura Phelps and David Sanderson} } @report {1382262, title = {Defining the Resilient City}, year = {2017}, institution = {United Nations University Centre for Policy Research}, abstract = {This background\ note is part of the United Nations University project on Resilience and the Fragile City and is meant to complement the paper\ {\textquoteleft}Conceptualizing City Fragility and Resilience{\textquoteright} (de Boer, Muggah, Patel 2016) which formally presents the fragile and resilient cities\ assessment framework. As resilience has become a more prominent and pervasive concept,\ this paper explores its application for\ urban environments in contexts of\ fragility\ (i.e.\ urban zones characterized by\ complex\ crises that often involve high levels of\ violence,\ extreme poverty, and\ disaster simultaneously) (see de Boer 2015). The paper reviews dozens of resilience frameworks and highlights a number of important findings: 1) the majority of existing resilience frameworks are useful for assessing resilience to natural disasters, yet few are effective in understanding resilience in contexts of fragility; and (2) many existing frameworks have yet to be empirically tested and largely rest on a Theory of Change. This means that very few indicators have been independently derived based on empirical data of what works. To fill these gaps, the paper concludes by proposing an approach to assessing resilience in contexts of urban fragility, which is then fully developed in the framework paper mentioned above.}, url = {https://cpr.unu.edu/defining-the-resilient-city.html}, author = {Ronak B. Patel and Leah Nosal} } @article {1395209, title = {Arthropod Envenomation in North America}, journal = {Emerg Med Clin North Am}, volume = {35}, year = {2017}, month = {2017 May}, pages = {355-375}, abstract = {Arthropods (phylum Arthopoda) account for a higher percentage of morbidity and mortality to humans than do mammalian bites, snake bites, or marine envenomation. They are ubiquitous in domestic dwellings, caves, and campsites and in wilderness settings such as deserts, forests, and lakes. Although arthropods are most intrusive during warmer months, many are active throughout the winter, particularly indoors. Arthropods are also nocturnal and often bite unsuspecting victims while they are sleeping. Encounters with humans are generally defensive, accidental, or reactive. An individual stung by an insect or bitten by an arachnid may experience pain and local swelling, an anaphylactic reaction, or life-threatening toxicity. This review discusses the clinical presentation and latest treatment recommendations for bites and stings from spiders, scorpions, bees, ants, ticks and centipedes of North America.}, keywords = {Animals, Antivenins, Arthropods, Bites and Stings, Combined Modality Therapy, Humans, North America}, issn = {1558-0539}, doi = {10.1016/j.emc.2017.01.001}, author = {Erickson, Timothy B and Cheema, Navneet} } @article {1395211, title = {A declaration to the UN on wars in the Middle East}, journal = {Lancet}, volume = {389}, year = {2017}, month = {2017 02 18}, pages = {699-700}, keywords = {Humans, Middle East, Relief Work, United Nations, Warfare}, issn = {1474-547X}, doi = {10.1016/S0140-6736(17)30338-0}, author = {Burkle, Frederick M and Erickson, Timothy B and von Schreeb, Johan and Redmond, Anthony D and Kayden, Stephanie and Michael VanRooyen} } @article {1395212, title = {Music as an Adjunct to Opioid-Based Analgesia}, journal = {J Med Toxicol}, volume = {13}, year = {2017}, month = {2017 Sep}, pages = {249-254}, abstract = {Epidemic increases in opioid use in the USA and globally highlight the need for effective adjunctive therapies to opioid-based analgesia. Given the shortcomings of behavioral adjuncts to opioid-based pain treatment, an urgent need exists for pain-related behavioral interventions that resonate with broad patient populations, can be delivered confidentially in any environment, and can incorporate new content automatically. Understanding the potential for automated behavioral therapies like music therapy in modulating the experience of pain may unlock methods to transition patients to lower doses of pharmacologic therapy or provide alternatives to opioids during acute exacerbations of pain. This manuscript describes the neurologic mechanism of action, theoretical basis, and potential applications of personalized music as a smartphone-based mHealth intervention for acute and chronic pain management.}, keywords = {Acute Pain, Affect, Analgesics, Opioid, Chronic Pain, Combined Modality Therapy, Humans, Mobile Applications, Music Therapy, Opioid-Related Disorders, Pain Management, Pain Measurement, Pain Perception, Pain Threshold, Patient Care Team, Smartphone, Telemedicine, Treatment Outcome}, issn = {1937-6995}, doi = {10.1007/s13181-017-0621-9}, author = {Chai, Peter R and Carreiro, Stephanie and Ranney, Megan L and Karanam, Ketki and Ahtisaari, Marko and Edwards, Robert and Schreiber, Kristin L and Ben-Ghaly, Lubabah and Erickson, Timothy B and Boyer, Edward W} } @article {1395210, title = {The Solidarity and Health Neutrality of Physicians in War \& Peace}, journal = {PLoS Curr}, volume = {9}, year = {2017}, month = {2017 Jan 20}, abstract = {The wars in the Middle East have led to unprecedented threats and attacks on patients, healthcare workers, and purposeful targeting of hospitals and medical facilities. It is crucial that every healthcare provider, both civilian and military, on either side of the conflict become aware of the unique and inherent protections afforded to them under International Humanitarian Law. However, these protections come with obligations. Whereas Governments must guarantee these protections, when violated, medical providers have equal duty and obligations under the Law to ensure that they will neither commit nor assist in these violations nor take part in any act of hostility. Healthcare providers must not allow any inhuman or degrading treatment of which they are aware and must report such actions to the appropriate authorities. Failure to do so leads to risks of moral, ethical and legal consequences as well as penalties for their actions and inactions. There must be immediate recognition by all parties of the neutrality of health care workers and their rights and responsibilities to care for any sick and injured patient, regardless of their nationality, race, religion, or political point of view.}, issn = {2157-3999}, doi = {10.1371/currents.dis.1a1e352febd595087cbeb83753d93a4c}, author = {Burkle, Frederick M and Erickson, Timothy and von Schreeb, Johan and Kayden, Stephanie and Redmond, Anthony and Chan, Emily Yy and Della Corte, Francesco and Cranmer, Hilarie and Otomo, Yasuhiro and Johnson, Kirsten and Roy, Nobhojit} } @report {1382326, title = {Data preparedness: connecting data, decision making and humanitarian response }, year = {2016}, abstract = {

Signal Program Standards and Ethics Series - Issue 1

Data are a central component of humanitarian response. Frequently, however, there is a disconnect between data, decision-making and response. Informed decisions need to be made in the first hours and days of an emergency, and if the elements to effectively gather, manage and analyse data are not in place before a crisis, then the evidence needed to inform response will not be available quickly enough to matter. What{\textquoteright}s more, a lack of readiness to use data can even cause "big data disasters".

Organizations need to be prepared to responsibly and effectively deploy and manage data collection and analysis tools, techniques, skilled staff and strategies in a specific operational context to be ready before a disaster strikes. This process is called {\textquotedblleft}data preparedness{\textquotedblright}. The concept of data preparedness complements and expands on existing OCHA principles on the use of information management in disaster scenarios.\ This paper, which was reviewed by OCHA and other UN organizations, seeks to provide a blueprint for how the concept of data preparedness may be put into practice by members of the humanitarian data ecosystem. It is the first issue in the Signal Program{\textquoteright}s ongoing "Standards and Ethics" white paper series.

}, author = {Ziad Al Achkar and Nathaniel Raymond} } @report {1384340, title = {Gender Diversity Dynamics in Humanitarian Negotiations: The International Committee of the Red Cross as a Case Study on the Frontlines of Armed Conflicts}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Negotiations for access are crucial for the success of humanitarian operations. They also occur in contexts of armed conflict and violence that typically entrench gender identities. Building on the vast research showing that gender affects the conduct and outcome of negotiations, this paper explores gender dynamics in a humanitarian setting. After outlining its methodology and surveying the relevant literature, this paper sketches out the ways 21 practitioners at the International Committee of the Red Cross see gender dynamics affecting their work in the field. These interviews support previous findings on men and women{\textquoteright}s diverging conceptions of gender{\textquoteright}s impact and relevance, as well as on the cross-cultural consistency of gender dynamics in war. In a context where, unlike in many corporate settings, women{\textquoteright}s work as humanitarian actors is congruent with prescriptive gender stereotypes, this study shows that they can be perceived as more legitimate because they are thought of as selfless caregivers and potential mothers. This paper ultimately argues that, rather than studying the impact of gender in isolation, further research should explore how the intersectionality of different diversity dimensions{\textemdash}such as gender, race/ethnicity, age, and religion{\textemdash}affect humanitarian negotiations. In terms of policy implications, this study makes the case for actively fostering diversity, including in terms of gender, within negotiating teams to ensure they are more flexible in adapting to different scenarios and more creative in dealing with complex problems.}, author = {Federica du Pasquier} } @booklet {1384325, title = {Declaration from Academic Humanitarian Training Centers on Syria}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Given the current humanitarian crisis in Syria where patients, healthcare workers, and hospitals are under attack, we the undersigned, without presumption of authority or judgment, stand in solidarity with our healthcare colleagues and declare their right to international health neutrality. For many decades, we have provided global healthcare professionals with education and training in humanitarian assistance in sudden onset disasters and conflicts worldwide. In this training and education, each and every healthcare provider, both civilian and military, is made aware of the inherent protections provided to them under international humanitarian law (IHL), including the four Geneva Conventions of 1949, as well as the principles and rules of IHL applicable to the conduct of hostilities, including the targeting of hospitals and medical facilities. These must be upheld.\ } } @report {1382325, title = {Conceptualizing City Fragility and Resilience}, year = {2016}, institution = {United Nations University Centre for Policy Research}, abstract = {This paper introduces a preliminary analytical framework that re-conceptualizes fragility and resilience at the city\ level. It aligns the two concepts across a range of political, social, economic and environmental factors enabling\ comparison across thousands of cities globally based on existing data. The framework was then partially applied to\ map out fragility in over 2,100 cities. It finds that roughly 14 percent of the sample score in the highly fragile range.\ Another 66 percent report average levels of fragility while 16 percent report low fragility.4 Of course, fragility and\ resilience are both dynamic and change over time. The paper finds that all cities are fragile to some degree, though\ intensity varies in relation to the aggregation of risk.}, url = {https://cpr.unu.edu/conceptualizing-city-fragility-and-resilience.html}, author = {Ronak B. Patel and John de Boer and Robert Muggah} } @report {1385282, title = {Protecting Humanitarian Action: Key Challenges and Lessons from the Field}, year = {2016}, abstract = {

This paper presents an overview of key challenges and dilemmas faced in the protection of humanitarian action and aims to provide an initial overview of the legal, policy, and operational trends and issues identified by ATHA through its ongoing research and discussions with practitioners. On the basis of this analysis, this paper addresses three key areas. The first section highlights knowledge and questions regarding security incidents, trends, and causes of violence, including around causes and motives for attacks, and tensions between individual and collective responses. The next section then explores the role of the humanitarian principles, and the perceptions of humanitarian actors, in affecting their security in the field. Building on this, the final section examines the protection of humanitarian action under international law, and the impunity gap resulting from effective implementation or enforcement of the law. The purpose of this paper is to provide key background information and to serve as a starting point for dialogue and reflection on the protection of humanitarian action from attack. It is based on research and consultations with experts and humanitarian practitioners in the field.

}, author = {Advanced Training Program on Humanitarian Action (ATHA)} } @report {1385281, title = {Preliminary Report on the Role of Laws and Norms in Humanitarian Negotiations }, year = {2016}, abstract = {This report focuses on the role that laws and norms play in humanitarian negotiations. The report is based on an initial set of 35 interviews that conducted by the Advanced Training Program on Humanitarian Action (ATHA) with humanitarian professionals between May and August 2016. This document will sketch out ATHA{\textquoteright}s preliminary findings and analysis. The report is divided into five sections. Section I offers information about the methodology of the interviews that constitute the core empirical foundation for this report{\textquoteright}s findings. Section II focuses on the role of international laws and norms in humanitarian negotiations. Section III addresses other sources of laws and norms (e.g., national laws and Islamic Law) that humanitarian practitioners have integrated into their negotiations. Section IV examines the relationship between interests and legal norms in the practice of humanitarian negotiation. Section V offers concluding remarks.}, author = {Stephen Wilkinson and Rob Grace} } @article {1385287, title = {Resilience and Disaster Trends in the Philippines: Opportunities for National and Local Capacity Building}, journal = {PLOS Currents Disasters}, year = {2016}, abstract = {

The Philippines is one of the top countries in the world at risk of climate-related disasters. For populations subsisting at the poverty line in particular, but also the nation as a whole, daily lives and wellbeing are routinely challenged. The Philippines government takes disaster risk seriously and has devoted significant resources to build disaster capacity and reduce population exposure and vulnerability, nationally and locally. This paper explores the policy and institutional mechanisms for disaster risk reduction management and research which have been conducted in the Philippines related to disaster preparedness, management and resilience. \ 

}, url = {http://currents.plos.org/disasters/article/resilience-and-disaster-trends-in-the-philippines-opportunities-for-national-and-local-capacity-building/}, author = {Tilly Alcayna and Vincenzo Bollettino and Philip Dy and Patrick Vinck} } @report {1385271, title = {OCHA Think Brief: Building Data Responsibility into Humanitarian Action}, year = {2016}, abstract = {

Building data responsibility into humanitarian action is the first UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs think brief to explore what constitutes the responsible use of data in humanitarian response. It was co written by the Signal Program, NYU Gov Lab and the Center for Innovation at Leiden University.

This paper identifies the critical issues humanitarians face as they strive to responsibly use data in operations. It also proposes an initial framework for data responsibility.

}, author = {Nathaniel Raymond and Ziad Al Achkar and Stefaan Verhulst and Jos Berens} } @article {1384321, title = {Abducted children and youth in Lord{\textquoteright}s Resistance Army in Northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): mechanisms of indoctrination and control}, journal = {Conflict and Health}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Globally, an estimated 300,000 children under the age of 18 participate in combat situations; those in armed groups in particular suffer prolonged exposure to psychological and physical abuse. The Lord{\textquoteright}s Resistance Army (LRA) is a rebel movement known for its widespread conscription of children; yet little is known about this process once the group moved beyond northern Uganda. In this paper, we describe the processes related to abduction and indoctrination of youth by the LRA in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo ( DRC).}, url = {https://conflictandhealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13031-016-0078-5}, author = {Jocelyn Kelly and Lindsay Branham and Michele R. Decker} } @article {1384332, title = {Evaluating Transitional Justice: The Role of Multi-Level Mixed Methods Datasets and the Colombia Reparation Program for War Victims}, journal = {Transitional Justice Review}, volume = {1}, year = {2016}, abstract = {This paper examines the role of mixed and multi-level methods datasets used to inform evaluations of transitional justice mechanisms. The Colombia reparation program for victims of war is used to illustrate how a convergent design involving multiple datasets can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of a complex transitional justice mechanism. This was achieved through a unique combination of (1) macro-level analysis enabled by a global dataset of transitional justice mechanisms, in this case the reparations data gathered by the Transitional Justice Research Collaborative, (2) meso-level data gathered at the organizational level on the Unidad para las Victimas (Victims Unit), the organization in charge of implementing the reparations program and overseeing the domestic database of victims registered in the reparations program, and (3) micro-level population- based perception datasets on the Colombian reparations program collected in the Peacebuilding Data database. The methods used to define measures, access existing data, and assemble new datasets are discussed, as are some of the challenges faced by the inter-disciplinary team. The results illustrate how the use of global, domestic, and micro- level datasets together yields high quality data, with multiple perspectives permitting the use of innovative evaluation methods and the development of important findings and recommendations for transitional justice mechanisms.}, url = {http://ir.lib.uwo.ca/tjreview/vol1/iss4/3/}, author = {Phuong Pham and Patrick Vinck and Bridget Marchesi and Doug Johnson and Peter J. Dixon and Kathryn Sikkink} } @report {1384521, title = {The Typhoon Haiyan Response: Strengthening Coordination among Philippine Government, Civil Society, and International Actors}, year = {2016}, abstract = {

Typhoon Haiyan devastated the central\ Philippines in November 2013, claiming more than 6,300 lives, displacing more than 4 million people, and disrupting the economy and livelihoods in some of the country{\textquoteright}s poorest regions for years to come.

The Haiyan response has been held up as a largely effective humanitarian operation, and the transition from response to recovery phases was swift. However, evaluations have also found that the international operation failed to adequately join with national systems and overlooked civil society coordination opportunities.

With these coordination gaps and potential opportunities in mind, this discussion paper examines factors that affected the Philippine government{\textquoteright}s ability to coordinate the Haiyan response and the international community{\textquoteright}s ability to participate.\ 

}, url = {https://www.hks.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/centers/research-initiatives/crisisleadership/files/Dy_and_Stephens.pdf}, author = {Tori Stephens} } @article {1384513, title = {Work-Life Balance Among Humanitarian Aid Workers}, journal = {Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly}, volume = {45}, year = {2016}, abstract = {A limited body of research has examined satisfaction with work{\textendash}life balance of expatriate workers who live abroad, residing outside the typical {\textquotedblleft}family{\textquotedblright} or {\textquotedblleft}life{\textquotedblright} domain. This study aims to demonstrate how and under which organizational circumstances job autonomy can increase work{\textendash}life balance satisfaction of humanitarian aid expatriates. We hypothesize that especially in humanitarian work, trust in management can buffer potential negative effects of high autonomy. We test our hypothesis by means of ordinal logistic regression, using survey data collected among expatriates of the Operational Center Amsterdam of M{\'e}decins Sans Fronti{\`e}res (N = 142). Results reveal that high levels of autonomy are positively related with work{\textendash}life balance satisfaction when trust in the management of the organization is high. When trust in management is low, the effect of high autonomy on work{\textendash}life balance satisfaction is negative. This implies that trust in management indeed buffers negative effects of high autonomy among expatriate humanitarian aid workers.}, url = {https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0899764016634890}, author = {Miranda Visser and Melinda Mills and Liesbet Heyse and Rafael Wittek and Vincenzo Bollettino} } @report {1385290, title = {Imagery Interpretation Guide: Assessing Wind Disaster Damage to Structures}, year = {2016}, abstract = {

At present, accepted methodologies for wind disaster damage assessments rely almost exclusively on responders having ground access to the affected area to document damage to housing structures. \ This approach can prove both time consuming and inefficient, and does not support the use of drones and satellites.

Geospatially-based damage assessments offer potential improvements to this process in terms of providing responding agencies with previously unavailable information about hard to reach, often non-permissive environments, at a scale and speed not possible through ground-based counts of damaged structures.

This guide provides the first standard method for conducting these types of damage assessments through the analysis of drone and satellite imagery. The {\textquotedblleft}BAR Methodology{\textquotedblright} has been developed by the Signal Program on Human Security and Technology at HHI to address this critical gap in this evolving area humanitarian practice.

}, author = {Ziad Al Achkar and Isaac L. Baker and Nathaniel A. Raymond} } @report {1384327, title = {DisasterNet Philippines: Scoping Study Report}, year = {2016}, abstract = {

This scoping study maps government, community-based organizations, national and international non-governmental organizations, private sector initiatives, and research and academic institutions working on disaster preparedness and response in the Philippines.

The study provides the basis for undertaking a series of research studies to designed to identify the leading contributing factors that determine effective disaster preparedness measures and the antecedents of high measures of community-based disaster resilience.

}, author = {Vincenzo Bollettino and Tilly Alcayna and Patrick Vinck and Philip Dy} } @report {1385280, title = {Peacebuilding and Reconstruction Polls: Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Poll Report $\#$5 }, year = {2016}, abstract = {This poll is the fifth in a series of polls that will be conducted to provide reliable data and analysis on peace, security, justice and reconstruction in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The project is a joint initiative of the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with MONUSCO Civil Affairs. HHI is responsible for the data collection, and independent analysis, and reporting of the results, in collaboration with partners at the Universit{\'e} Libre des Pays des Grands Lacs, Universit{\'e} Catholique de Bukavu, and Universit{\'e} de Bunia.}, author = {Patrick Vinck and Phuong Pham} } @mastersthesis {1385298, title = {Slum socio-ecology: an exploratory characterisation of vulnerability to climate-change related disasters in the urban context}, year = {2016}, abstract = {

As cities, especially coastal megacities, continue to grow often through rapid unplanned urbanization, populations are increasingly concentrated in climate change-affected hazard-prone spaces. How these populations interact with their environments will ultimately influence their vulnerability to climate-related disaster. Yet the interdependence between human and environmental systems, especially in the urban slum context, is under-researched and represents an important gap in our understanding. Using a socio-ecological system approach provides a holistic framework to understand vulnerability.

}, author = {Tilly Alcayna} } @article {1395207, title = {Management of Burn Injuries in the Wilderness: Lessons from Low-Resource Settings}, journal = {Wilderness Environ Med}, volume = {27}, year = {2016}, month = {2016 Dec}, pages = {519-525}, abstract = {Burns are a common source of injuries worldwide, with a high burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries. Burns also account for 2\%-8\% of wilderness injuries. Although many are minor, the potential for serious morbidity and mortality exists, and standard treatments used in high-resource settings are not readily available in the backcountry. A literature review was performed to find evidence from low-resource settings that supports alternative or improvised therapies that may be adapted to care of burns in the wilderness. There is good evidence for use of oral rehydration to support volume status in burn patients. There is moderate evidence to support cold therapy as first aid and adjunct for pain control. Some evidence supports use of alternative dressings such as boiled potato peel, banana leaf, aloe vera, honey, sugar paste, and papaya when standard therapies are not available.}, keywords = {Administration, Topical, Adult, Bandages, Burns, Cryotherapy, First Aid, Fluid Therapy, Honey, Humans, Male, Pain Management, Wilderness Medicine, Wound Healing}, issn = {1545-1534}, doi = {10.1016/j.wem.2016.09.001}, author = {Bitter, Cindy C and Erickson, Timothy B} } @report {1384519, title = {Understanding Humanitarian Negotiation: Five Analytical Approaches}, year = {2015}, abstract = {This briefing note aims to support the humanitarian sector{\textquoteright}s efforts to apply a deeper level of analytical and strategic thinking to humanitarian negotiation. Toward this end, it provides an overview of how the rich body of literature focused on negotiations in other contexts{\textemdash}political, commercial, and legal settings, for example{\textemdash}can inform our understanding of humanitarian negotiation. In particular, this briefing note focuses on five analytical approaches to negotiation: (1) distributive, or power-based, negotiation; (2) integrative, or interest-based, negotiation; (3) basic human needs-based negotiation; (4) the behavioral approach to negotiation; and (5) culture as a factor in negotiation. By examining humanitarian negotiation through the lens of these five approaches, this briefing note seeks to shed light on the potential factors that drive humanitarian negotiations and to promote further scholarly analysis and professional reflection in this field.\ }, author = {Rob Grace and Katherine Akkaya and Amna-Noor Al-Gallas and Adelaida Baghdasaryan and Melissa Freeman and Eitan Paul and Thomas Pols and Brittany Reid} } @report {1384344, title = {HHI Annual Report 2015}, year = {2015}, abstract = {

It is with both admiration and humility that we look back upon this year and celebrate the vision, innovation and commitment of our faculty, staff, and collaborators in the pursuit of developing better strategies for assisting communities in crisis. 2014 - 15 signified a year of tremendous challenges in the humanitarian sector and tremendous accomplishments of our team.

2015 is an important milestone for HHI as we celebrate our 10-year anniversary. Building upon a nascent program in humanitarian crisis and human rights developed at Harvard University in 1999, the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative was formally established in 2005 as a university-wide academic and research interfaculty initiative. By 2012, HHI would launch the Humanitarian Academy at Harvard as the first multi-disciplinary humanitarian education program in a major university. Looking back over this past decade and the important work that has laid the foundation for our programs today, HHI researchers continue to engage in the questions of greatest relevance to the sector: How can we better understand the needs of communities affected by war and natural disasters? What lessons have been learned from the past and how can we learn better from each other? What evidence do we have of how well programs have worked and can this information be applied to making crisis planning and management better going forward? What is the role of technology and what is society{\textquoteright}s ethical obligation in the application of technology in crisis contexts? How can we, as academics, contribute to developing the next generation of leaders in this field? The programs described in the pages that follow attempt to address these questions and provide a window into the future of humanitarian innovation.

}, author = {Harvard Humanitarian Initiative} } @report {1385270, title = {Indoctrinate the Heart to Impunity}, year = {2015}, abstract = {

Individuals recently demobilized from the LRA detail the internal dynamics of the group, and describe how magic, rules, and culture are used to control new recruits.

}, author = {Jocelyn Kelly} } @report {1385278, title = {Peacebuilding and Reconstruction Polls: Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Poll Report $\#$4 }, year = {2015}, abstract = {This poll is the fourth in a series of polls that will be conducted to provide reliable data and analysis on peace, security, justice and reconstruction in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The project is a joint initiative of the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with MONUSCO Civil Affairs. HHI is responsible for the data collection, and independent analysis, and reporting of the results, in collaboration with partners at the Universit{\'e} Libre des Pays des Grands Lacs, Universit{\'e} Catholique de Bukavu, and Universit{\'e} de Bunia.}, author = {Patrick Vinck and Phuong Pham} } @report {1384517, title = {We Mobilized Ourselves}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Despite facing violence and terror, local communities have created innovative systems of self-protection and resilience in the face of the LRA threat.}, author = {Chloe Auletta-Young and Beth Maclin and Jocelyn Kelly and Will Cragin} } @report {1384514, title = {What is {\textquoteright}Humanitarian Communication{\textquoteright}? Towards Standard Definitions and Protections for the Humanitarian Use of ICTs}, year = {2015}, abstract = {

In October 2014, the European Interagency Security Forum (EISF) launched a\ knowledge hub\ on communications technology and security risk management. The first publication of this project brought together\ 17 authors who analyzed in 11 articles\ how communications technology is changing the operational environment, the ways in which communications technology is creating new opportunities for humanitarian agencies to respond to emergencies, and the impact that new programs have on how we manage security.

The\ most recent\ contribution to the project comes from the\ Signal Program on Human Security and Technology at the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative. In their article, al Achkar, Card and Raymond explore what constitutes {\textquoteleft}humanitarian communications space{\textquoteright}, and the challenges to agreeing a common definition of {\textquoteleft}humanitarian communication{\textquoteright} and its protection under international law.

}, url = {https://www.eisf.eu/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/2041-EISF-2015-What-is-humanitarian-communication.pdf}, author = {Brittany Card and Ziad Al Achkar and Nathaniel A. Raymond} } @report {1385264, title = {Humanitarian Action and the Politics of Transition: The Context of Colombia}, year = {2015}, abstract = {What challenges are inherent for humanitarian practitioners when operating in a context of transition from protracted conflict to peace? This paper examines this question, focusing on Colombia as a case study. As a result of the decades long conflict in Colombia, as well as natural disasters, a host of serious humanitarian concerns persist in the country. The ongoing peace process between the government and the largest anti-government armed group in the country{\textemdash}the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC{\textemdash}while certainly a welcome development, yields an environment not only of protracted conflict but also of protracted transition. This paper discusses four particular issue areas relevant to operating in this context: grappling with the politics of denialism; the gap between the political negotiation agenda and the humanitarian issues facing the country; interactions between humanitarian actors and national transitional justice measures; and building linkages between humanitarian organizations and actors operating in other fields, such as development and peacebuilding.}, author = {Rob Grace and Julia Brooks} } @report {1385296, title = {Satellite Imagery Interpretation Guide: Intentional Burning of Tukuls}, year = {2015}, abstract = {

During armed conflict in East and Central Africa civilian dwellings are intentionally targeted and razed. These traditional civilian dwellings are known as tukuls which are primarily mud and thatch huts.

The intentional destruction of these dwellings, given their prevalence in these regions, is often one of the only available indicators of the intentional targeting of civilians observable in satellite imagery.

This field has lacked accepted methodologies for performing this type of analysis. This guide is the first to focus on tukuls because they are a uniquely valuable metric for both documenting attacks on civilians during armed conflicts and assessing potential mass displacement that can result from these incidents. \ 

This guide is the second in a series of Satellite Imagery Interpretation Guides. Future satellite imagery interpretation guides from the Signal Program may focus on other, related phenomena and structures present in similar operational contexts.

}, author = {Brittany Card and Ziad Al Achkar and Isaac L. Baker and Nathaniel A. Raymond} } @report {1385277, title = {Peacebuilding and Reconstruction Polls: Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Poll Report $\#$3}, year = {2015}, abstract = {

This poll is the third of a series of polls that will be conducted to provide reliable data and analysis on peace, security, justice and reconstruction in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The project is a joint initiative of the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with MONUSCO Civil Affairs. HHI is responsible for the data collection, and independent analysis, and reporting of the results, in collaboration with partners at the Universit{\'e} Libre des Pays des Grands Lacs, Universit{\'e} Catholique de Bukavu, and Universit{\'e} de Bunia.

The results can be read in French here.\ 

}, author = {Patrick Vinck and Phuong Pham} } @report {1384323, title = {Applying Humanitarian Principles to Current Uses of Information Communication Technologies: Gaps in Doctrine and Challenges to Practice}, year = {2015}, abstract = {The goal of this paper is to identify and address current gaps, challenges and opportunities that\ face the humanitarian sector as it seeks to apply traditional humanitarian principles to the\ increasingly central role information communication technologies (ICTs) play in 21st Century\ humanitarian operations. While much has been written about the roles ICTs may play in support\ of humanitarian action, there is an absence of literature addressing how core humanitarian\ principles should guide, limit, and shape the use of these technologies in practice.}, author = {Brittany Card} } @report {1385269, title = {Humanitarians Under Attack: Tensions, Disparities, and Legal Gaps in Protection}, year = {2015}, abstract = {

Humanitarian professionals working in complex environments face increasing threats and attacks that endanger their lives, violate international humanitarian law, and jeopardize the consistent and effective delivery of emergency relief to populations in need. In light of these issues, this paper explores challenges and opportunities related to the predominant organizational approaches to the protection of aid workers in complex and insecure environments, and highlights often overlooked disparities in the risks faced by different groups of humanitarian professionals based on their status as national or international staff, gender, and organizational affiliation. It argues that insufficient attention has thus far been paid to the significance of these disparities and their implications for operational security and effectiveness. Furthermore, it highlights significant fragmentation and gaps in the protection of aid workers under international law and the culture of impunity prevailing for perpetrators of such attacks. It then examines the recent trends in humanitarian security management {\textemdash} namely, acceptance, protection, and deterrence. Finally, it offers reflections for the humanitarian community on improving the state of knowledge, practice and law with regard to the protection of humanitarian professionals.

}, author = {Julia Brooks} } @report {1385267, title = {Humanitarian Negotiation: Key Challenges and Lessons Learned in an Emerging Field}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Negotiations are crucial for the overall success of humanitarian operations, yet these endeavors are inherently challenging. Given both the importance of humanitarian negotiations and the gravity of the difficulties faced, what is the capacity of the humanitarian sector to carry forward lessons learned from past negotiations? This paper addresses this question. Specifically, this paper examines the field of humanitarian negotiation as a unique professional domain that has encountered common challenges across different geographic contexts. The overall issue at hand is that, although negotiators in different settings have encountered similar dilemmas and obstacles, the field of humanitarian negotiation has been slow to develop a body of research analyzing common issues faced, produce policy guidance that grapples in an in depth manner with the practical difficulties of humanitarian negotiations, and build professional networks both within individual organizations and across the sector so that negotiators can share best practices with one another.}, author = {Rob Grace} } @report {1385276, title = {Peacebuilding and Reconstruction Polls: Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Poll Report $\#$2 (French)}, year = {2015}, abstract = {

This poll is the second of a series of polls that will be conducted to provide reliable data and analysis on peace, security, justice and reconstruction in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The project is a joint initiative of the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with MONUSCO Civil Affairs. HHI is responsible for the data collection, and independent analysis, and reporting of the results, in collaboration with partners at the Universit{\'e} Libre des Pays des Grands Lacs, Universit{\'e} Catholique de Bukavu, and Universit{\'e} de Bunia.

Please note that this report is in French.

}, author = {Patrick Vinck and Phuong Pham} } @report {1385295, title = {Satellite Imagery Interpretation Guide: Displaced Population Camps}, year = {2015}, abstract = {

Satellite Imagery Interpretation Guide: Displaced Population Camps is intended to help address the absence of public and standardized training resources for those seeking to use high resolution satellite imagery in support of refugee/IDP assistance operations. Students, general audiences, and volunteers studying and analyzing satellite imagery of displaced population camps may find this training resource beneficial.

The guide provides case studies of displaced population camps in East Africa and the Middle East. Dimensions, colors, shapes, and, when possible, unique identifying features of objects, including civilian shelters and humanitarian agency infrastructure, visible in high resolution imagery of the camps are identified. Objects are organized according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs humanitarian cluster system and three other categories unique to this guide. Imagery provided by Google{\textquoteright}s Skybox Imaging for the creation of this guide can be explored online by following the directions included inside the report.

}, author = {Brittany Card and Isaac L. Baker and Nathaniel A. Raymond} } @report {1385260, title = {HPCR Advanced Practitioner{\textquoteright}s Handbook on Commissions of Inquiry}, year = {2015}, abstract = {The\ HPCR Advanced Practitioner{\textquoteright}s Handbook on Commissions of Inquiry\ was drafted by the Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research (HPCR) in collaboration with the HPCR Group of Professionals on Monitoring, Reporting, and Fact-finding, a team of high-level experts set up by HPCR. The\ Handbook\ aims to complement existing policy literature by addressing the more challenging methodological dilemmas facing the domain of monitoring, reporting, and fact-finding (MRF). Specifically, the\ Handbook\ focuses on mandate interpretation, establishing facts and applying the law, protecting witnesses and victims, public communication, and report drafting. The methodological considerations that the\ Handbook\ details are based on a comprehensive assessment {\textemdash} conducted by HPCR in collaboration with the Group of Professionals {\textemdash} of fifteen MRF missions implemented over the course of the past decade.}, author = {Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research} } @report {1385274, title = {Peacebuilding and Reconstruction Polls: Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Poll Report $\#$1}, year = {2015}, abstract = {

This poll is the first of a series of polls that will be conducted to provide reliable data and analysis on peace, security, justice and reconstruction in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The project is a joint initiative of the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with MONUSCO Civil Affairs. HHI is responsible for the data collection, and independent analysis, and reporting of the results, in collaboration with partners at the Universit{\'e} Libre des Pays des Grands Lacs, Universit{\'e} Catholique de Bukavu, and Universit{\'e} de Bunia.

}, author = {Patrick Vinck and Phuong Pham} } @report {1384336, title = {Examining the needs of at-risk youth in the Middle East and North Africa: A multi-method landscape analysis and systematic literature review}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Opportunities for youth can be severely limited among many communities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region that are disrupted by conflict or impoverishment. Recent political and economic factors, as well as a rapidly growing youth population, have greatly increased the vulnerability of at-risk youth in the MENA region. This HHI study utilized a multi-method approach -- including systematic reviews of the peer-reviewed and gray literatures, stakeholder analyses, and in-region discussions with youth and stakeholders -- to identify the current needs, activities, stakeholders, and opportunities related to at-risk youth in the MENA region. It is our hope that this initial report and its recommendations will be a starting point of discussion and collaboration as we develop a cross-disciplinary, cross-institutional Middle East Youth in Crisis Project based at the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative.}, author = {Brett D. Nelson and Michael VanRooyen and Maya Fehling and Margaret E. Tiernan and Zina Maan Jarrah and Saeed Albezreh and Narra Martineau and Abdulmohsen Alhokair} } @report {1386235, title = {Emerging Issues Facing the Use of Remote Sensing Evidence for International Criminal Justice }, year = {2014}, abstract = {

Remote sensing can provide unique, sometimes otherwise unavailable, information about human rights violations occurring in non-permissive environments, over large geographic areas, and across long and multiple timeframes. The evidentiary potential of RS analysis currently appears not to be fully exploited by international criminal justice mechanisms. The purpose of this paper is (A) to illustrate the nature of RS analysis and its evidentiary potential and limitations, (B) to identify the key, repeating factors across regional and cultural contexts and types of crimes that influence its limited use in court, and (C) to explore steps and strategies for overcoming the challenges.\ 

}, author = {Patrick Kroker} } @article {1386233, title = {From Design to Implementation: The Interpretation of Fact-finding Mandates }, journal = {Journal of Conflict and Security Law}, volume = {20}, year = {2014}, pages = {27-60}, abstract = {

The mandate interpretation process is crucial to the implementation of fact-finding missions geared toward investigating alleged violations of international law, including human rights, international criminal law, and international humanitarian law. However, many disagreements exist about how fact-finding practitioners should weigh different factors in their mandate interpretation processes. This article{\textemdash}based in part on extensive interviews conducted by the author with fact-finding practitioners{\textemdash}examines areas of methodological agreement and disagreement, trends of professional decision making, and normative perceptions that practitioners hold about best practices regarding the interpretation of fact-finding mandates. Overall, the article aims to highlight points of convergence and divergence between past professional experiences and to illuminate the benefits and risks of different methodological choices.

}, url = {http://jcsl.oxfordjournals.org/content/20/1/27.full.pdf+html}, author = {Rob Grace} } @article {1388489, title = {From Isolation to Interoperability: The Interaction of Monitoring, Reporting, and Fact-finding Missions and International Criminal Courts and Tribunals }, journal = {The Hague Institute for Global Justice}, year = {2014}, abstract = {

Over the past few decades, governments have established various international criminal courts and tribunals (ICCTs), including several ad hoc entities {\textemdash} such as the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) {\textemdash} as well as a permanent body in the form of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Additionally, international actors have also established a wide array of non-judicial monitoring, reporting, and fact-finding (MRF) missions, such as commissions of inquiry, monitoring components of peace operations, and special rapporteurs. This working paper discusses opportunities and challenges for achieving a greater degree of interoperability between international judicial and non-judicial accountability efforts.

}, author = {Rob Grace and Jill Coster Van Voorhout} } @article {1388479, title = {GRID: A Methodology Integrating Witness Testimony and Satellite Imagery Analysis for Documenting Alleged Mass Atrocities }, journal = {Genocide Studies and Prevention: An International Journal}, volume = {8}, year = {2014}, pages = {49-61}, abstract = {

This article documents the development and initial use case of the GRID (Ground Reporting through Imagery Delivery) methodology by the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI). GRID was created to support corroboration of witness testimony of mass atrocity related-events using satellite imagery analysis. A repeating analytic limitation of employing imagery for this purpose is that differences in the geographic knowledge of a witness and an imagery analyst can limit or impede corroboration.

}, author = {Brittany Card and Isaac L. Baker} } @article {1387735, title = {A New Forensics: Developing Standard Remote Sensing Methodologies to Detect and Document Mass Atrocities }, journal = {Genocide Studies and Prevention: An International Journal}, volume = {8}, year = {2014}, pages = {33-48}, abstract = {

The aim of this article is to highlight potential methods applicable to a standard forensic approach for the analysis of high-resolution satellite imagery that may contain evidence of alleged mass atrocities. The primary method employed is the retrospective analysis of a case study involving the use of high-resolution satellite imagery analysis to document alleged mass atrocities. The case study utilized herein is the Satellite Sentinel Project{\textquoteright}s reporting on the May 2011 sacking of Abyei Town by Government of Sudan-aligned armed actors. In the brief case study, categories of objects, patterns of activities, and types of alleged mass atrocity events are applied the Abyei Town incident.

}, author = {Nathaniel A. Raymond and Brittany Card and Isaac L. Baker} } @article {1387722, title = {Resources and resourcefulness: Roles, opportunities and risks for women working at artisanal mines in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo }, journal = {Futures}, volume = {62}, year = {2014}, pages = {95-105}, abstract = {

Two dominant narratives have characterized the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): (1) the horrific abuse of women through sexual violence and (2) the use of {\textquotedblleft}conflict minerals{\textquotedblright} to fuel the fighting. These two advocacy narratives intersect uniquely in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) towns and can lead to flawed understandings of the true dynamics of women{\textquoteright}s experiences in these contexts. Mining areas are important centers of economic activity for women, but also pose distinct risks. A simplistic portrayal of women{\textquoteright}s victimization in mining towns suppress discussion of their participation in non-conflict political and social processes. Yet, these processes are among the most important to ensure that women secure opportunities for long-term, substantive engagement in mining activities. This paper draws on systematically collected qualitative data from two territories in South Kivu, Walungu and Kalehe, to examine how women negotiate these complex social and economic mining landscapes in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Their accounts compel a re-examination of development efforts to remove women from the mines altogether, and to look more closely at the measures available to help them realize their legal rights to work safely and fairly in these contexts.

}, url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016328714000652}, author = {Jocelyn Kelly and Alexandria King-Close and Rachel Perks} } @article {1387723, title = {Resources and resourcefulness: Roles, opportunities and risks for women working at artisanal mines in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo }, journal = {Futures}, volume = {62}, year = {2014}, pages = {95-105}, abstract = {

Two dominant narratives have characterized the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): (1) the horrific abuse of women through sexual violence and (2) the use of {\textquotedblleft}conflict minerals{\textquotedblright} to fuel the fighting. These two advocacy narratives intersect uniquely in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) towns and can lead to flawed understandings of the true dynamics of women{\textquoteright}s experiences in these contexts. Mining areas are important centers of economic activity for women, but also pose distinct risks. A simplistic portrayal of women{\textquoteright}s victimization in mining towns suppress discussion of their participation in non-conflict political and social processes. Yet, these processes are among the most important to ensure that women secure opportunities for long-term, substantive engagement in mining activities. This paper draws on systematically collected qualitative data from two territories in South Kivu, Walungu and Kalehe, to examine how women negotiate these complex social and economic mining landscapes in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Their accounts compel a re-examination of development efforts to remove women from the mines altogether, and to look more closely at the measures available to help them realize their legal rights to work safely and fairly in these contexts.

}, url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016328714000652}, author = {Jocelyn Kelly and Alexandria King-Close and Rachel Perks} } @article {1387715, title = {They have embraced a different behaviour{\textquoteright}: transactional sex and family dynamics in eastern Congo{\textquoteright}s Conflict}, journal = {Culture, Health \& Sexuality}, year = {2014}, abstract = {

The decades-long conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has resulted in major changes to local economies, strained social networks and insecurity. This environment forces many to pursue unconventional and, at times, socially stigmatised avenues for income. This paper explores the ways in which individuals in eastern DRC engage in, and are affected by, the commoditisation of sex within the context of decades of violent conflict.

}, url = {http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13691058.2014.951395$\#$.VC2tMRZfD1g}, author = {Beth Maclin and Jocelyn Kelly and Justin Kabanga and Michael VanRooyen} } @report {1387729, title = {Recommendations and Follow-Up Measures in Monitoring, Reporting, and Fact-Finding Missions}, year = {2014}, abstract = {This paper examines follow-up measures that have been undertaken in the wake of reports published by monitoring, reporting, and fact-finding missions tasked to investigate alleged violations of international humanitarian law and human rights. Section 1 explores the perspectives of both MRF practitioners and scholars on the importance of recommendations offered in MRF reports. Section 2 examines the impacts that MRF practitioners seek to achieve. Section 3 provides an overview of the methodological dilemmas of assessing the outcomes of MRF work. Section 4 presents an assessment of the implementation of recommendations articulated in reports of fifteen MRF missions implemented over the course of the past decade. Section 5 examines the factors that shape practitioners{\textquoteright} decisions about crafting recommendations in MRF reports. Section 6 posits questions for practitioners and policy actors to consider as part of the ongoing discourse regarding devising MRF methodologies, learning lessons from past MRF experiences, and building a community of practice among MRF practitioners.
\ }, url = {http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2480824}, author = {Rob Grace} } @report {1386229, title = {Communication and Report Drafting in Monitoring, Reporting, and Fact-Finding Mechanisms }, year = {2014}, abstract = {

This working paper examines how monitoring, reporting, and fact-finding (MRF) missions have responded to challenges regarding public communication and report drafting. Overall, the paper aims to present a portrait of the views and practices of the MRF community {\textemdash} as well as the implications of different approaches {\textemdash} regarding transparency. What should MRF practitioners communicate publicly? What information should be kept private? When a mission does communicate publicly, how should practitioners do so? What factors should shape practitioners{\textquoteright} communications strategies? How should these factors influence the ways that practitioners approach drafting MRF reports? This paper examines these questions, which {\textemdash} given that the effectiveness of an MRF mission hinges on the ability of commissioners to foster positive public perceptions of the mission{\textquoteright}s credibility {\textemdash} are crucial to the overall success of the domain of MRF.

}, url = {http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2462590}, author = {Rob Grace} } @report {1387721, title = {Searching for Lasting Peace: Population-Based Survey on Perceptions and Attitudes about Peace, Security and Justice in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo }, year = {2014}, abstract = {

This report presents the results of a mixed-methods study conducted in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) between November and December 2013, to assess the population{\textquoteright}s perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes about peace, security and justice. The study included a survey of 5,166 randomly selected adult residents, to provide results that are representative of the adult population of territories and major urban areas in the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu, and the district of Ituri.

}, author = {Patrick Vinck and Phuong Pham} } @report {1388476, title = {Fragile Peace, Elusive Justice: Population-Based Survey on Perceptions and Attitudes about Security and Justice in Abidjan, C{\^o}te d{\textquoteright}Ivoire}, year = {2014}, abstract = {

This report presents the results of a mixed-methods study conducted in Abidjan, C{\^o}te d{\textquoteright}Ivoire, to assess the population{\textquoteright}s perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes about security and justice. The study included a survey of 1,000 randomly selected adult residents, to provide results that are representative of the population of the city of Abidjan. The specific objectives of this study were to:

  1. Assess the overall exposure to violence among the population in Abidjan.
  2. Document attitudes and opinions about transitional justice mechanisms.
  3. Examine how the population gathers information about the International Criminal Court (ICC), what factors influence Ivorians{\textquoteright} knowledge of the Court, and what correlation exists between information sources and perceptions.

Detailed results provided in the report outline the challenges of rebuilding peace and achieving justice after a decade of conflict, and just two years after a dramatic post-election crisis. The report reveals a population that has little or no trust in its government and in each other, concerned with its economic well-being, and somewhat divided about holding accountable the perpetrators of serious crimes during the postelection violence.

}, url = {http://www.peacebuildingdata.org/sites/m/pdf/Abidjan_2014_Fragile_Peace_Elusive_Justice.pdf}, author = {Phuong Pham and Patrick Vinck} } @article {1386223, title = {Cancer in refugees in Jordan and Syria between 2009 and 2012: challenges and the way forward in humanitarian emergencies}, journal = {The Lancet Oncology}, volume = {15}, year = {2014}, pages = {E290-E297}, abstract = {

Treatment of non-communicable diseases such as cancer in refugees is neglected in low-income and middle-income countries, but is of increasing importance because the number of refugees is growing. The UNHCR, through exceptional care committees (ECCs), has developed standard operating procedures to address expensive medical treatment for refugees in host countries, to decide on eligibility and amount of payment. We present data from funding applications for cancer treatments for refugees in Jordan between 2010 and 2012, and in Syria between 2009 and 2011. Cancer in refugees causes a substantial burden on the health systems of the host countries. Recommendations to improve prevention and treatment include improvement of health systems through standard operating procedures and innovative financing schemes, balance of primary and emergency care with expensive referral care, development of electronic cancer registries, and securement of sustainable funding sources. Analysis of cancer care in low-income refugee settings, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, is needed to inform future responses.

}, url = {http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045\%2814\%2970067-1/fulltext}, author = {Adam Khalifa} } @article {1387740, title = {"This mine has become our farmland": Critical perspectives on the coevolution of artisanal mining and conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo }, journal = {Resources Policy}, volume = {40}, year = {2014}, pages = {100-108}, abstract = {

The debate on conflict minerals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been widely documented by the international media, government and non-governmental agencies and academics. In recent years, a variety of international initiatives have been launched to curb the flow of funding from conflict minerals to armed groups. Many of these initiatives, however, have led to the loss of livelihoods for millions of small-scale miners.

Drawing on interviews with key informants and focus group discussions in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) communities in South Kivu Province of the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), this paper examines the ways in which the national army, as well as an array of armed groups, have exerted control of mining towns.

}, url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301420713001219}, author = {Jocelyn Kelly} } @report {1386219, title = {Assessing the Impact of Programming to Reduce the Stigmatization of Survivors of Sexual Violence in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo}, year = {2014}, abstract = {

This project rigorously evaluated programming that addresses stigma against survivors. In this program evaluation, the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative{\textquoteright}s Women in War program worked with the Congolese NGO, Centre d{\textquoteright}Assistance Medico-Psychosociale (CAMPS) to assess which parts of their programming are most effective and how to continue to improve services related to reducing stigma.\ 

}, author = {Jocelyn Kelly and Beth Maclin} } @report {1388467, title = {"Finding the Facts": Standards of Proof and Information Handling in Monitoring, Reporting and Fact-Finding Missions }, year = {2014}, abstract = {

This paper sets out various dilemmas faced by practitioners undertaking fact-finding missions, based on a desk analysis and extensive interviews with expert practitioners. The paper addresses the challenges, both practical and theoretical, related to standards of proof and information collection and suggests policy options that might be pursued moving forward.

}, url = {http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2400927}, author = {Stephen Wilkinson} } @report {1387731, title = {Protection of Witnesses, Victims and Staff in Monitoring, Reporting, and Fact-Finding Mechanisms }, year = {2014}, abstract = {

One dilemma that faces practitioners serving on monitoring, reporting, and fact-finding (MRF) missions concerns the protection of witnesses, victims, and staff. The paradox underlying the issue of protection is that, while statements from witnesses and victims account for the predominant evidence when investigating human rights violations, the very fact that victims and witnesses decide to come forward and contribute to the establishment of the truth can put these individuals at risk. Another dilemma emanates from the ad hoc nature of such missions, in contrast with the need to ensure protection on a long-term scale. In the often-volatile contexts in which MRF missions typically operate, security risks also arise for MRF staff members participating in on-the-ground operations. This paper analyzes how past MRF missions, whether commissioned by ad hoc bodies or by the UN, have grappled with these risks. The paper examines the sources of the obligations to protect witnesses, victims, and staff; the nature of the threats that could arise; the protective steps that have been taken; and the measures that could be taken by MRF professionals in the future. As this paper demonstrates, often a divide exists between aspirational notions of best practice and the reality of what can be delivered, leaving MRF practitioners frequently uncertain about the lengths and limits of their protective responsibilities.

}, url = {http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2392493}, author = {Cynthia Petrigh} } @article {1386228, title = {The Changing Face of Humanitarian Crises }, journal = {Brown Journal of World Affairs}, volume = {20}, year = {2014}, pages = {19-36}, abstract = {

The scale and cadence of crises that demand international humanitarian response is increasing. The cumulative frequency and severity of climate change on large populations, rapid and unsustainable urbanization, decreasing biodiversity, and the impending realities of resource scarcities and the armed conflicts they might catalyze are only some of the challenges that loom ahead. It is ironic that while human civilization today possesses the most advanced technologies, global prosperity, and abundance, we face the greatest absolute number of people lacking access to clean water, food, shelter, and basic healthcare.

}, author = {Frederick M. Burkle, Jr. and P. Gregg Greenough and Gerald Martone} } @report {1388483, title = {Harvard Field Study Non-Paper on Syrian Refugees }, year = {2014}, abstract = {

The Syrian refugee crisis represents one of the greatest humanitarian challenges the international community has faced over the recent years, prompting record-high levels of international aid. In view of the complexity of the political and social environment in which these challenges arise and the historical scale of the population affected, innovative and creative programmatic responses are essential to address the short and middle-term needs of refugees and reducing instability in the Middle East region.

}, author = {Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research} } @report {1386231, title = {The Design and Planning of Monitoring, Reporting, and Fact-Finding Missions }, year = {2013}, abstract = {

The design and planning process is crucial to the implementation of monitoring, reporting, and fact-finding (MRF) mechanisms geared toward investigating violations of international law, including human rights, international criminal law, and international humanitarian law. However, many disagreements exist about how MRF actors should weigh different factors in their design and planning decision-making processes. This paper {\textemdash} to provide a point of reference indicating the implications of different methodological choices {\textemdash} examines areas of methodological agreement and disagreement, trends of professional decision-making, and normative perceptions that practitioners hold about best practices regarding the design and planning of MRF mechanisms. Based on an assessment of fifteen MRF missions implemented over the past decade, this paper analyzes how commissioners on these missions interpreted the mission{\textquoteright}s investigative scope, examines the factors that guided decisions about the activities that the mission would undertake, and offers an overview of common staffing dilemmas. Overall, the paper aims to present a portrait of the state of MRF practice, in terms of how practitioners approach fulfilling their mandates.

}, url = {https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2365435}, author = {Rob Grace} } @report {1388485, title = {HHI Annual Report 2013}, year = {2013}, abstract = {

2013 was another important and impactful year for humanitarianism. From Syria, to Sudan, and the Philippines, we have witnessed and responded to new global health challenges in an ever changing humanitarian landscape.\ We at HHI are committed to creating new ways to serve our local and global neighbors in greatest need, and to making the world a safer place for those who are threatened, displaced and dispossessed.\ This report provides a review of HHI{\textquoteright}s activities in 2013, and includes research program achievements, highlights from the Humanitarian Academy at Harvard, and an overview of events and publications from the year.

}, author = {Harvard Humanitarian Initiative} } @article {1386221, title = {An Assessment of Attitudes Toward Gender Inequitable Sexual and Reproductive Health Norms in South Sudan: a Community-based Participatory Research Approach}, journal = {Conflict and Health}, year = {2013}, abstract = {

Communities in South Sudan have endured decades of conflict. Protracted conflict exacerbated reproductive health disparities and gender inequities. This study, conducted prior to the country{\textquoteright}s 2011 independence, aimed to assess attitudes toward gender inequitable norms related to sexual relationships and reproductive health and the effects of sex, age, and education on these attitudes.

}, url = {http://www.conflictandhealth.com/content/7/1/24}, author = {Jennifer Scott and Sarah Averbach and Anna Merport Modest and Michele Hacker and Sarah Cornish and Danielle Spencer and Maureen Murphy and Parveen Parmar} } @report {1387229, title = {$\#$Westgate Tweets: A Detailed Study of Information Forensics}, year = {2013}, abstract = {

Al Shabaab{\textquoteright}s horrific attack of the Westgate Mall in Nairobi generated over 730,000 tweets during the four-day siege in Spetember 2013. The purpose of this study is to analyze the authors, content and frequency of these tweets in the hour leading up to the attacks and during the two hours after the onslaught began. The Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) partnered with GNIP to collect the 730,000+ tweets within hours of the attack unfolding. QCRI Research Assistants Ms. Brittany Card and Ms. Justine MacKinnon carried out the subsequent categorization and analysis of tweets under the guidance of QCRI{\textquoteright}s Director of Social Innovation, Dr. Patrick Meier.

}, author = {Brittany Card and Justine MacKinnon and Patrick Meier} } @article {1387733, title = {Problems from Hell, Solution in the Heavens?: Identifying Obstacles and Opportunities for Employing Geospatial Technologies to Document and Mitigate Mass Atrocities}, journal = {Stability: International Journal of Security and Development}, volume = {2}, year = {2013}, abstract = {

At the evolving frontier of modern humanitarianism, non-governmental organizations are using satellite technology to monitor mass atrocities. As a documentation tool, satellites have the potential to collect important real-time evidence for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. However, the field remains experimental and ill-defined, while useful court evidence cannot be produced without a standard methodology and code of ethics. In this paper, members of the groundbreaking Satellite Sentinel Project review the historical development of satellite documentation and some of its landmark projects, and propose necessary measures to advance the field forward.

}, url = {http://www.stabilityjournal.org/article/view/sta.cn/147}, author = {Ben Yunmo Wang and Gabrielle Gould and Nathaniel Raymond and Isaac Baker} } @report {1388723, title = {Selecting and Applying Legal Lenses in Monitoring, Reporting, and Fact-Finding Missions}, year = {2013}, abstract = {

While the existence of monitoring, reporting and fact-finding (MRF) bodies in the international realm is not a new phenomenon, the recent proliferation of such institutions raises a number of policy and legal issues. One issue is that, as MRF bodies are increasingly called to make legal determinations and interpret existing unsettled rules or concepts of international law, these mechanisms{\textquoteright} role and practice in this regard attract more legal scrutiny. As a result, the way that MRF missions apply the law {\textemdash} as much as the methodology used to establish facts {\textemdash} can affect the mission{\textquoteright}s credibility. This paper addresses this issue by focusing on the selection and application of legal lenses in MRF mechanisms. The paper aims at describing and analyzing the current practice to identify strengths, gaps, and challenges, with a view to presenting options to improve the ways that MRF practitioners articulate and apply legal frameworks.

}, url = {https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2337437}, author = {Th{\'e}o Boutruche} } @report {1386217, title = {Arbitrating War: Military Necessity as a Defense to the Breach of Investment Treaty Obligations}, year = {2013}, url = {http://hpcrresearch.org/sites/default/files/publications/081213\%20ARBITRATING\%20WAR\%20\%28final\%29.pdf}, author = {Ofilio Mayorga} } @article {1387227, title = {While We Watched: Assessing the Impact of the Satellite Sentinel Project}, journal = {The Georgetown Journal of International Affairs}, year = {2013}, abstract = {

The Georgetown Journal of International Affairs published an article authored by Signal Program staff in which they detail the technology, perceived impact and lessons learned from running operations for the Satellite Sentinel Project. This inside assessment of the Satellite Sentinel Project has been offered open source by the journal in order to inform humanitarian practitioners, scholars and the public.

}, author = {Brittany Card and Ziad Al Achkar and Nathaniel A. Raymond and Benjamin I. Davies and Isaac L. Baker} } @report {1388727, title = {Sharing Space: Adapting Military Approaches to Geospatial Analysis for Humanitarian Response and the Documentation of Human Rights Abuses }, year = {2013}, author = {Isaac L. Baker and Brittany Card and Ziad Al Achkar} } @report {1388732, title = {Sudan: Anatomy of a Conflict }, year = {2013}, abstract = {The Signal Program on Human Security and Technology at the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative has released its first study, Sudan: Anatomy of a Conflict.\ 
This study is the first geospatial-based history of a conflict created primarily through a fusion of remote sensing and previously public event data. \ The researchers of the Signal Program spent many months cross-referencing and analyzing over 40,000 square kilometers of archival satellite imagery of Sudan with more than 2,000 published reports of incidents occurring between January 2011 and mid-2012.
Key findings of the study include evidence of the apparent intentional destruction of more than 2,000 civilian dwellings and other structures; the intentional targeting and destruction of four humanitarian facilities; identification of specific armed actors, units, and chains-of-command allegedly involved in specific attacks in Sudan; and evidence of the mass displacement of civilian populations.}, author = {Brittany Card and Samuel Plasmati and Ziad Al Achkar and Joan P. Heck and Benjamin I. Davies and Isaac L. Baker and Nathaniel A. Raymond} } @booklet {1385304, title = {Summary of Polio-Related Attacks on Health Workers}, year = {2013}, abstract = {

Since 1988, more than 2.5 billion children have been immunized against polio through programs in more than 200 countries involving some 20 million volunteers and an international investment of over US$8 billion. By 2006, polio cases around the world had decreased by over 99\% and remained endemic in only four countries {\textendash} Afghanistan, India, Nigeria and Pakistan {\textendash} with a handful of other countries reporting sporadic cases. In 2008, the World Health Assembly called for the formulation of a concerted global strategy to eradicate polio from these remaining countries and create a polio-free world. This led to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) Strategic Plan 2010 {\textendash} 2012, an aggressive action- and time-specific initiative to end polio transmission in the remaining areas where this persisted.

}, author = {Vera Sistenich} } @report {1387244, title = {"We Came Back with Empty Hands": Understanding the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration of Children Formerly Associated with Armed Groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo }, year = {2013}, abstract = {

This report documents the experiences and attitudes of former underage combatants in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) who went through the reintegration process, the families and communities who received them and the organizations that funded and implemented reintegration programming. Despite increasing attention to the scope and importance of child soldiering globally, there is still limited systematic research on the successes and challenges of reintegration programming for former underage combatants. This project, a collaboration between the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative and Eastern Congo Initiative, used DRC as a case study to examine the community experiences and attitudes around Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) programming to generate lessons learned for improving future programming for former underage combatants and at-risk youth.

}, author = {Program on Gender, Rights and Resilience} } @report {1387238, title = {"We Suffer From War and More War": An Assessment of the Impact of the Lord{\textquoteright}s Resistance Army on Formerly Abducted Children and their Communities in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo }, year = {2013}, abstract = {

This study highlights the voices of individuals currently affected by the Lord{\textquoteright}s Resistance Army to detail the extensive and systematic devastation felt specifically by formerly abducted children and their communities in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Respondents stressed that the international community must assist with providing essential services through long-term engagement, including life-saving health services; improving water and sanitation access; and providing psychosocial and educational interventions to formerly abducted children and adults. While these communities are facing emergency-level challenges now, the need for solutions that will last into the future.

}, author = {Jocelyn Kelly and Lindsay Branham} } @report {1387738, title = {Monitoring, Reporting, and Fact-finding in Bahrain and Syria During the Arab Spring}, year = {2013}, abstract = {

The way in which international actors implement monitoring, reporting, and fact finding (MRF) mechanisms is changing. Modern MRF mechanisms date back to 1913, when, after the Balkans had erupted in war for the second time in two years, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace initiated a commission to investigate potential violations of international law. But the Carnegie Endowment did not begin its work until fighting had ceased, believing, as the mission{\textquoteright}s final report notes, that a mission initiated before the conflict{\textquoteright}s conclusion would be {\textquotedblleft}premature.{\textquotedblright} In contrast, almost a century later, as massive protests erupted in numerous autocratic Arab countries in 2011, international actors felt no need to hesitate. Instead, MRF actors initiated MRF missions to examine potential violations of international law in Yemen, Libya, Syria, and Bahrain, all contexts in which violent conflicts continued to unfurl, as well as Tunisia and Egypt, where massive protests had recently led to transfers of political power. These missions represent a trend in the world of MRF toward more rapid deployment.

}, author = {Claude Bruderlein and Rob Grace} } @report {1385284, title = {"Regulating {\textquoteright}Drugs Wars{\textquoteright} and Other Gray Zone Conflicts: Formal and Functional Approaches," Humanitarian Action in Situations Other Than Way, Discussion Paper 2}, year = {2012}, abstract = {

Academic debate on whether so-called {\textquotedblleft}drug wars{\textquotedblright} can be classified as {\textquotedblleft}armed conflicts{\textquotedblright} is more than just semantic. Indeed, the official designation of a situation as an armed conflict carries with it attendant rights and obligations applicable to states and non-state actors alike. The legal regime regulating armed conflicts is referred to as International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Some social scientists fail to understand that the debate on the applicability of IHL to {\textquotedblleft}drug wars{\textquotedblright} is only marginally influenced by the broader discussions on {\textquotedblleft}new wars{\textquotedblright} and {\textquotedblleft}fourth generation warfare{\textquotedblright}. This article considers the principal international legal approaches to engaging with ostensibly new types of organized violence. It reviews historical progress with respect to the regulation of so-called {\textquotedblleft}non-international armed conflicts{\textquotedblright} and considers the track record to date. The paper finds that the {\textquotedblleft}formal approach{\textquotedblright}, based as it is on the cautious development of IHL{\textasciiacute}s existing legal basis, failed to offer a satisfying degree of legal certainty. The paper also notes how an alternative set of approaches is emerging - referred to here as {\textquotedblleft}functional approaches{\textquotedblright}. The paper shows that this new generation of strategies could potentially complement the formal approach by offering alternative means of effectively regulating {\textquotedblleft}drug wars{\textquotedblright} and other gray zone conflicts.

}, author = {Sven Peterke} } @article {1388717, title = {On Monitoring, Reporting, and Fact-finding Mechanisms }, year = {2012}, abstract = {

A simple glance at recent news headlines reveals the growing prevalence of international missions tasked to monitor and report on potential violations of international law. \ In the past few months alone, the United Nations (UN) dispatched a team to monitor the ceasefire in Syria, and the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) mandated a commission of inquiry to examine Israeli settlements in the West Bank, extended the mandate of the International Commission of Inquiry on Syria, and mandated a new Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment. \ These missions are part of a rapidly growing trend. \ The international community {\textemdash} imbued, since the end of the Cold War, with a new sense of responsibility for international legal accountability and civilian protection {\textemdash} has increasingly employed monitoring, reporting, and fact-finding (MRF) mechanisms to collect information on the vulnerabilities of civilian populations and investigate potential violations of international law.

}, author = {Rob Grace and Claude Bruderlein} } @report {1388714, title = {Making the World a Witness: Report on the Pilot Phase}, year = {2012}, abstract = {

The Satellite Sentinel Project, or SSP, has released a report on the pilot phase which began in December 2010 and concluded 1 June 2012. This report contains highlights over the past 18 months including a summary of operations, and satellite imagery. With the completion of the pilot phase of SSP on 1 June 2012, the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI) concluded its participation in SSP. HHI has transitioned out of SSP, launching the Signal Program on Human Security and Technology with the aim of establishing the first codified technical standards and professional ethics for crisis mapping.

}, author = {Harvard Humanitarian Initiative} } @booklet {1388491, title = {Annotated Bibliography - Human Rights and Armed Conflict}, year = {2012}, abstract = {

In line with its mission to engage in critical examination of humanitarian and conflict policy, HPCR undertakes a variety of academic and research initiatives to identify significant developments in Humanitarian and Human Right Law. As part of this research, in 2010 HPCR established a thematic working group on IHL and IHRL. This working group was comprised of senior level practitioners from both the humanitarian assistance sector and the military. While not comprehensive, this document seeks to provide key jurisprudence and doctrine in both the humanitarian and human rights fields.\ 

}, author = {Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research} } @booklet {1388492, title = {Annotated Bibliography - Islamic Law and the Protection of Civilians }, year = {2012}, abstract = {

In line with its mission to advance effective strategies for the protection of civilians during armed conflict, HPCR undertakes a variety of academic and research initiatives to identify the political, economic, and cultural factors that affect the conduct of hostilities and ultimately shape the development of humanitarian law and policy. As part of these initiatives, in 2009, HPCR established a Thematic Working Group on Islamic Law and Protection of Civilians. This Working Group was comprised of legal experts and practitioners working in the humanitarian sphere and associated fields. While not comprehensive, this document seeks to provide a summary of information and analyses concerning Islamic law and its relationship with international law and the regulation of armed conflict.

}, author = {HPCR Thematic Working Group on Islamic Law and Protection of Civilians} } @report {1388501, title = {Countering Terror in Humanitarian Crises: The Challenges of Delivering Aid to Somalia}, year = {2012}, abstract = {

In\ the\ post-9/11\ era,\ humanitarian organizations face\ a\ growing dilemma regarding\ access\ to vulnerable groups in internal conflicts. On\ the one hand, international actors\ have increasingly recognized\ the importance of engaging with non-state armed groups\ (NSAGs)\ to\ ensure\ the\ timely\ delivery\ of\ humanitarian\ assistance\ in\ crisis-affected\ territories. On\ the other hand, in\ recent\ years, political\ and policy\ actors\ operating\ at\ domestic, regional, and international levels have pursued security policies and enacted\ laws\ geared\ toward\ curbing\ relationships\ with\ NSAGs accused\ of executing acts\ of\ terrorism.

}, author = {Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research} } @report {1388707, title = {Hope in the Face of Displacement and Rapid Urbanization}, year = {2012}, abstract = {This study seeks to offer a practical examination of resilience in complex urban landscapes for the academic community and humanitarian actors at the local and international levels. Distrito de Aguablanca (Cali, Colombia), a complex settlement area with some 600,000 residents, functions as a case study in human security and resilience that can inform public policy and community level decision making in especially difficult humanitarian environments, with sociopolitical volatility, large populations of internally displaced persons, and high crime and violence rates.}, author = {Ronak B. Patel and David Alejandro Schoeller-Diaz and Victoria-Alicia Lopez and John Joseph {\textquotedblleft}Ian{\textquotedblright} Kelly IV} } @report {1388495, title = {Building Effective Monitoring, Reporting, and Fact-Finding Mechanisms }, year = {2012}, abstract = {

In recent decades, the international community has exhibited an increased devotion to civilian protection and promotion of international legal accountability. To activate this sense of responsibility, during armed conflicts and internal disturbances, international actors have created numerous monitoring, reporting, and fact-finding (MRF) mechanisms to investigate potential violations of international law. But the academic and policy communities have not kept pace with the growing importance of these mechanisms, and MRF practitioners frequently suffer from a paucity of sufficient guidance. As a step toward filling this research gap, this article presents an in-depth examination of MRF mechanisms. The article first presents an analytical framework that examines key distinctions between different MRF activities and presents guiding principles applicable to all MRF mechanism types. Examining past MRF practice through the lens of this framework, the article then explores the process of creating MRF mechanisms. The article concludes by sketching possible next steps for the MRF community to build on this research foundation and develop standards for more effective MRF implementation.

}, author = {Rob Grace and Claude Bruderlein} } @report {1388706, title = {Escalation: Evidence of SAF and SPLA Combat Operations}, year = {2012}, abstract = {

The Satellite Sentinel Project (SSP) has confirmed through the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative{\textquoteright}s analysis of DigitalGlobe satellite imagery that Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) have deployed a significantly increased number of combat capable air assets within range of South Sudan{\textquoteright}s border and territory. SSP has documented evidence consistent with reported aerial bombardment in close proximity to a strategic bridge located in Unity State, South Sudan. SAF spokesman al-Sawarmi Khaled Saad denied Sudan{\textquoteright}s involvement in the bombings.

}, author = {Harvard Humanitarian Initiative} } @report {1388721, title = {Pipeline: Evidence of the Destruction of Key Oil Infrastructure }, year = {2012}, abstract = {

The Satellite Sentinel Project (SSP), through the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative{\textquoteright}s analysis of DigitalGlobe satellite imagery captured 15 April 2012, has found evidence of the destruction of key oil pipeline infrastructure in Heglig, South Kordofan, Sudan. SSP has also found cratering consistent with bombardment of some form visible in close proximity to nearby oil pipeline and oil production facilities. SSP cannot make a determination based on the evidence currently available as to either who destroyed the object consistent with an oil.

}, author = {Harvard Humanitarian Initiative} } @inbook {1388738, title = {A Tale of Two Conflicts: an Unexpected Reading of Sexual Violence in Conflict through the Cases of Colombia and Democratic Republic of the Congo }, booktitle = {Understanding and Proving International Sex Crimes}, year = {2012}, pages = {437-493}, publisher = {Torkel Opsahl Academic EPublisher}, organization = {Torkel Opsahl Academic EPublisher}, abstract = {

The Democratic Republic of the Congo ({\textquoteleft}DRC{\textquoteright}) has been called {\textquotedblleft}the rape capital of the world{\textquotedblright} while Colombia was known in the late 1990s as {\textquotedblleft}the murder capital of the world{\textquotedblright}. What do these capitals of crime have in common? Both countries have been plagued by conflict-related violence, including sexual violence. This chapter will serve as a comparative study to explore how such different cases {\textendash} situated at difference points on the spectrum in terms of prevalence and attention received {\textendash} are still described using the same narrative language.

}, author = {Jocelyn Kelly and Alejandra Azuero Quijano} } @newspaperarticle {1388703, title = {Engaging African Voices on Kony }, year = {2012}, abstract = {

A critical perspective has been missing from the conversation resulting from the Kony 2012 campaign: that of those currently living in Lord{\textquoteright}s Resistance Army (LRA) affected areas.The voices of affected individuals and communities should be at the center of this swelling chorus of opinions . If they were, perhaps the clamor of criticism could quiet long enough to hear what is being asked of humanitarians, academics, policy makers, and global citizens.

}, author = {Jocelyn Kelly and Lindsay Branham} } @newspaperarticle {1388702, title = {Engaging African Voices on Kony }, year = {2012}, abstract = {

A critical perspective has been missing from the conversation resulting from the Kony 2012 campaign: that of those currently living in Lord{\textquoteright}s Resistance Army (LRA) affected areas.The voices of affected individuals and communities should be at the center of this swelling chorus of opinions . If they were, perhaps the clamor of criticism could quiet long enough to hear what is being asked of humanitarians, academics, policy makers, and global citizens.

}, author = {Jocelyn Kelly and Lindsay Branham} } @report {1388710, title = {Impact: Indiscriminate Bombardment by a SAF Antonov, South Kordofan, Sudan }, year = {2012}, abstract = {The The , through Harvard Humanitarian Initiative{\textquoteright}s analysis of DigitalGlobe satellite imagery, has collected evidence consistent with apparent indiscriminate aerial bombardment in progress by the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) in South Kordofan, Sudan. The indiscriminate targeting of civilian populations and infrastructure can constitute a war crime under international law. Plumes of grey smoke can be seen rising from the ground at two separate locations north of the village of Angarto, South Kordofan on 8 March 2012. One plume is visible 600 meters north and the other plume is visible 1.6 km/ 1 mi north of Angarto. In a second image captured six minutes later, fire is visible at one of the apparent impact sites.}, author = {Harvard Humanitarian Initiative} } @article {1388740, title = {Toward Guidelines for Humanitarian Standards and Operations in Urban Settings }, journal = {Prehospital and Disaster Medicine}, year = {2012}, abstract = {

Rapid urbanization represents the most significant demographic change of the twenty-first century. 2008 marked the first time in human history that over half of the world population lived in urban settings. The process of urbanization, fueled by economic and social foreces, has particularly accelerated in countries in the Global South. By the year 2050, it is predicted that 70\% of the world{\textquoteright}s population will live in urban settings.\ 

}, url = {http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?aid=8549501\&fileId=S1049023X12000118}, author = {Laura M. Janneck and Ronak B. Patel and Shada A. Rouhani and Frederick M. Burkle Jr.} } @report {1388496, title = {Chokepoint: Evidence of SAF Control of Refugee Route to South Sudan }, year = {2012}, abstract = {

Satellite Sentinel Project (SSP), through HHI{\textquoteright}s analysis of DigitalGlobe satellite imagery, has confirmed that at least a battalion sized unit of Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) appear to control the main route civilians reportedly use to flee South Kordofan for Yida refugee camp. The interior of the apparent base, which is located in the town of Toroge, contains objects consistent with 80 to 90 tent-like structures, infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), artillery, and heavy armor vehicles, which appear to be main battle tanks. In Siege: Evidence of SAF Encirclement of the Kauda Valley released 25 January 2012, SSP reported that the SAF had restricted access to the road leading towards South Sudan from South Kordofan. The imagery in this report specifically identifies a new fortified chokepoint along that road under apparent SAF control, which was established sometime after 23 November 2011.

}, author = {Not On Our Watch and The Enough Project and Google and DigitalGlobe and Harvard Humanitarian Initiative and Trellon, LLC} } @report {1388728, title = {Siege: Evidence of SAF Encirclement of the Kauda Valley }, year = {2012}, abstract = {

Based on the totality of the evidence presented in this report, the Satellite Sentinel Project (SSP) is issuing a human security alert for the Nuba Mountains region of South Kordofan, including the Kauda Valley. A human security alert is issued by SSP when evidence is collected indicating any of the following: a build-up of forces and/or an enhancement of infrastructure and logistical capabilities indicating either the intent and/or the ability of an armed actor to restrict civilian freedom of movement, detain or displace civilians, and/or attack civilian targets.

}, author = {Harvard Humanitarian Initiative} } @report {1388869, title = {Blue Nile Burning: Evidence of the Destruction of {\textquoteright}Amara Village}, year = {2011}, abstract = {

The Satellite Sentinel Project (SSP), through the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative{\textquoteright}s analysis of DigitalGlobe satellite imagery, has identified evidence of the intentional destruction of at least thirty-three structures largely consistent with civilian dwellings in the vicinity of {\textquoteleft}Amara, Blue Nile, Sudan. SSP{\textquoteright}s analysis of imagery captured on 27 November 2011 indicates a firefight apparently involving heavy armor or other tracked vehicles against dug-in fighting positions occurred sometime between 11 and 27 November.

}, author = {Not On Our Watch and The Enough Project and Google and DigitalGlobe and Harvard Humanitarian Initiative and Trellon, LLC} } @article {1388889, title = {A Blueprint for the Development of Prevention and Preparedness Indicators for Urban Humanitarian Crises}, journal = {Prehospital and Disaster Medicine}, year = {2011}, abstract = {

As rapid urbanization creates complex environments that concentrate the risks and hazards of man-made and natural disasters, it also presents a vital advantage that must be exploited. Urban humanitarian emergencies by their very nature occur within the geo-political sphere of a governing body, the municipal government, and as such they are the responsibility of that body. It is the duty of the municipal governments to prevent and prepare for and respoond to humanitarian emergencies that may affect their citizens. Preparedness at the city level, therefore, remains a valuable area for development to mitigate the effects of humanitarian crises. Rapid urbanization now allows a greater proportion of the population to fall under a responsible municipal government and an opportunity to promote and advance urban planning around preparedness.

}, url = {http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?aid=8549498\&fileId=S1049023X12000106}, author = {Ronak B. Patel and Frederick M. Burkle Jr. and Laura Janneck and Amit Prasad and Jostacio Lapitan and Shada A. Rouhani} } @report {1389705, title = {Launch Point: Corroboration of Reported SAF Air Attacks in South Sudan}, year = {2011}, abstract = {

The Satellite Sentinel Project (SSP) has identified through Harvard Humanitarian Initiative{\textquoteright}s analysis of DigitalGlobe satellite imagery the presence of Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) aircraft at El Obeid airbase, North Kordofan, including two Antonov AN-26 transport planes. These planes are consistent with aircraft which allegedly bombed two refugee camps on 8 and 10 November 2011 in South Sudan, according to eyewitnesses. The other aircraft present at the base as of 14 November 2011 are consistent with the following: Four Mi-24 Hinds, one Mi-17 Hip, one Yak-40, two MiG-29s and one Sukhoi Su-25.

}, author = {Not On Our Watch and The Enough Project and Google and DigitalGlobe and Harvard Humanitarian Initiative and Trellon, LLC} } @report {1389744, title = {Radius of Operations: Sudan Increases Air Attack Capacity}, year = {2011}, abstract = {

The Satellite Sentinel Project (SSP) has confirmed through the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative{\textquoteright}s analysis of DigitalGlobe satellite imagery that the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) are rapidly working to enhance air strike and air assault capacity in two airbases recently captured from rebels in Sudan{\textquoteright}s Blue Nile border area.

}, author = {Not On Our Watch and The Enough Project and Google and DigitalGlobe and Harvard Humanitarian Initiative and Trellon, LLC} } @article {1388741, title = {Victim Participation and the Trial of Duch at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia }, journal = {Journal of Human Rights Practice}, volume = {3}, year = {2011}, pages = {264{\textendash}287}, abstract = {

The trial of Kaing Guek Eav, alias Duch (Case 001), at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) was the first in the history of international criminal justice in which surviving victims of alleged crimes could participate directly in international criminal proceedings as civil parties. In this study, we interviewed all 75 civil parties residing in Cambodia, including those who had ultimately been denied civil party status at the conclusion of the trial in Case 001. The objective was to learn about their experiences in participating in the ECCC proceedings.

}, author = {Phuong Pham and Patrick Vinck and Mychelle Balthazard and Judith Strasser and Chariya Om} } @report {1389560, title = {Developing Managers and Leaders: Experiences and Lessons from International NGOs}, year = {2011}, abstract = {

This report, sponsored by the Hauser Center for Nonprofit Organizations and HHI, is based on interviews with senior managers affiliated with a variety of well-known INGOs. It elucidates ways that these organizations approach management and leadership development. It identifies best practice and lessons learned from their differing approaches; finds commonalities between their management programs; and proposes considerations for further expanding these efforts.

}, author = {Sherine Jayawickrama} } @report {1389549, title = {In Close Proximity: Alleged Abduction, Detention and Extra-Judicial Killings by Abu Tira}, year = {2011}, abstract = {

The Satellite Sentinel Project (SSP) has corroborated multiple eyewitness accounts and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) reports alleging that the Government of Sudan{\textquoteright}s (GoS) Central Reserve Police (CRP) unit engaged in the unlawful abduction, detention, and extrajudicial killing of civilians in Kadugli, South Kordofan, Sudan.

}, author = {Not On Our Watch and The Enough Project and Google and DigitalGlobe and Harvard Humanitarian Initiative and Trellon, LLC} } @report {1389900, title = {State of Emergency: Threat of SAF Attack on Kurmuk}, year = {2011}, author = {Not On Our Watch and The Enough Project and Google and DigitalGlobe and Harvard Humanitarian Initiative and Trellon, LLC} } @report {1389552, title = {Cover-Up: New Evidence of Three Mass Graves in South Kordofan}, year = {2011}, abstract = {

SSP has identified three new apparent mass grave sites in and around Kadugli in South Kordofan, Sudan based on an analysis of DigitalGlobe satellite imagery and multiple eyewitness accounts. The three alleged mass grave sites identified in this report are separate from and in addition to the three apparent mass graves south of the Tilo School in Kadugli shown in SSP{\textquoteright}s 14 July 2011 report.

}, author = {Not On Our Watch and The Enough Project and Google and DigitalGlobe and Harvard Humanitarian Initiative and Trellon, LLC} } @report {1389899, title = {Special Report: Evidence of Burial of Human Remains in Kadugli, South Kordofan}, year = {2011}, abstract = {SSP{\textquoteright}s identification on 14 July 2011 of a cluster of white bundles in Kadugli as consistent with human remains wrapped in white plastic tarps or body bags was controversial at the time. Although publicly questioned by a US government official, it has now been established by SSP through the collection of additional imagery and eyewitness reports.}, author = {Not On Our Watch and The Enough Project and Google and DigitalGlobe and Harvard Humanitarian Initiative and Trellon, LLC} } @report {1389551, title = {Convoy: Evidence of Heavy Military Activity in Kadugli, South Kordofan}, year = {2011}, abstract = {

Satellite Sentinel Project (SSP) has identified through analysis of DigitalGlobe satellite imagery captured on 4 July 2011 an apparent Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) convoy travelling through Kadugli town consistent with an at least regiment-sized unit, which is equal to approximately 1000 troops. The convoy is at least 2km in length, and could be potentially longer. There are at least 80 vehicles visible in the apparent convoy, including 49 light vehicles, cargo trucks, a vehicle consistent with a fuel or water tanker, heavy transports and towed artillery. The convoy is of significant size and appears to be heading to the north, though its origin, destination and total length remains unknown.

}, author = {Not On Our Watch and The Enough Project and Google and DigitalGlobe and Harvard Humanitarian Initiative and Trellon, LLC} } @report {1389553, title = {Crime Scene: Evidence of Mass Graves in Kadugli, Sudan}, year = {2011}, abstract = {

SSP has found evidence consistent with allegations that the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and Government of Sudan-aligned (GoS) militias have apparently engaged in a campaign of systematic mass killing of civilians in Kadugli, South Kordofan. Under the Rome Statute and other international humanitarian law, the systematic killing of civilians in peace or war by their own government can constitute crimes against humanity.

}, author = {Not On Our Watch and The Enough Project and Google and DigitalGlobe and Harvard Humanitarian Initiative and Trellon, LLC} } @report {1389901, title = {Strike Range: Apparent Deployment of SAF Mobile Rocket Launchers Near South Kordofan}, year = {2011}, abstract = {

Satellite Sentinel Project (SSP) analysis of DigitalGlobe satellite imagery captured on 28 June has identified four vehicles consistent with BM-21 mobile multiple rocket launcher (MRL) systems at an apparent Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) camp southwest of El Obeid, North Kordofan, Sudan.

}, author = {Not On Our Watch and The Enough Project and Google and DigitalGlobe and Harvard Humanitarian Initiative and Trellon, LLC} } @report {1388742, title = {Urban Health: a 21st Century Crisis }, year = {2011}, abstract = {

This brief report reviews the health concerns that arise with rapid urbanization and confront humanitarian organizations during acute emergencies.\  The authors argue that one way forward is for humanitarian organizations to learn from existing grass-roots efforts.

}, author = {Ronak B. Patel and Frederick M. Burkle Jr.} } @report {1388855, title = {After the First Trial: A Population-Based Survey on Knowledge and Perception of Justice and the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia}, year = {2011}, abstract = {

On July 26, 2010, Kaing Guek Eav, alias Duch, was convicted of crimes against humanity and grave breaches of the 1949 Geneva Conventions for events that took place three decades earlier under the Khmer Rouge regime. Following this important milestone for the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), the present study was implemented to (1) monitor public awareness and knowledge of the ECCC{\textquoteright}s work, as well as of outreach and victim participation initiatives organized by the tribunal and local non-governmental organizations, (2) assess attitudes about justice and the desire for reparations for past crimes, and (3) recommend ways in which the ECCC, civil society, and the international community can continue to engage Cambodians in the work of the ECCC.

}, author = {Phuong Pham and Patrick Vinck and Mychelle Balthazard and Sokhom Hean} } @report {1389518, title = {Bombardment: Evidence of Aerial and Artillery Attacks in the Nuba Mountains}, year = {2011}, abstract = {

Satellite Sentinel Project{\textquoteright}s (SSP) analysis of DigitalGlobe satellite imagery has found evidence supporting multiple reports that Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) are conducting aerial and artillery bombardment in the Nuba Mountains region of South Kordofan, Sudan. Fixed wing aircraft consistent with an Antonov-24/26, Yak-40, and two SU-25K Frogfoot ground attack aircraft can be seen at El Obeid airbase as of 28 June. Five helicopters, including four consistent with Hind helicopter gunships, are visible as well.

}, author = {Not On Our Watch and The Enough Project and Google and DigitalGlobe and Harvard Humanitarian Initiative and Trellon, LLC} } @report {1389710, title = {On the Move: Evidence of Civilian Displacement and SAF Control of Kadugli}, year = {2011}, abstract = {

Satellite Sentinel Project (SSP) analysis of DigitalGlobe satellite imagery collected 17 June 2011 confirms reports that the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) control Kadugli and that civilians have been displaced to a location north of the town. More than 300 structures consistent with temporary shelters for IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) are visible close to the wall of the UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) compound. However, it is likely many more IDP structures are obscured by the heavy cloud cover visible in the imagery.

}, author = {Not On Our Watch and The Enough Project and Google and DigitalGlobe and Harvard Humanitarian Initiative and Trellon, LLC} } @report {1389902, title = {Talking Peace: A Population-Based Survey on Attitudes about Security, Dispute Resolution, and Post-Conflict Reconstruction in Liberia}, year = {2011}, abstract = {

Liberia has made progress in peacebuilding and reconstruction in the aftermath of a 14-year long civil war, but the country continues to face challenges in overcoming the results of a legacy of violence. This study, undertaken in November and December 2010, provides insight into Liberians{\textquoteright} current priorities for peacebuilding, their perceptions of post-conflict security, and existing dispute and dispute resolution mechanisms.\  The findings suggest that while Liberians are generally positive about the country{\textquoteright}s prospects for peace and security, the fears and inequalities perpetuated by years of civil strife continue to reverberate throughout the country. This study provides recommendations to address the existing problems of gaping socioeconomic disparities, limited access to information, a weakened security sector, and the diminished quality of current dispute resolution systems. It also supports inter-ethnic national dialogue on truth, reconciliation, and the underlying causes of the war.

}, author = {Phuong Pham and Patrick Vinck and Tino Kreutzer} } @report {1388852, title = {Abyei Invasion: Evidence of SAF Incursion Abyei }, year = {2011}, abstract = {Satellite Sentinel Project (SSP) has confirmed through the\ analysis of DigitalGlobe imagery that the southern-aligned\ base at Todach has been recently razed; evidence consistent with an attack on that location by armored vehicles is visible. The southern-aligned base at Tajalei, which was\ allegedly attacked on 21 May, does not appear to be visibly\ damaged. The base may have been abandoned by Southern units, however. Additionally, imagery shows fires burning in the town of Dungop and another point near Abyei town, consistent with reports that buildings are being burned by northern-aligned forces in the Abyei region.}, author = {Not On Our Watch and The Enough Project and Google and The United Nations UNITAR Operational Satellite Applications Programme (UNOSAT) and DigitalGlobe and Harvard Humanitarian Initiative and Trellon, LLC} } @report {1389525, title = {Burned to the Ground: Evidence of Potential War Crimes and the Intentional Destruction of Abyei Town by the Government of Sudan}, year = {2011}, abstract = {

Satellite Sentinel Project (SSP) has confirmed through the analysis of DigitalGlobe satellite imagery collected on 27 May the intentional destruction of approximately one-third of all civilian structures in Abyei town by the Government of Sudan and northern-aligned militia forces. SSP has documented multiple violations of international humanitarian law in Abyei town. These abuses can constitute war crimes, including violations of the Geneva Conventions, and in some cases they may represent crimes against humanity.

}, author = {Not On Our Watch and The Enough Project and Google and DigitalGlobe and Harvard Humanitarian Initiative and Trellon, LLC} } @report {1389709, title = {Looting Abyei: Ground and Satellite Corroboration}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Satellite Sentinel Project (SSP) analysis of DigitalGlobe\ satellite imagery corroborates reports of looting by Sudan\ Armed Forces (SAF) and Misseriya militia in Abyei.}, author = {Not On Our Watch and The Enough Project and Google and DigitalGlobe and Harvard Humanitarian Initiative and Trellon, LLC} } @report {1389897, title = {SAF Troops, Tanks, and Artillery Massing at El Obeid Barracks}, year = {2011}, abstract = {

Satellite Sentinel Project (SSP) has identified a previously unidentified assembly of SAF forces at the El Obeid Barracks, approximately 440 kilometers (273 miles) from Abyei town and the contested border line between North and South Sudan. Based on analysis of available transportation logistics and the formation of the units, SSP has concluded that the forces at El Obeid are capable of imminent forward deployment and could reach Abyei town in less than a day.

}, author = {Not On Our Watch and The Enough Project and Google and DigitalGlobe and Harvard Humanitarian Initiative and Trellon, LLC} } @report {1389595, title = {Hope for the Future Again: Tracing the effects of sexual violence and conflict on families and communities in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo }, year = {2011}, abstract = {

This report outlines how violence in general, and sexual violence in particular, has changed the family foundations, economies and community structures of those touched by it in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Analyzing data from focus group discussions with a range of community members in the area, it suggests recommendations for serving the holistic needs of regions affected by sexual violence.

}, author = {Jocelyn Kelly and Michael VanRooyen and Beth Maclin and Justin Kabanga and Colleen Mullen} } @report {1389739, title = {A Patient Heart: Stigma, Acceptance and rejection around Conflict-Related Sexual Violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo}, year = {2011}, abstract = {

This report identifies factors {\textendash} societal, financial and health-related {\textendash} that influence men{\textquoteright}s behaviors towards survivors of sexual violence and the barriers towards acceptance and reintegration of survivors into their families and communities after rape. This investigation, through interviews, focus group discussions, and a survey, looked at how to more effectively prevent and address rejection of survivors by their families and communities. This project was based in eastern DRC and funded by the World Bank.

}, author = {Jocelyn Kelly and Beth Maclin and Michael VanRooyen and Justin Kabanga and Katherine Albutt and Sunkyo Im and Michelle Kissenkoetter} } @report {1389745, title = {Range of Attack: Deployment of SAF Attack Helicopters, Tanks Near Abyei}, year = {2011}, abstract = {In recent weeks, the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) has deployed heavy offensive weaponry, including attack helicopters and\ tanks, at Muglad, the reported headquarters of the SAF{\textquoteright}s 15th Division. These units include two helicopters consistent with Mi-24 Hind gunships, at least nine main battle tanks consistent with T-55s, and trucks consistent with support vehicles needed for the forward deployment of heavy armor. The helicopters, tanks and support vehicles are all within attack range of the Abyei region, approximately 175 kilometers away from Abyei town and 100 kilometers from Abyei{\textquoteright}s border as demarcated by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2009.}, author = {Not On Our Watch and The Enough Project and Google and The United Nations UNITAR Operational Satellite Applications Programme (UNOSAT) and DigitalGlobe and Harvard Humanitarian Initiative and Trellon, LLC} } @report {1389752, title = {The Razing: Intentional Burning Confirmed at El-Feid, Nuba Mountains}, year = {2011}, abstract = {

The Satellite Sentinel Project (SSP) has confirmed that at least 356 structures in the town of el-Feid, located in the Nuba Mountains region of South Kordofan State, Sudan, have been razed. There is evidence that an area in Um Barmbita has also been burned, but no visible structures appear to have been destroyed. SSP cannot confirm based on the imagery collected whether the scorched area in Um Barmbita was intentionally burned. There is evidence of scorching at several points between and around the two communities, which are an estimated 15 to 20 kilometers apart. The razing of el-Feid underscores the rising tensions in the Nuba Mountain region as next month{\textquoteright}s South Kordofan State gubernatorial elections approach.

}, author = {Not On Our Watch and The Enough Project and Google and he United Nations UNITAR Operational Satellite Applications Programme (UNOSAT) and Harvard Humanitarian Initiative and DigitalGlobe and Trellon, LLC} } @report {1388848, title = {2011 Humanitarian Action Summit Report }, year = {2011}, author = {Harvard Humanitarian Initiative} } @report {1388849, title = {2011 Roundtable Executive Summary }, year = {2011}, abstract = {

On March 23-24, 2011, we held a roundtable discussion, {\textquotedblleft}Earthquake Relief in Haiti: Inter-Organizational Perspectives and Lessons for the Future{\textquotedblright} at Harvard University. We convened this meeting to provide a forum for discussing successes, challenges, and strategies for improving disaster response based upon the lessons learned from the Haiti earthquake. The summary at left highlights some of the key themes discussed during each focal topic and throughout the roundtable meeting. We hope this will be useful to a diversity of players in the disaster response sphere.

}, author = {Michael VanRooyen and Arnold Howitt and Laurence Ronan and Herman Leonard} } @report {1388850, title = {Abyei Incursion: Evidence of Northern-Aligned Forces Deployed to Abyei Region, Sudan}, year = {2011}, abstract = {

According to media reports released on 20 March 2011, Sudan{\textquoteright}s federal Ministry of the Interior recently deployed approximately 1,500 northern police to the environs of Bongo, Diffra, and Goli in northern Abyei, Sudan. Northern representatives, including the spokesman of the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), Colonel Khalid Sa{\textquoteright}ad Al-Sawarmi, have denied that the northern military deployed troops to Abyei. However, satellite imagery collected by DigitalGlobe and analyzed by the Satellite Sentinel Project (SSP) corroborates the reported presence of encampments consistent with military/police installations in close proximity to Bongo, Diffra and Goli.

}, author = {Harvard Humanitarian Initiative and UNITAR/UNOSAT} } @report {1388857, title = {Apparent Intentional Destruction of Tajalei Village}, year = {2011}, abstract = {

At least 300 buildings at Tajalei village, Abyei Region, Sudan were burned sometime between March 4 and March 6, 2011, according to Satellite Sentinel Project (SSP) analysis of\ DigitalGlobe satellite imagery. Approximately two-thirds of those structures appear to be consistent with civilian residential structures, known as tukuls. The pattern in which these buildings were apparently burned is consistent with the intentional targeting of civilian infrastructure. SSP has confirmed that three villages in the Abyei region have been intentionally destroyed between Wednesday, March 2 and Sunday, March 6 2011.

}, author = {UNITAR/UNOSAT and Harvard Humanitarian Initiative} } @report {1389575, title = {Flashpoint: Abyei}, year = {2011}, abstract = {

The human security situation in the Abyei region of Sudan has rapidly deteriorated in the past week due to renewed violence. Satellite Sentinel Project (SSP) has confirmed through the analysis of DigitalGlobe satellite imagery that buildings consistent with civilian infrastructure appear to have been intentionally burned Maker Abior and Todach villages. Some 100 people in the Abyei region have reportedly died in the clashes to date. According to the humanitarian\ organisation M{\'e}decins Sans Fronti{\`e}res (MSF), tens of thousands of civilians have either been displaced by fighting or fled due to fear of further attacks.

}, author = {Harvard Humanitarian Initiative{\textquoteright}s Human Rights Documentation Team and Carr Center for Human Rights Policy and DigitalGlobe and Harvard Humanitarian Initiative and UNITAR/UNOSAT} } @report {1389578, title = {Frontline Abyei: Evidence of Military Escalation in Abyei Region}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Following the recent razing of three villages, there has been increased military activity in and around the contested Abyei region of Sudan during the past week. Actors aligned with both the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Sudan People{\textquoteright}s Liberation Army (SPLA) appear to have improved their defensive positions and mobilized additional offensive capacity, including, in one case, vehicles consistent with the transport of heavy armor. Satellite Sentinel Project (SSP) has determined that in some parts of the Abyei region, elements believed to be aligned with the SAF and SPLA now lie within an approximately 20 to 40 kilometer range of each other. SSP also concludes that the SAF and SPLA appear to now have more units arrayed within 100 kilometers of each other in and around Abyei than at any time in the past two months of SSP{\textquoteright}s monitoring of the region.}, author = {Harvard Humanitarian Initiative and UNITAR/UNOSAT and DigitalGlobe} } @report {1388709, title = {Humanitarian Action under Scrutiny: Criminalizing Humanitarian Engagement }, year = {2011}, abstract = {

The Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research at Harvard University (HPCR) is a research and policy program based at the Harvard School of Public Health in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Program is engaged in research and advisory services on humanitarian operations and the protection of civilians in conflict areas. The Program advises organizations such as the United Nations, governments, and non-governmental actors, and focuses on the protection of vulnerable groups, conflict prevention, strategic planning for human security, and the role of information technology in emergency response. The Program was established in August 2000 in close cooperation with the Government of Switzerland and the United Nations.

This Working Paper presents HPCR{\textquoteright}s research to date on dilemmas arising from the intersection between, on the one hand, counterterrorism laws and policies prohibiting engagement with certain non-state entities and, on the other, humanitarian access and protection of civilians in armed conflict. This Working Paper aims to provide HPCR{\textquoteright}s initial analysis of these dilemmas and to suggest key areas for future research and policy engagement.\ 

}, url = {https://www.hpcrresearch.org/research/criminalizing-humanitarian-engagement/hpcr-working-paper-february-2011/}, author = {Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research} } @report {1388845, title = {2011 Global Surgical Consortium Annual Report }, year = {2011}, abstract = {

This report outlines the ongoing work of\ The Global Surgical Consortium(GSC), a 501c3 public charity that was created in 2010 to address the growing global surgical and anesthesia crisis and to provide sustainable solutions appropriate for low income countries (LICs) where surgical disease is increasing and few services exist for surgical treatment.

}, author = {MacKenzie Burdic} } @report {1389564, title = {Disaster Relief 2.0: The Future of Information Sharing in Humanitarian Emergencies}, year = {2011}, abstract = {

This report analyzes how the humanitarian community and the emerging volunteer and technical communities worked together in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, and recommends a four-part framework to improve coordination between these two groups in future emergencies. The report was researched and written by a team at HHI, in partnership with Vodafone Foundation, United Nations Foundation, and UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

}, author = {Harvard Humanitarian Initiative} } @article {1389735, title = {Opinion: Rape Traumatizes All Congolese, Not Just Women }, year = {2011}, abstract = {

Many programs exist in eastern DRC today that assist with the medical and psychological needs of survivors {\textendash} these programs can be live saving and are desperately important. But women here do not live in a void. They deeply affect those around them and are affected by those people in turn. Ignoring the needs of the family and community networks in which these women work and live means that the international community is ignoring the holistic needs of the women they are trying to serve.

}, author = {Jocelyn Kelly} } @report {1389573, title = {Evidence of SAF Deployment in South Kordofan}, year = {2011}, abstract = {

SSP monitoring of the region provided the first public evidence confirming some of the reports of SAF deployment in South Kordofan and checkpoints on the roads north of Abyei.

}, author = {Harvard Humanitarian Initiative} } @report {1388743, title = {Transitioning to Peace: A Population-Based Survey on Attitudes About Social Reconstruction and Justice in Northern Uganda }, year = {2010}, abstract = {

Since the withdrawal of the Lord{\textquoteright}s Resistance Army (LRC) from Northern Uganda in 2005, the region has been on the slow path to recovery after a long period of danger and destruction. This study presents Ugandans{\textquoteright} views of peace, justice, and post-conflict reconstruction after twenty years of conflicts that ravaged the country. Based on its findings of violence, access to information consumption, and perception of ex-combatants, this study makes the following recommendations to the Ugandan government and the international community: (1) continue to promote reconstruction and development, (2) develop a relevant and realistic reparations program, (3) support national dialogue on the causes and consequences of the conflict, (4) strengthen regional security, (5) build local leadership capacity, (6) develop a responsive criminal justice and police system, (7) reevaluate the International Criminal Court (ICC){\textquoteright}s outreach strategy, and (8) ensure free and fair presidential elections.

}, author = {Phuong Pham and Patrick Vinck} } @report {1388859, title = {Applied Technologies Module Evaluation}, year = {2010}, abstract = {

In 2010, the Humanitarian Studies Course incorporated applied technologies into the coursework for the second consecutive year. The goal of this evaluation report is to reflect upon and determine the next steps for the Applied Technology Learning Module and to better understand its impact on participant learning during the 2010 Humanitarian Studies Course. This evaluation concludes that improvements in 1) didactics and preparation 2) integration of crowdsourcing and GIS technology 3) satellite communications and 4) volunteer capacity resulted in a successful educational experience for future humanitarian responders.

}, author = {Jennifer Chan} } @article {1389898, title = {Improved health outcomes in urban slums through infrastructure upgrading}, journal = {Social Science \& Medicine}, volume = {71}, year = {2010}, pages = {935-940}, abstract = {

This study evaluated the health impact of a public private partnership using microfinance to upgrade slum infrastructure in Ahmedabad, India. The authors show a statistically significant reduction in waterborne illness as a result of the intervention and point to further unmeasured benefits from the upgrade. This is an example of the data driven projects HHI is conducting to lend evidence with operational research on interventions.

Reference: Soc Sci Med. 2010 Sep;71(5):935-40.

}, url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277953610004557}, author = {Neel Butala and Ronak B. Patel and Michael VanRooyen} } @report {1389522, title = {Building Peace, Seeking Justice: A Population-Based Survey on Attitudes About Accountability and Social Reconstruction in the Central African Republic}, year = {2010}, abstract = {

Decades of Political Instability, state fragility, mismanagement, and a series of armed conflicts have led the Central African Republic (CAR) to a state of widespread violence and poverty. This study provides a better understanding of the scope and magnitude of violence in CAR and its consequences, as well as a snapshot of what the citizens of CAR believe is the best way to restore peace. It also examines the issue of justice and accountability for the serious crimes that were committed. This report provides a detailed analysis of results on a wide range of topics related to the population{\textquoteright}s priorities and needs, exposure to violence, security, community cohesion and engagement, access to information, conflict resolution, reintegration of former combatants, transitional justice, and reparations for victims.

}, author = {Phuong Pham and Patrick Vinck} } @report {1389703, title = {The Implications of Bassiouni v. Prime Minister for Humanitarian Professionals in Gaza}, year = {2010}, abstract = {This brief will explore the legal implications of Bassiouni v. Prime Minister. Arguments derived from occupation law are not within the scope of this brief because the brief assumes for the sake of argument that the decision was decidedly correctly in that regard. For more on the debate as to whether Gaza is occupied, please see HPCR{\textquoteright}s September 2008 policy brief, {\textquotedblleft}Occupation, armed conflict, and the legal aspects of the relationship between Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip: A resource for practitioners.{\textquotedblright}\ Similarly, the law pertaining to Israel{\textquoteright}s actions taken during Operation Cast Lead will not be analyzed in this paper. This brief is designed to answer questions about the legal framework the Government of Israel(GoI) applies when assessing its humanitarian obligations to the Gaza Strip, and Operation Cast Lead has not generally altered that framework.\ }, author = {Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research} } @report {1389708, title = {Legal Aspects of Israel{\textquoteright}s Disengagement Plan under International Humanitarian Law (IHL)}, year = {2010}, abstract = {

On 14 April 2004, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon presented to President George W. Bush a Disengagement Plan designed, according to the Israeli prime minister, to improve the security of Israel and stabilize its political and economic situation. After the original disengagement plan was defeated in a Likud referendum in early May, the Israeli prime minister issued a revised version of his Disengagement Plan on 6 June 2004. The core component of this Plan is a unilateral withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and the northern part of the West Bank, designed to allow a more effective deployment of Israeli military forces and reduce the friction with the Palestinian population. The proposed Plan is based on the assumptions that, in any future permanent status arrangement between Israel and its Palestinian counterpart, there are unlikely to be any Israeli towns and villages left in the Gaza Strip and that some areas of the West Bank are likely to be integrated with the state of Israel, including cities, towns, and villages inhabited by Israeli settlers as well as security areas, installations, and other places of special interest to Israel. The proposed disengagement raises a number of legal issues that will be reviewed in this policy brief.

}, author = {Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research} } @report {1389748, title = {Rape in War: Motives of Militia in DRC}, year = {2010}, abstract = {"Rape in War: Motives of Militia in the DRC" is a special report commissioned by United States Institute of Peace (USIP) on sexual and gender-based violence, which uniquely examines the experiences of armed combatants in this conflict. The report is a qualitative analysis of interviews conducted with the Mai Mai militia in the DRC and looks at the experiences of armed combatants with the aim of revealing potential avenues for intervention.}, author = {Jocelyn Kelly} } @article {1389548, title = {"Children Affected by HIV/AIDS: SAFE, A Model for Promoting their Security, Health and Development"}, journal = {Psychology, Health \& Medicine}, volume = {15}, year = {2010}, pages = {243-265}, abstract = {

A human security framework posits that individuals are the focus of strategies that protect the safety and integrity of people by proactively promoting children{\textquoteright}s well being, placing particular emphasis on prevention efforts and health promotion. This article applies this framework to a rights-based approach in order to examine the health and human rights of children affected by HIV/AIDS. The SAFE model describes sources of insecurity faced by children across four fundamental dimensions of child well-being and the survival strategies that children and families may employ in response. The SAFE model includes: Safety/protection; Access to health care and basic physiological needs; Family/connection to others; and Education/livelihoods. We argue that it is critical to examine the situation of children through an integrated lens that effectively looks at human security and children{\textquoteright}s rights through a holistic approach to treatment and care rather than artificially limiting our scope of work to survival-oriented interventions for children affected by HIV/AIDS. Interventions targeted narrowly at children, in isolation of their social and communal environment as outlined in the SAFE model, may in fact undermine protective resources in operation in families and communities and present additional threats to children{\textquoteright}s basic security. An integrated approach to the basic security and care of children has implications for the prospects of millions of children directly infected or indirectly affected by HIV/AIDS around the world. The survival strategies that young people and their families engage in must be recognized as a roadmap for improving their protection and promoting healthy development. Although applied to children affected by HIV/AIDS in the present analysis, the SAFE model has implications for guiding the care and protection of children and families facing adversity due to an array of circumstances from armed conflict and displacement to situations of extreme poverty.

}, url = {https://issuu.com/hpcr/docs/fxb-safemodel-may2010?e=1851643/2690841}, author = {Theresa Betancourt and Claude Bruderlein and Mary Kay Smith Fawzi and Chris Desmond and Jim Y. Kim} } @report {1389894, title = {Reparation for Civilians Living in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT): Opportunities and Constraints under International Law}, year = {2010}, abstract = {

A prominent issue in contemporary international law and policy involves civilians living in the Occupied Palestinian Territory ({\textquotedblleft}OPT{\textquotedblright})1 who wish to seek reparation for damage allegedly sustained as a result of Israel{\textquoteright}s activities vis-{\`a}-vis the OPT, whether in the course of belligerent occupation or armed conflict. This policy brief provides humanitarian practitioners with a basic understanding of the legal framework applicable to that issue. Given the sensitive nature of the topic it examines, this policy brief aims to equip readers with the conceptual tools necessary to understand the various arguments from different viewpoints. The main question to be addressed is whether in the above-outlined context a victim of a violation of international law has a right to compensation. This paper does not take any position as to whether Israel has, or has not, violated international law in any of the instances discussed. Nor does the paper address whether individual persons acting on behalf of the State of Israel may be held criminally liable for their acts. Also outside the scope of this paper is the situation of Israeli civilians having suffered damage as a result of the situation.\ 

}, author = {Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research} } @report {1389711, title = {Now, The World Is Without Me: An Investigation of Sexual Violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo}, year = {2010}, abstract = {{\textquoteleft}Now, The World Is Without Me{\textquoteright}, is an in-depth report commissioned by Oxfam America and carried out by HHI.\  The study analyzes data from female rape survivors who were treated in Panzi Hospital in South Kivu Province over a five-year period.\  The analysis revealed an alarming increase in civilian perpetrators of rape.}, author = {Michael VanRooyen and Susan Bartels and Jennifer Leaning and Jocelyn Kelly and Jennifer Scott} } @report {1389565, title = {Evidence-Based Peacekeeping: Exploring the Epidemiology of Lethal Violence in Darfur}, year = {2010}, abstract = {

In this working paper, the authors seek to assess the "nature and scale of violence in Darfur in a way that is both directly useful in the design of peace support missions and policies, while also more broadly demonstrating the importance of rigorous data collection before and throughout these missions in order to arrive at evidence-based conclusions about the nature of violence and effectiveness of applied responses." The authors explore the challenges of constructing an evidence base for peace support operations and the limits to inferences that can be made about civilian protection in Darfur using existing data sources.

}, author = {Alex de Waal and Chad Hazlett and Christian Davenport and Joshua Kennedy} } @article {1389742, title = {Protecting the Children of Haiti}, journal = {The New England Journal of Medicine}, year = {2010}, abstract = {Published in the New England Journal of Medicine by the Fran{\c c}ois-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights and the Harvard Medical School, this report co-authored by a number of HHI fellows covers the security situation of children in Haiti.}, url = {https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1001820}, author = {Brett D. Nelson and Timothy P. Williams and Jay Lemery and Satchit Balsari} } @article {1389554, title = {The Dark Sides of Convergence: A Pro-Civilian Critique of the Extraterritorial Application of Human Rights Law in Armed Conflict}, journal = {International Law Studies}, year = {2010}, abstract = {

The idea of co-application of international humanitarian law and human rights law has drawn a tremendous amount of academic attention and a huge amount of innovation in international and domestic jurisprudence. Yet in the current headlong approach into convergence, rights and rights institutions may carry risks to the very goals many humanitarian-minded international lawyers seek to achieve. This article takes a bird{\textquoteright}s-eye view of the debate and questions whether it is a good thing to insist on the extraterritorial applicability of human rights to armed conflict situations. In doing so, the article argues that parallel application is equally as bad for the Iraqi civilian as it is for the American soldier. As we pull back the layers of legalistic argumentation, the real role of rights discourse and the real function of human rights law on the battlefield seem much less thought-out than leading scholars suggest, and the implications for this new approach to international law seem much more problematic than the current debate on the issue presents.

}, url = {https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1543482}, author = {Naz K. Modirzadeh} } @report {1389750, title = {From Rapid Response to Sustainable Solutions: Disaster Response and Recovery in Post-Earthquake Haiti}, year = {2010}, abstract = {

On the one-year anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti, HHI released this report, chronicling eleven months of the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative{\textquoteright}s disaster response and recovery efforts in Haiti.\  The report offers a brief overview of the establishment of the Disaster Recovery Center, the transition from complex disaster response to recovery phase operations, and the impact of HHI{\textquoteright}s medical and public health programming through outpatient medical clinic "Klinik Lespwa."

}, author = {Harvard Humanitarian Initiative} } @article {1389737, title = {Outreach Evaluation: The International Criminal Court in the Central African Republic}, journal = {The International Journal of Transitional Justice}, year = {2010}, abstract = {

Public information and outreach have emerged as one of the fundamental activities of transitional justice mechanisms. Their objective is to raise public awareness, knowledge and participation among affected communities. Despite this increased focus, understanding of the role, impact and effectiveness of various outreach strategies remains limited, as is understanding of communities{\textquoteright} knowledge, perceptions and attitudes about transitional justice mechanisms, including their expectations. The study discussed in this article was designed to evaluate International Criminal Court (ICC) outreach programs in the Central African Republic.

}, author = {Patrick Vinck and Phuong Pham} } @report {1394039, title = {Picking Up the Pieces: Women{\textquoteright}s Health Needs Assessment, Fond Parisien, Haiti}, year = {2010}, abstract = {

Circle of Health International (COHI) conducted this Women{\textquoteright}s Health Needs Assessment to identify the specific and immediate needs of women, and to provide evidence-based recommendations for short and long-term women{\textquoteright}s health programming in the Fond Parisien area. These recommendations are based on the results of surveys conducted with 64 women living in the American Refugee Committee (ARC) camp in Fond Parisien. This document highlights the present and future needs of the women living in this IDP camp, and provides specific recommendations to address the unique health needs of women within this population.

}, author = {Lynne Hudson and Siobhan McNally and Sera Bonds and Leilani Johnson and Jennyfer Dulyx and Courtney Hilbert and Simran Bains and Rachel Bedenbaugh} } @report {1391077, title = {Applied Technology to Crisis Mapping and Early Warning in Humanitarian Settings}, year = {2009}, abstract = {

The purpose of this Working Paper Series on Crisis Mapping is to briefly analyze the current use, and changing role, of information communication technology (ICT) in conflict early warning, crisis mapping and humanitarian response. The authors demonstrate that ICTs have the potential to play an increasingly significant role in three critical ways by: facilitating the communication of information in conflict zones, improving the collection of salient quantitative and qualitative conflict data, and enhancing the visualization and analysis of patterns.

}, author = {Patrick Meier and Jennifer Leaning} } @report {1392761, title = {Characterizing Sexual Violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Profiles of Violence, Community Responses, and Implications for the Protection of Women}, year = {2009}, abstract = {

This report uses both quantitative and qualitative methods to explore sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo.\  Results from this report show the sexual violence perpetrated by armed actors in the DRC has features that indicate rape is being used as a weapon of war. The violence in DRC embodies a new kind of war emerging in the 21st century - one that occurs in villages more than battlefields and affects more civilians than armed combatants.

}, author = {Harvard Humanitarian Initiative} } @article {1392788, title = {Urbanization - An Emerging Humanitarian Disaster}, journal = {The New England Journal of Medicine}, volume = {361}, year = {2009}, pages = {741-743}, abstract = {

This paper describes the current rates of urbanization and the developing health consequences framed as a humanitarian crisis. The authors go on to analyze the current state of knowledge and policy on urban health. They lay out the priorities for future research and work and the role for academics, governments and international agencies to prevent the impending deterioration in global health due to rapid urbanization.

}, author = {Ronak B. Patel and Thomas F. Burke} } @report {1392779, title = {Measuring Performance Versus Impact: Evaluation Practices and their Implications on Governance and Accountability of Humanitarian NGOs}, year = {2009}, abstract = {

In the context of increased scrutiny of humanitarian assistance over the past decade, issues around the accountability of international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) - and the perceived lack thereof - have been discussed widely and frequently. This reflects the recognition of both the increased relevance of INGOs and of the underlying problems associated with their role. Donor agencies in particular have become increasingly concerned with the accountability of the operational agencies they fund, who in return have put in place elaborate evaluation processes and systems. What characterizes these approaches and how are they affecting the ways agencies operate and pursue their humanitarian missions? Were agencies successful in addressing accountability deficits and in correcting the respective incentives towards positive change in humanitarian action? When examining the prevailing practices of major humanitarian INGOs, this research identified not only a general absence of critical self-reflection and meaningful concern over achieved impact, but also a remarkable resistance of the same dilemmas that triggered the call for an {\textquoteleft}accountability revolution{\textquoteright} in the first place. Highlighting considerable weaknesses in the governance of these INGOs, this article confirms also a growing frustration among humanitarian professionals themselves that, while much is measured and evaluated, it is rarely the actual impact of their work. Instead it is apparent that evaluation as it mostly takes place today reflects primarily the needs of donors; is irrelevant for serious organizational learning and programming efforts; adds considerably to the burden of local staff and partners; and does little to shed light on the roles, influence and impact of INGOs as central actors in humanitarian action and protection.

}, author = {Claude Bruderlein and MaryAnn Dakkak} } @report {1392780, title = {Multi-National Operations, Unity of Effort, And the Law of Armed Conflict}, year = {2009}, abstract = {

The debates over the applicability and interpretation of the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC) are vital to unity of effort as well as clarity of rules in coalition operations.\ \ This paper has addressed the key sources of uncertainty underlying how LOAC is and should be applied in coalition operations, focusing first on understanding which legal frameworks apply in particular context of armed conflict. After addressing key current debates over the qualification of conflicts, the paper explores a number of contemporary contexts in which this question of applicability is most salient: intervention in failed state situations and transnational armed conflicts. The paper suggests that resolving this first uncertainty is critical to unity of effort in this increasingly common realm of operations. It then suggests that a number of ongoing questions in the arena of LOAC applicability and interpretation exist where conflicts may be bifurcated and in determining the end of armed conflict. The paper explores the common practice of imposing policy-based LOAC requirements in coalition situations, and how such practices are relevant to detention policies, command responsibility in situations where multi-national forces are acting in concert, debates over direct participation of civilians in armed conflict, and the involvement of civilian support personnel in contemporary conflicts.

}, author = {Geoffrey S. Corn} } @report {1392783, title = {Nowhere to Turn: Failure to Protect, Support and Assure Justice for Darfuri Women}, year = {2009}, abstract = {

Nowhere to Turn is a report documenting the scope and long-term impact of rape and other sexual violence experienced by women who fled attacks on their villages in Darfur and are now refugees in neighboring Chad. The report is based on a scientific study, conducted in partnership with Physicians for Human Rights, of women{\textquoteright}s accounts of rape and other crimes against humanity that they have experienced in Darfur, as well as rape and deprivations of basic needs in refugee camps in Chad.

}, author = {Physicians for Human Rights and Harvard Humanitarian Initiative} } @report {1391069, title = {2009 Humanitarian Action Summit Report}, year = {2009}, author = {Harvard Humanitarian Initiative} } @report {1392771, title = {Introduction to Islamic Law}, year = {2009}, author = {Nesrine Badawi} } @report {1392773, title = {Islamic Jurisprudence and the Regulation of Armed Conflict}, year = {2009}, abstract = {

The increase in violent attacks against civilians and non-civilians and the claims made by groups waging such attacks that their acts are legitimate under Islamic law generated wide interest in Islamic {\textquoteleft}laws of war{\textquoteright}. This paper attempts to challenge the approach focused on comparison between international humanitarian law (IHL) and Islamic law on the basis of the rules adopted in each system and argues that both legal regimes are governed by certain theoretical and ideological paradigms that are distinct from each other. In order to highlight this difference, the paper examines the different juristic approaches to issues of concern to the jurists and shows how these approaches reflected particular agenda and thus can not be simply compared to rules of IHL, because these are equally governed by other agendas and interests.

}, author = {Nesrine Badawi} } @report {1392781, title = {New Technologies in Emergencies and Conflicts: The Role of Information and Social Networks}, year = {2009}, abstract = {

This paper explores communication technology advances as an opportunity for humanitarian organizations to harness modern technology to communicate more effectively with communities affected by disasters and to allow members of those communities to communicate with each other and with the outside world. People in affected communities can recover faster if they can access and use information. A look at the use of communications technology during disasters in recent years shows that while communication advances have played a positive role, their full potential has not yet been realized.

}, author = {Diane Coyle and Patrick Meier} } @report {1392786, title = {So We Will Never Forget: A Population-Based Survey on Attitudes About Social Reconstruction and the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia}, year = {2009}, abstract = {

30 years after the end of the Khmer Rouge Regime in Cambodia, citizens of the country continue to see themselves as victims of the regime and desire some form of reparations. Nonetheless, citizens wish that the country prioritize problems that Cambodians face in their everyday lives rather than concentrate on punishing crimes committed by the Khmer Rouge. This study presents the views and experiences of Cambodians regarding exposure to violence, overall priorities, and the national criminal justice system. Additionally, the study reveals that citizens desire more knowledge of the regime, feel hatred toward the Khmer Rouge, and demand accountability. Furthermore, the study calls for changes in the structure and governance of the Extraordinary Chambers of the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) so that Cambodians{\textquoteright} faith in their criminal justice system may be restored.

}, author = {Phuong Pham and Patrick Vinck and Mychelle Balthazard and Sokhom Hean and Eric Stover} } @report {1393742, title = {Capacity Building for Fistula Repair in Eastern DRC}, year = {2009}, abstract = {

This report includes a detailed evaluation of the clinical, surgical and managerial capacity at Panzi Hospital, and also capacity evaluations of hospitals in Kaziba, Kalonge, Walungu, Uvira, Kakawende, Kaniola, and Nyatende.

}, author = {Julie VanRooyen and Lauri Romanzi and Stephen Morris and Nadine Semer and Michael VanRooyen} } @article {1392766, title = {From Information Overload to Informed Decision: Designing an Information System to Support Peacebuilding}, journal = {Journal of Peacebuilding \& Development}, volume = {4}, year = {2008}, pages = {95-99}, author = {Claude Bruderlein and Suneeta Kaimal} } @report {1392758, title = {ATHA: Humanitarian Policy Making for Civil-Military Coordination (CIMIC)}, year = {2008}, abstract = {Interaction between civilian and military actors in complex political emergencies (CPE) continues to warrant close examination, as the scope and implications of these relationships are significantly impacting contemporary humanitarian operations. Acknowledging that such involvement between military and humanitarian bodies has been widely questioned and critiqued, this paper takes no position as to the ideal nature of the relationship; it adopts as its base for discussion situations in which the relationship is already in place. In recent years, humanitarian organizations have been criticized for the ad hoc style of interaction, as well as over the highly fragmented nature of this sector.\ \  There are many explanations for this lack of structure and coordination, a broad discussion of which is beyond the scope of this brief.\ \ However, this failure to collaborate in planning has implications for civil-military coordination (CIMIC).\  \  Policies, methods and tools to develop collaboration of an appropriate nature and character between humanitarian bodies dealing with military partnerships are vital for the success of any civil-military undertaking.\ \ \ }, author = {ATHA} } @article {1392787, title = {Training humanitarian professionals at a distance: testing the feasibility of distance learning with humanitarian professionals}, journal = {Distance Education}, year = {2008}, abstract = {Training is an essential part of the professional development of staff working for international humanitarian organizations. While humanitarian workers are being deployed around the world to provide life-saving relief assistance in often-hazardous missions, it is imperative for organizations to ensure that staff members understand the mission and protocol of their organizations and that they develop an appreciation for the impact their work has on beneficiaries. Demand for such training has been expanding exponentially over the last decade with the growing number of humanitarian organizations and personnel. In the United Nations alone, an estimated 37,000 civilian personnel are being employed as part of UN humanitarian operations, an increase of 54\% since 1997; 75\% of this personnel is composed of national staff of the countries of operation (United Nations, 2008). With the increasing reliance of humanitarian organizations on national staff to manage their field operations, the professional development of staff members poses an ever-growing challenge due to the remoteness and distribution of staff, limiting organizations{\textquoteright} ability to maintain the coherence and cogency of their mission and methods. Although many international humanitarian organizations have adopted some form of distance learning into their staff training, few organizations have evaluated the effectiveness of their distance learning programs. This research briefly evaluates the literature relevant to the use of distance learning for training professional staff in the humanitarian field, assesses how distance learning programs are being used among select humanitarian organizations based in the USA, and reviews the results of a pilot distance learning course offered to mid-career professionals working on international humanitarian issues in a professional capacity.}, author = {Vincenzo Bollettino and Claude Bruderlein} } @report {1392778, title = {Living With Fear: A Population-Based Survey on Attitudes About Peace, Justice, and Social Reconstruction in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo}, year = {2008}, abstract = {

After years of armed conflict, instability, and human rights violations, in 2006 the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) held its first elections since independence. Despite this success, eastern DRC grapples with major challenges in achieving security, social reconstruction, and transitional justice. This study presents the needs and priorities of the Congolese population in light of prevailing social and political instability, and recommends that the Congolese government and international community take steps to monitor and implement peace negotiations, security, and good governance as the country moves forward.

}, author = {Patrick Vinck and Phuong Pham and Suliman Baldo and Rachel Shigekane} } @report {1392784, title = {Private Security Companies In The Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT): An International Humanitarian Law Perspective}, year = {2008}, abstract = {

Recent incidents involving private security companies\ (PSCs) in Iraq have raised questions among governments and international agencies regarding the appropriate legal framework to regulate these organizations as well as to determine both company and employer liability under international humanitarian law (IHL).\ While the use of PSCs in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) has remained more limited than in Iraq,\ the growing presence of PSCs, especially at military checkpoints and crossings, has raised concerns among humanitarian practitioners. The purpose of this policy brief is to assess current uncertainties concerning the legal status of PSCs as they relate to the work of humanitarian agencies, the integrity of military chain of command, and the protection of civilian populations. A central issue lies in determining the extent to which PSC employees are to be considered agents of the Occupying Power and therefore no different, in legal terms, from any member of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), or whether they represent a new and separate legal entity whose behavior cannot be directly attributable to the Occupation Power under IHL.\ For example, what are the legal duties and responsibilities of PSC employees in terms of facilitating humanitarian workers{\textquoteright} access to the occupied population? In the event that PSC employees are involved in military engagements in occupied territory, or if they detain, injure, or kill civilians, what accountability structure applies to their actions? In interviews with humanitarian practitioners in both the UN and the NGO communities, HPCR researchers found that these questions are beginning to trouble those responsible for the coordination and delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian population.\ 

}, author = {HPCR} } @report {1392755, title = {ATHA: Humanitarian Coordination: An Overview}, year = {2008}, abstract = {

A vital component of humanitarian action is the coordination among all actors involved in the delivery of humanitarian assistance. Coordination within this field allows for the most efficient, cost effective, and successful operations possible. Groups seeking access to beneficiary populations often share the same objectives in regards to addressing human need and allaying suffering, but wide variance in such principle elements as organizational structure, technical and/or geographic expertise, mission, mandate, and political interest may hinder or prevent natural coordination on the field. This brief focuses on the dynamics of humanitarian coordination in the context of humanitarian assistance, and the main elements of coordination in the field. For the purposes of this paper, coordination is defined as a {\textquotedblleft}systematic utilization of policy instruments to deliver humanitarian assistance in a cohesive and effective manner.{\textquotedblright} A leading scholar in the field identifies three basic types of coordination: coordination by command, coordination through consensus and coordination by default; and the distinction between the three is important in discerning both the benefits and challenges offered by different approaches to coordination. While United Nations agencies played a central role in the systemization and institutionalization of the idea of coordination, effective coordination requires multi-sectoral and multifaceted perspectives, as well as a dual approach in which the importance of both operational and strategic coordination are recognized. The principles of humanity, neutrality and impartiality are central to the provision of humanitarian assistance, and as such, warrant consideration in coordination strategies and policies. Other basic principles and elements of humanitarian coordination include strengthening the capacity of local actors, transparency and accountability, and mutual commitment and cooperation between the different actors. There are a variety of existing mechanisms designed to enhance and facilitate coordination between organizations providing assistance in a given context. These mechanisms range in function from enhancing coordination within and among groups to identifying gaps in responses as well as addressing important concerns relating to funding. While there are many challenges to implementation of coordination strategies, as well as concerns regarding the potential for increased bureaucracy in an already complex system, the benefits to coordination can be tremendous. Not only are humanitarian operations improved through the development and implementation of coordination strategies and mechanisms, but, more critically, the beneficiary population also gains from better coordinated activities.\ 

}, author = {ATHA} } @report {1392789, title = {When the War Ends: A Population-Based Survey on Attitudes about Peace, Justice, and Social Reconstruction in Northern Uganda}, year = {2007}, abstract = {

Ravaged by 21 years of war and destruction, Northern Uganda faces serious obstacles in achieving reconciliation and accountability for violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. While security in the region has improved since the migration of the Lord{\textquoteright}s Resistance Army to the Congo, Ugandans continue to struggle with the aftereffects of an era of violence. This study relays Ugandans{\textquoteright} views on peace, mechanisms for justice, and reintegration, and consequently recommends that the Ugandan government and international community act in concert to develop a strategy for peace-building, justice, socioeconomic development, and poverty reduction in the North.

}, author = {Phuong Pham and Patrick Vinck and Eric Stover and Andrew Moss and Marieke Wierda and Richard Bailey} } @report {1392794, title = {Empowered Groups, Tested Laws, and Policy Options: Report on an International Seminar on Transnational and Non-State Armed Groups}, year = {2007}, abstract = {

The rising importance of non-state armed groups is heightened by three post-Cold War phenomena: the increased fragmentation of states into smaller self-governing entities, the augmented privatization of warfare, and, by virtue of the expansion of global communication networks, the inflated accountability of states towards non-state actors. This context has influenced significantly the emergence of modern transnational and non-state armed groups (NSAGs) {\textemdash} i.e., groups that use force, flow across state boundaries, utilize global communication and transportation networks, seek international influence, and increasingly undertake military operations against dominant states. The key markers of how contemporary conflict between states and NSAGs varies from classical state-based warfare are to be found primarily in tactical and strategic differences. The increased (quantitative) participation of NSAGs in conflict presents in and of itself a strategic challenge for states. Since the events of September 11, 2001, and their aftermath, Al Qaeda and its associated groups, for example, have decentralized and diversified their activities significantly. Almost systematically, NSAGs have proven through their military aptitude that they can innovate faster than states. It, thus, became a strategic test for states to transform and adapt their intelligence and war-fighting capabilities to face these new contests and such mutation. From the tactical perspective, one of the most important developments is the increasingly unconventional and irregular means and methods used by transnational NSAGs. This is also one of the areas that conventional military forces have struggled to respond to. It is important in this changed context to differentiate between non-state armed groups, acknowledge their complexity and broadened goals, and register the implications of such development for states (which are themselves just as variegated as NSAGS). The ability of an NSAG such as Hezbollah to rely on local support, or at least tolerance, is another important modern-day advantage of armed groups that render conventional military tactics much less effective, if not obsolete in some cases. Such evolution underscores the fact that many an NSAG {\textemdash} whether as sophisticated as Hezbollah or more fluidly organized {\textemdash} is well suited to engaging in protracted conflicts in which no decisive military victory is required.\ 

}, author = {HPCR and Graduate Institute of International Studies} } @report {1392792, title = {IHL and Civilian Participation in Hostilities}, year = {2007}, abstract = {

This policy brief reviews the legal questions associated with the participation of civilians in hostilities. This issue represents a critical challenge to the protection of civilians in current conflicts, particularly when hostilities are conducted in the midst of civilian populations and assets, and when non-state armed groups are engaged as central actors. This issue is also of particular relevance when the hostilities occur under occupation. While international law recognizes a basic right of selfdetermination for populations under occupation, it provides immunity against violence only to those not participating in hostilities. This apparent contradiction is at the core of the debate on the protection of civilians and raises a number of questions about the roles and rights of civilians in armed conflict, as well as the concept of participation in the war effort and the nature of hostilities. Is a member of a militant group necessarily a {\textquotedblleft}combatant{\textquotedblright}? Can he or she be targeted according to the rules of international humanitarian law (IHL)? Is membership the key criterion, or are the actual acts of the individual the deciding factors of his or her status under the law? How can a civilian maintain or restore his or her protected status? Practitioners face these and related questions when developing policies for civilian protection in the occupied Palestinian territory (OPT). As with all briefs in this series, this paper focuses on providing practitioners with a clear understanding of the legal framework available for protecting Palestinian civilians living in the OPT, as well as the legal regime applicable to both the Israeli military and Palestinian militants when they engage in military operations. This framework is based on IHL (and, in a broader sense, on international human rights law). This note explores the spectrum of opinion (amongst both scholars and practitioners) on the question of the legal implications of civilian participation in hostilities, in particular the legality of targeting civilians who engage in hostilities. It highlights debates ongoing in the field of IHL without attempting to present {\textquotedblleft}correct{\textquotedblright} answers, with an eye to enhancing practitioners{\textquoteright} understanding of the types of legal rationale used both to limit and allow targeting of civilians who engage in hostilities. Ultimately, the aim of this brief is to strengthen the capacity of professionals to utilize and negotiate with the law while developing strategies to enhance the protection of civilians.

}, author = {HPCR} } @report {1392798, title = {2007 Humanitarian Health Conference Report}, year = {2007}, author = {Harvard Humanitarian Initiative} } @report {1392797, title = {Abducted: The Lord{\textquoteright}s Resistance Army and Forced Conscription in Northern Uganda}, year = {2007}, abstract = {

Since the late 1980s, the Lord{\textquoteright}s Resistance Army (LRA), a spiritualist rebel group with no clear political agenda, has abducted tens of thousands of children and adults to serve as porters and soldiers. In the early 1990s, children who escaped from the LRA or were captured by Ugandan soldiers were often paraded in the streets in the hope that someone would identify them. This treatment prompted a group of parents of abducted children to establish the Gulu Support the Children Organization (GUSCO), a reception center in Gulu, in 1994. In December 2005, the Berkeley-Tulane Initiative on Vulnerable Populations launched The Database Project to better document abduction and help improve the capacity of 8 reception centers in the northern districts of Gulu, Kitgum, Pader, Apac, and Lira to collect and analyze information about former LRA abductees.

}, author = {Phuong Pham and Patrick Vinck and Eric Stover} } @report {1392790, title = {The Role and Responsibilities of Civil Society in International Humanitarian Law Formulation and Application}, year = {2007}, abstract = {

This paper examines the relationship between the legal framework of international humanitarian law (IHL) and civil society actors operating in conflict situations. Attention is paid to assessing the manner in which the latter can play a role in strengthening the humanitarian dimension of the former. Brief introductory comments are warranted so as to situate the debate, in which non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in a conflict zone are adopted as the primary unit of analysis. IHL is the field of public international law which regulates the conduct of hostilities, namely restricting the means and methods of warfare available to parties to the conflict, and laying out protections afforded civilians and those no longer taking part in hostilities (hors de combat). State-centric in its development, the central tenets of IHL are found in the Hague Regulations of 1907, the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the two Protocols Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 1977. It is the right of sovereign states to decide which treaty-based international legal obligations they adopt regarding the legal regulation of the conduct of armed conflicts, however a number of legal provisions of IHL have attained the status of customary international law, and are thus binding on all parties to the conflict. This raises questions in regards to the status of non-state actors under international humanitarian law. The legal position of such actors, which for the purpose of this paper will focus on international organizations and non-governmental organizations, warrants close examination.\ 

}, author = {Bruno Demeyere} } @report {1392791, title = {From Legal Theory to Policy Tools: IHL and International Human Rights Law}, year = {2007}, abstract = {This briefing note aims to assess the interplay between International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and International Human Rights Law (IHRL) in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), particularly as international agencies are engaged in the protection of Palestinian civilians living under occupation. In so doing, the paper will present a range of legal arguments on the applicability of IHRL considering the current situation in the OPT.}, author = {HPCR} } @report {1394067, title = {Research Note on Attitudes About Peace and Justice in Northern Uganda}, year = {2007}, abstract = {

In light of human rights violations in Northern Uganda, this research note presents preliminary data on Ugandans{\textquoteright} attitudes on peace and justice. The findings reflect the respondents{\textquoteright} desires for truth reconciliation as well as their desires to hold perpetuators of violence accountable for their actions. However, the findings show that justice is not a top priority for Ugandans in comparison to more tangible needs for health, peace, money, and education. A majority of Ugandans in the North are open to the reintegration of former LRA members in society, albeit conditionally on diminished social and political rights for past LRA leaders.

}, author = {Patrick Vinck and Phuong Pham and Eric Stover and Andrew Moss and Marieke Wierda} } @report {1393797, title = {Designing Security}, year = {2006}, abstract = {

Humanitarian organizations operate in increasingly hostile environments. Although authoritative statistics are scarce, anecdotal evidence suggests that aid workers face life-threatening risks that are exacerbated by the growing number of humanitarian organizations operating in the field with varying mandates, without common professional security standards and with limited success with inter-agency security coordination. The ability of humanitarian organizations to fulfill their mandates in the future will depend in part on their individual success in improving internal security management practices and in finding ways to coordinate their efforts on building common security standards and security coordination across agencies. To meet this challenge, humanitarian organizations must implement improved security management methods and find ways to coordinate their security operations and planning. Despite broad acceptance of the need to develop better security management and coordination, many humanitarian organizations remain ambivalent about coordinating their security activities and few have instituted robust measures for improving their own security management practices. Further, efforts to improve security management practices are hampered by a critical lack of basic empirical knowledge about the field security environment. In discussions about humanitarian staff safety and security, the least common denominator continues to be cumulative anecdotal evidence provided by the many security personnel working for humanitarian organizations in the field. This policy brief reviews the literature on humanitarian organization security management, highlighting common misconceptions about the field security environment, reviews the main structural and procedural issues impeding more effective security management, and illustrates why current initiatives to improve security management practices will remain only partial successes if they do not include a serious effort to replace anecdotal reporting on the field security environment with systematic collection and analysis of field security data. It argues that staff security requires a common professional approach based on sound security expertise adapted to meet the operational needs of humanitarian organizations. A model is developed for creating a network of security professionals responsible for guiding the design and implementation of common security standards and security information sharing protocol.

}, author = {Vincenzo Bollettino} } @article {1394017, title = {Hope and Despair over Health in Gaza}, journal = {BMJ}, volume = {333}, year = {2006}, abstract = {

The Israeli re-invasion of Gaza this July has redrawn the world{\textquoteright}s attention to the dire straits of the population living in the Gaza Strip. There, within an area the size of the Isle of Wight, 1.4 million people live without free access to the outside world. Contrary to international hopes, the Israeli decision to withdraw from Gaza in September 2005 has led to increasingly tight control over the movement of goods and people. The destruction of the Gaza power station in addition to the damage to bridges, roads, and other infrastructure can only worsen the plight of Gazans in the coming months.

}, author = {Allan G. Hill and Cari Jo Clark and Ismail Lubbad and Claude Bruderlein} } @report {1392799, title = {2006 Humanitarian Health Conference Report}, year = {2006}, author = {Harvard Humanitarian Initiative} } @report {1394042, title = {Population Projections for Socioeconomic Development in the Gaza Strip}, year = {2006}, abstract = {

By all accounts, demographic pressures in the Gaza Strip {\textemdash} in terms of population density, age structure, and growth rate {\textemdash} are extraordinarily high compared to neighboring countries and regions. This population pressure, combined with limited resources and territorial isolation, places immense strain on public services, social and political institutions, and the natural environment. At the same time, insecurity resulting from a deteriorating political context leads to further poverty and unemployment. Together these conditions require both immediate attention and long-term development planning, both of which are, admittedly, difficult in an environment of continuing political uncertainties. Since September 2000, the Gaza population has suffered periods of protracted closure imposed by the Israeli authorities. This has had deleterious consequences on the socioeconomic situation in the Gaza Strip. Currently, 30.3\% of the Gazan workforce is unemployed. Concomitantly, poverty is rampant. As of 2004, 37.2\% of Gazan families were below the poverty line,\ 26.0\% of whom experienced extreme poverty suggesting that the majority of poor households in Gaza are unable to meet their most basic needs. These challenges to human security are exacerbated by the fact that approximately 64\% of the Gaza population are refugees , approximately half of whom still reside in camps.

}, author = {Ismail Lubbad and Allan Hill and Cari Jo Clark} } @report {1394044, title = {Rebuilding After Katrina: A Population-Based Study of Labor and Human Rights in New Orleans}, year = {2006}, abstract = {

In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina swept through New Orleans and the surrounding communities, inflicting massive destruction and displacing hundreds of thousands. In the wake of the disaster, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security lifted minimum wage restrictions, thus creating an environment ripe for exploitation of both documented and undocumented workers by their employers. This study presents the experiences of laborers in the construction industry following Hurricane Katrina, and makes recommendations for how federal, state, and local authorities may protect Gulf Coast laborers against exploitation and unfair treatment.

}, author = {Laurel E. Fletcher and Phuong Pham and Eric Stover and Patrick Vinck} } @report {1394031, title = {Managing Security Risks in Hazardous Missions: The Challenges of Securing United Nations Access to Vulnerable Groups}, year = {2006}, abstract = {

Over the last decade, the United Nations ({\textquotedblleft}U.N.{\textquotedblright}) has taken a central role in the international community{\textquoteright}s response to the consequences of disasters and armed conflicts. Increasingly, international strategies to cope with instability and armed conflicts rely on the deployment of the staff of U.N. agencies in the midst of armed hostilities to provide urgently needed humanitarian assistance to threatened populations. Furthermore, reconstruction and development activities traditionally undertaken in peaceful environments have also become an integral part of stabilization efforts in situations that are far from secure.

}, author = {Claude Bruderlein and Pierre Gassmann} } @report {1392801, title = {Taking Islamic Law Seriously: INGOs and the Battle for Muslim Hearts and Minds}, year = {2006}, abstract = {

Behind the doors of the most influential human rights organizations in the world, a crisis has been forming. It is a crisis that has become more acute\ with the increased global media, military, and economic focus on the Middle East/Muslim world since the September 11, 2001, attacks. The Middle East has long been considered a desert of non-compliance within the human rights community,\ often depicted as the region of the world least interested in international human rights law.\ The Middle East is, in fact, seen by some as the most rights-abusing region in the world. The growing sense in the West that something must be done about human rights in the Muslim world has pushed the region to the top of the priority list for major human rights organizations. At the same time, there is a sense within many international non-governmental organizations ({\textquotedblleft}INGOs{\textquotedblright}) that the human rights movement{\textquoteright}s response to recent events in the Middle East has been reactive, responding to an agenda set largely by the Bush administration and subject to the whims of global media attention. For many, it seems that human rights organizations are following the U.S. military into the Muslim world.\ Many also feel that the human rights movement{\textquoteright}s rhetoric uncomfortably echoes that of the Bush administration, proclaiming disturbingly similar ends while espousing different means. Aside from making individual human rights professionals uncomfortable, this situation has brought a long-simmering dilemma within the Western-based human rights movement to the surface. This dilemma, yet to be openly addressed, concerns how the human rights movement should deal with Islamic law.\ 

}, author = {Naz Modirzadeh} } @report {1393791, title = {Transnationality, War and the Law - Roundtable Report}, year = {2006}, abstract = {

On October 30, 2005, the Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research at Harvard University (HPCR) brought together a select group of international experts for a discussion on the theme of {\textquotedblleft}The Transformation of Warfare, International Law, and the Role of Transnational Armed Groups.{\textquotedblright} The meeting was hosted by the Geneva Center for Security Policy in their offices in Geneva, Switzerland. This project grew out of a research interest identified at the High-Level Informal Expert Meeting on International Humanitarian Law at Harvard University in June 2004 which gathered representatives of twenty-eight governments and international organizations, as well as distinguished scholars, to examine the legal and policy challenges faced by international humanitarian law (IHL). The purpose of the meeting in Geneva was to explore the changed landscape of transnational wars and the prominent geopolitical role played by transnational non-state armed groups as well as their impact on interpretations and responses of international law to the new warfare. Built around three pillars of changing war, changing actors, and static law, the discussion in Geneva was organized along sessions on the transformation of war, the regulation of new conflicts, the current gaps and limitations of international humanitarian law, and the challenge of compliance and protection in the new environment. Starting from the decolonization wars of the twentieth century, armed conflicts have been departing gradually from the classical, state-centered paradigm embodied in the Geneva Convention of 1949 to the current framework in which non-state actors have acquired a larger, if not yet central, role. That fluctuation constitutes a bending of the traditional tactics of war brought about by the rise of comparatively weaker non-state actors and a modification in the space taken up by the new wars. Participants to the Geneva meeting stressed that non-state actors have been fighting states throughout the history of the state. However, in previous eras they fit more clearly into the realm of domestic law enforcement, as states sought to quell {\textquotedblleft}internal disturbances.{\textquotedblright} The new conflicts are driven across state borders and represent a true challenge in terms of regulating the behaviors of both transnational non-state armed groups and the corresponding territorial and extraterritorial response of states.

}, author = {HPCR} } @report {1393793, title = {Transnational Armed Groups and International Humanitarian Law}, year = {2006}, abstract = {

The concept of {\textquoteleft}transnational armed groups{\textquoteright} has been used increasingly since September 11, 2001 by those who consider the {\textquoteleft}war on terror{\textquoteright} to be an armed conflict and who wish to apply the laws of armed conflict, called international humanitarian law (IHL), to that conflict (rather than human rights domestic legislation and international law on cooperation in criminal matters). In this debate, it is often claimed that IHL, as it stands, is inadequate to cover such a conflict and such {\textquoteleft}transnational armed groups{\textquoteright}. This paper discusses, firstly, when IHL applies to transnational armed groups. Concretely, this involves the question of whether, and to what extent, the {\textquoteleft}war{\textquoteright} against Al Qaeda can be classified as an armed conflict. It is argued, that under international humanitarian law, the {\textquoteleft}war on terror{\textquoteright} must be split into different components. In some cases, the law of international armed conflicts applies. In others, the law of non-international armed conflicts applies. In most situations of the {\textquoteleft}war on terror{\textquoteright}, IHL does not apply at all. Secondly, this paper looks at the related issue of what determines the existence of an armed group as an addressee of IHL of non-international armed conflicts. According to what criteria can Al Qaeda be considered an armed group for the purpose of making IHL applicable? When are members of such a group covered by IHL, even though said group is not fulfilling those identified criteria? Thirdly, the rules of IHL covering an armed conflict between a transnational armed group and a state are summarized, in particular the status and treatment of members of such groups. Most importantly, this paper examines whether and how the existing rules of IHL should or could be adapted to (more) adequately cover transnational armed groups. In this context, few concrete proposals suggesting which rules should be adapted, and in what sense, were found. Nevertheless, as a fourth issue, this paper tries to identify certain areas where the existing IHL of non-international armed conflicts is not entirely adequate because of the extraterritorial character of the fight against transnational armed groups. Fifth, skepticism is expressed about the possibility of extending IHL and of applying it beyond armed conflicts as currently defined when transnational groups are involved. Sixth, as for the mechanisms of implementation, several proposals are brought forward regarding ways by which respect for existing (or any new rules of) IHL by transnational or any other armed groups can be improved. It is argued, centrally, that if armed groups are addressees of IHL, it is indispensable to involve them in the development and implementation of the rules. Finally, the article explores ways, obstacles, and the risks of developing new rules and mechanisms of IHL specific to armed conflicts with transnational armed groups. The author remains skeptical about the realism and utility of any attempt to develop specific rules for such conflicts.

}, author = {Marco Sass{\`o}li} } @article {1393736, title = {ATHA: Security of Humanitarian Staff}, year = {2006}, abstract = {

Humanitarian organizations operate in increasingly hostile environments. Although authoritative statistics are scarce, anecdotal evidence suggests that aid workers face life-threatening risks that are exacerbated by the growing number of humanitarian organizations operating in the field with varying mandates, without common professional security standards and with limited success with inter-agency security coordination. The ability of humanitarian organizations to fulfill their mandates in the future, will be depend in part on their individual success in improving internal security management practices and in finding ways to coordinate their efforts on building common security standards and security coordination across agencies. To meet this challenge, humanitarian organizations must implement improved security management methods and finds ways to coordinate their security operations and planning. Despite broad acceptance of the need to develop better security management and coordination, many humanitarian organizations remain ambivalent about coordinating their security activities and few have instituted robust measures for improving their own security management practices. Further, efforts to improve security management practices are hampered by a critical lack of basic empirical knowledge about the field security environment. In discussions about humanitarian staff safety and security, the least common denominator continues to be cumulative anecdotal evidence provided by the many security personnel working for humanitarian organizations in the field. This policy brief reviews the literature on humanitarian organization security management, highlighting common misconceptions about the field security environment, reviews the main structural and procedural issues impeding more effective security management, and illustrates why current initiatives to improve security management practices will remain only partial successes if they do not include a serious effort to replace anecdotal reporting on the field security environment with systematic collection and analysis of field security data. It argues that staff security requires a common professional approach based on sound security expertise adapted to meet the operational needs of humanitarian organizations. A model is developed for creating a network of security professionals responsible for guiding the design and implementation of common security standards and security information sharing protocol.\ 

}, author = {ATHA} } @report {1393794, title = {Towards a Common Security Framework: Securing Access and Managing Risks in Hazardous Missions}, year = {2006}, abstract = {

International agencies are facing increasing levels of threats against their staff and activities in many of their operations. Since the end of the Cold War, these agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental alike, have been called to work more intensely in conflict areas.1 These areas have become singularly more dangerous in recent years, exposing staff to greater risks. The threats of attack, as well as recurring levels of criminal violence, are now part of the daily life of international agencies{\textquoteright} workers in many of these situations, hindering their work and limiting their access to people in need. Although significant resources have been invested recently in building the security capabilities of international agencies, the escalation in security threats has not been matched with the development of corresponding institutional strategies to mitigate operational risks and reduce the exposure of international agencies. Despite serious flaws in existing security systems, international agencies have been inclined to expand their security capacity at a technical level rather than reviewing the relevance of their security strategies. As a response to the attacks against United Nations (UN) headquarters in Baghdad and other field missions, the United Nations is planning to expand significantly the capacity of the UN security system by creating a Directorate of Security, which will centralize all UN security systems, and by adding a number of staff and layers of technical responsibilities to an already bureaucratic and over-procedural security apparatus. While most operational managers agree that the security environment of UN agencies has evolved considerably over the recent years, this significant expansion in security capabilities is being considered without a clear and proper understanding of the types or sources of threats the UN will face in the coming decades.2 There are few discussions on global and local threats against UN operations or the role that agencies can play to mitigate exposure to risks. Similarly, other agencies, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) or M{\'e}decins Sans Fronti{\`e}res (MSF), are increasingly tying their security response to conservative interpretations of their mission {\textemdash} relying significantly, in the process, on the neutral character of their activities and the acceptance of the communities. Many organizations, however, fail to acknowledge the changing perceptions of international assistance in some areas of the world and the changing profile of the security threats that endanger not only their operators but the recipient communities as well. For these agencies, the current security developments represent a major challenge\ 

}, author = {Claude Bruderlein} } @article {1393724, title = {Al-Qaida : une guerre non lineaire}, journal = {a contrario}, volume = {3}, year = {2005}, abstract = {

L{\textquoteright}apr{\`e}s-guerre froide a {\'e}t{\'e} marqu{\'e} par une rupture dans la r{\'e}glementation internationale r{\'e}gissant le recours {\`a} la force. Malgr{\'e} le potentiel d{\'e}vastateur des armes nucl{\'e}aires, la Guerre froide avait la vertu de r{\'e}guler le flux de violence. Elle constituait un d{\'e}ploiement tangible de forces antinomiques dont le d{\'e}clin a conduit, en particulier, {\`a} la transformation de la fa{\c c}on dont la conflictualit{\'e} est canalis{\'e}e, organis{\'e}e et argument{\'e}e. {\guillemotleft}Au commencement de la Guerre froide, ce r{\'e}gime a insist{\'e} sur l{\textquoteright}inviolabilit{\'e} des obligations du droit international, conform{\'e}ment au dicton pacta sunt servanda ({\guilsinglleft}les trait{\'e}s lient{\guilsinglright}). Les dix derni{\`e}res ann{\'e}es de ce conflit, il y a eu un soutien grandissant en faveur de la doctrine l{\'e}gale rebus sic stantibus ({\guilsinglleft}pour autant que les choses restent ainsi{\guilsinglright}) qui aurait r{\'e}sili{\'e} ces accords si les conditions au moment de la signature n{\textquoteright}avaient plus {\'e}t{\'e} r{\'e}unies.{\guillemotright}

}, author = {Mohammed-Mahmoud Ould Mohamedou} } @report {1393775, title = {Cluster Bombs: Is There a Case for New Law?}, year = {2005}, abstract = {

The numerous unexploded bomblets, or submunitions, discarded on the battlefield as a result of cluster munition attacks have attracted widespread criticism, particularly from non-governmental organizations, prompting suggestions that new international law arrangements should be agreed to address the problem. These {\textquoteleft}dud{\textquoteright} bomblets may pose a post-conflict risk for troops and civilians alike. The humanitarian concerns raised by this hazard have been recognised for a number of years. An important debate is now under way, however, to try to identify a way of addressing the problem effectively while recognising the essential defense needs of states. Working out which, if any, developments in the law are appropriate to such a problem necessitates an analysis of existing, relevant law. There are numerous general legal principles that limit the weapons which states are permitted to employ in armed conflict. There are also important treaties applicable to particular technologies. There is, then, the legal obligation accepted by many states to review weapons plans to ensure they comply with applicable law. Of particular relevance to the cluster munition debate is the Conventional Weapons Convention (CCW), a framework treaty under which individual protocols have been negotiated to address such diverse technologies as mines and lasers. Following a seminal meeting in Nyon, Switzerland in September 2000, CCW member states started to discuss the problem of unexploded and abandoned explosive ordnance. Having clarified the nature of the problem, they negotiated a Protocol to the Convention. Its focus is the marking, clearance, removal, and destruction of explosive remnants of war.

}, author = {William Boothby} } @report {1393801, title = {Forgotten Voices: A Population-Based Survey on Attitudes About Peace and Justice in Northern Uganda}, year = {2005}, abstract = {

After two decades of armed conflict waged by the Lord{\textquoteright}s Resistance Army (LRA) in Northern Uganda, Ugandans and the international community remain divided on how to effectively pursue and obtain peace and justice. This study presents Ugandans{\textquoteright} exposures to violence, the needs and concerns of displaced peoples, and opinions on specific transitional justice mechanisms as the country moves forward. Additionally, the study proposes that controversies over interventions in the region may be resolved by the local and international adoption of a comprehensive strategy that aims to achieve both peace and justice.

}, author = {Phuong Pham and Patrick Vinck and Marieke Wierda and Eric Stover and Adrian di Giovanni} } @report {1394034, title = {Non-Linearity of Engagement: Transnational Armed Groups, International Law, and the Conflict between Al Qaeda and the United States}, year = {2005}, abstract = {

The conflict between Al Qaeda and the United States illustrates the evolution of warfare in three respects. First, in an effort to compensate for the disparity in logistical military capability, a non-state actor party to an international conflict has sought to expand the platform of combat, regarding disparity of forces not as a deterrent but as an opportunity. This has implied the expansion of the panoply of means at the disposition of Al Qaeda; not merely terrorism but the full range of kinetic force to influence its enemy. Second, a non-state armed group, whose membership transcends borders and nationality, has declared war on a state and its citizens, regarding war as retaliation for what can be termed {\textquoteleft}privatized collective responsibility.{\textquoteright} Al Qaeda estimates that the citizens of the countries with whom it is at war bear a responsibility in the policies of their governments. Such democratization of responsibility rests, it is argued, in the ability that citizens of the enemy state have to elect and dismiss the representatives which take foreign policy decisions on their behalf. Third, a political movement with a demonstrated military ability has sought to overstep the state while co-opting the latter{\textquoteright}s attributes and channeling its resources. In that sense, Al Qaeda{\textquoteright}s is a claim to circumvent statehood, and particularly its monopoly over legitimate violence. The leading conflict of our time takes the form of war between a major state (and allies) and a group of a few thousand individuals harboring a perceived right of self-defense that is substituted for statist authority. Al Qaeda{\textquoteright}s actions alter the grammar of the existing international relations regime thus: {\textbullet} the geographical indeterminacy of the group{\textquoteright}s action speaks of the dissolution of territorial power; {\textbullet} Al Qaeda{\textquoteright}s pretension has an important twofold implication for enduring principles of international humanitarian law, namely the obliteration of the combatant/civilian status categories and the refusal to distinguish between civilian and military targets; and {\textbullet} a rational disputation has arisen whereby the authority to fight may no longer be related to the state authority that governs lawfully, and the will and power to act militarily is affirmed by a private entity. Claiming a valid jus ad bellum case, Al Qaeda sets itself as deciding war as a proper authority whose just cause is a case of self-defense. Permissible warfare is channeled within (i) aggrandizement of the principle of necessity, (ii) literalization of civilian responsibility, and (iii) tactical instrumentalization of technological imbalance. Coming to grips with such metamorphosis of offense means acknowledging the logic in which terrorism is used as a method of warfare, according to a principle of indiscrimination whose rationale is negation of the notion of innocence of the civilian population, and imputation of collective responsibility. Al Qaeda is an industrious, committed, and power-wielding organization waging a political, limited, and evasive war of attrition {\textemdash} not a religious, open-ended, apocalyptic one. Since its creation, it has implemented a clearly articulated policy, skillfully conducted complex military operations, and demonstrated strategic operational flexibility. Of late, this versatile transnational phenomenon has exhibited an ability to operate innovatively amid heightened international counter-measures. The organization has also suffered setbacks, chiefly the loss of Afghanistan as an operational base and the arrest or death of several key figures.

}, author = {Mohammad-Mahmoud Ould Mohamedou} } @report {1393790, title = {War, Technology, and International Humanitarian Law}, year = {2005}, author = {Michael N. Schmitt} } @report {1394037, title = {OPS Issue 3: The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law}, year = {2005}, abstract = {

International human rights law and international humanitarian law are parallel and complementary branches of international law with their distinct and distinctive supervision arrangements. In the conflicts taking place in the world today, both the institutions of international humanitarian law and international human rights law are called upon to apply and uphold international humanitarian law. The International Committee of the Red Cross has the lead responsibility internationally for watching over the implementation of international humanitarian law, while the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Commission on Human Rights, its subsidiary bodies, and the human rights treaty bodies have the lead responsibility for overseeing the implementation of international human rights law. Basic human rights are being violated on a widespread scale during armed conflicts, and international human rights law operates in parallel alongside international humanitarian law in situations of armed conflict. Violations of international humanitarian law, especially as regards civilians, women and children, are violations of basic human rights with which the High Commissioner for Human Rights must be concerned as part of her responsibilities for the worldwide promotion and protection of human rights. Situations may arise increasingly when a High Commissioner for Human Rights is called upon to react to human rights violations in situations of armed conflict. In such situations, a High Commissioner is perforce required to address violations of international humanitarian law. This calls for the exercise of care and discernment on the part of the High Commissioner. Situations must be handled on the basis of principles, first of international humanitarian law, second of international human rights law, and principles of coexistence regarding institutions of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Specifically, it is fundamental that the High Commissioner be cognizant of and act in the spirit of the principles pervading international humanitarian law. Generally, it is imperative upon a High Commissioner to help discharge the duty of protection and the responsibility to protect.\ 

}, author = {Bertrand Ramcharan} } @report {1394043, title = {Public Enemy Number Two?: Rising Crime and Human Rights Advocacy in Transitional Societies}, year = {2005}, abstract = {

On March 5, 2002, a special division of the S{\~a}o Paulo military police in Brazil positioned several vehicles with heavily armed officers on a highway near Campinas. The police sought to intercept and ambush a truck transporting twelve suspects that their intelligence services had indicated was on its way to participate in an armed robbery. When the suspects{\textquoteright} vehicle came into their sights, the police opened fire, spraying hundreds of rounds of machine gunfire at the truck, killing all twelve men. No police were injured. It is unlikely that there was any return fire at all, given the sudden intensity of the police attack.\ Authorities reported, later that day, that a dozen drug traffickers had been killed in a shootout with police forces on the highway. The state governor hailed the killings as a {\textquotedblleft}dream police{\textquotedblright} operation.\ Rights activists and policing experts in Brazil know that authorities routinely contend that the police have killed in shootouts to paper over what are in fact summary executions.\ They also recognized that it was highly unlikely, in this case, that a gun battle would leave twelve civilians dead and no police killed or wounded. Yet, remarkably, in the immediate aftermath of the incident, no rights groups stepped forward to challenge the official version.\ Individually or through consultation, these rights defenders seemingly concluded that challenging the official version would be counterproductive. Because there was little doubt that those killed were tied to a dangerous criminal enterprise, rights groups feared{\textemdash}and rightly so{\textemdash}that denouncing police excesses would be unpopular.\ 

}, author = {James Cavallaro and Mohammad-Mahmoud Ould Mohamedou} } @report {1394041, title = {The Pitfalls of Lawlessness: Disorder, Emergencies, and Conflict}, year = {2005}, abstract = {

This paper examines the issues of disorder, emergency, and conflict and their management in a rule of law-based framework, with illustration from the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States and the war in Iraq. Noting that the promotion of the rule of law by state institutions has decreased in recent years, the paper postulates that the manifestation of violence as a result of sociopolitical unrest and armed conflict, whether domestic or international, is an indicator of a defective functioning of institutions, and that the maintenance and strengthening of the rule of law at all times are key to an effective enjoyment of human rights and to the practice of democracy. The paper notes that there exist a number of distinct corpora of rules in international and domestic law that are applicable to an orderly, efficient, and rights-respecting management of disorder. In particular, it calls for a symbiotic application of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Whereas the latter is a general law which is implemented at all times, the former is a special branch of law that to be only enacted during conflicts. Yet, though clearly different, the two bodies overlap, particularly in times of emergency as both seek to protect human dignity and reduce human suffering. Clarifying the core connections and establishing an explicit recognition of the international human rights normative framework and humanitarian values to democracy is particularly called for in times of emergency. The typical state response to internal disorder is to enforce stricter interpretations of security laws, assert the power of the state government, and enact emergency legislation meant to facilitate investigation and prevention of violent emergencies. In that respect, the paper places emphasis on the existence of legal limits to emergency powers noting the extent to which derogation is codified formally. Similarly, the paper argues that legitimacy of the power to compel is a fundamental component of the rule of law, particularly in situations where institutions are failing. The practical result, during emergencies, is that no room is provided (or no longer available) for the articulation of citizens{\textquoteright} aspirations as no structural accountability derivative of democratic dynamics is present. In times of crisis and social disorder, dangers to the effective enjoyment of rights can originate (i) in the context of the implementation of derogation to rights, (ii) in the process of the administration of justice, or (iii) in the course of the enforcement of security laws. Limiting the effect of emergency powers and delineating clearly permissible derogations, so that the state of emergency is regarded as a temporary situation and not a norm, is a central aspect of the regulation of societal disorder processes. During emergencies, particular attention should also be paid to the administration of justice, which can come to suffer from degraded or weakened institutions. The modus operandi is the perpetuation of effective and justiciable remedies under the umbrella of a constitution incorporating the principles of international human rights and freedoms.\ 

}, author = {Mohammad-Mahmoud Ould Mohamedou} } @report {1394058, title = {Security Management Initiative Progress Report}, year = {2005}, abstract = {

The purpose of this note is to present a first report on the progress of the Security Management Initiative project as of March 15, 2005. This report covers the research and consultation phase, in preparation for the development of a draft curriculum and assessment tools, to be presented to an expert group in May 2005.

}, author = {HPCR} } @report {1393779, title = {Combatants, Unprivileged Belligerents and Conflicts in the 21st Century}, year = {2005}, abstract = {

At the dawn of the 21st century international humanitarian law\ is facing a number of significant challenges. The events since 11 September 2001 in particular have focused a bright spotlight on issues such as: the law governing conflict between states and nonstate actors; the criteria to be applied for qualification as a combatant; the identification and targeting of the enemy; and the status and treatment to be afforded to captured {\textquotedblleft}noncombatants{\textquotedblright} who participate in hostilities. The campaign on terrorism is in many ways a reflection of a broader transformation of modern conflict. The conduct of asymmetric warfare, which has been defined as {\textquotedblleft}acting, organizing and thinking differently than opponents in order to maximize one{\textquoteright}s own advantages, exploit an opponent{\textquoteright}s weaknesses, attain the initiative, or gain greater freedom of action{\textquotedblright}\ is challenging traditional notions of armed conflict.\ 

The transnational reach of information warfare, the growth of global terrorism, the blending of domestic and international criminal acts and easier access to weapons of mass destruction have raised the stakes in terms of the types of threats posed to states and their citizens. The ability of both states and non-state actors to act asymmetrically has been enhanced by the technological leap into the information age and the so-called revolution in military affairs. The capacity of international humanitarian law to adequately address conflict in its modern form is being grappled with by government officials and legal practitioners, undergoing judicial review, carefully being analyzed by legal scholars and receiving close scrutiny by the media. In meeting its goal of limiting the effects and suffering of armed conflict international humanitarian law shares many of the same principles and concepts as human rights. However, international humanitarian law differs from human rights law in its requirement to interface with {\textquotedblleft}military necessity{\textquotedblright}. At the heart of military necessity is the goal of the submission of the enemy at the earliest possible moment with the least possible expenditure of personnel and resources. It justifies the application of force not prohibited by international law. The balancing of military necessity and humanity is often the most challenging aspect of finding agreement on the norms of international humanitarian law.\ In balancing these two concepts the requirement to distinguish between those who can participate in armed conflict and those who are to be protected from its dangers is perhaps its most fundamental tenet.\ A careful analysis shows that much of the discussion about the adequacy of international humanitarian law is centered on the principle of distinction.\ 

}, author = {Colonel K.W. Watkin} } @report {1394036, title = {OPS Issue 2: Warriors Without Rights? Combatants, Unprivileged Belligerents, and the Struggle Over Legitimacy}, year = {2005}, abstract = {

Combatancy has throughout the history of organized warfare been an exclusionary concept. Distinguishing between combatants and civilians has long represented an important aspect of warfare and has been recognized as the indispensable means by which humanitarian principles are injected into the rules governing conduct in war. Yet the protection of participants in warfare under international humanitarian law remains characterized by a certain level of uncertainty as regards the codified provisions for combatants and civilians. Who qualifies as a combatant is a question that has plagued those seeking to establish a comprehensive normative regime governing participation in hostilities. Acting on behalf of a state has constituted the primary means of attaining combatant, and therefore legitimate, status. As a result, a significant number of participants in warfare do not meet the established criteria and are, consequently, considered {\textquoteleft}illegitimate{\textquoteright} or {\textquoteleft}unlawful.{\textquoteright} This includes those fighting in international armed conflict as well as groups engaged in armed conflict not of an international character. The uncertain status of these {\textquoteleft}illegitimate{\textquoteright} warriors is evidenced by the variety of terms used to describe them. The traditional dual privileged status approach of dividing a population into combatants and civilians is only as effective as the accuracy with which the definition of {\textquoteleft}combatant{\textquoteright} is established and to the extent there is a clear understanding of when civilians lose the protection of their status by participating in hostilities. Recently, the question of combatancy and the protection of captured enemy personnel has gained prominence due to the decision of the United States government in 2002 to deny prisoner of war status to the Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters. Similarly, there is considerable controversy as to the standard of treatment to be applied to captured unlawful combatants. Historically, a consistent result of being determined to be an unauthorized participant in hostilities has been harsh treatment at the hands of the captor. Questions are asked whether civilian participants in combat are a type of {\textquoteleft}illegal{\textquoteright} combatant, fall under civilian status, or merit their own status under international humanitarian law. The idea of an intermediate status is rejected by many analysts.\ 

}, author = {Kenneth Watkin} } @report {1393798, title = {The Dilemmas Relating to Legislation Under Article 43 of the Hague Regulations, and Peace-Building}, year = {2004}, author = {Yoram Dinstein} } @article {1394035, title = {OPS Issue 1: Legislation Under Article 43 of the Hague Regulations: Belligerent Occupation and Peacebuilding}, year = {2004}, abstract = {

Article 43 of the Regulations Respecting the Laws and Customs of War on Land, annexed to Hague Convention (II) of 1899 and (IV) of 1907, is the linchpin of the international law of belligerent occupation. Two diverse obligations are imposed on the Occupying Power by Hague Article 43: (a) to restore and ensure, as far as possible, public order and life in the occupied territory; (b) to respect the laws in force in the occupied territory unless an {\textquotedblleft}emp{\^e}chement absolu{\textquotedblright} exists. The first obligation has to be implemented by the executive (and the judicial) branch of the Military Government of the Occupying Power, whereas the second obligation devolves to the legislative branch. The first obligation requires acts of commission, and the second duty postulates primarily acts of omission. Neither obligation is absolute. Although in principle the Occupying Power has to maintain the laws in force in the occupied territory, it is generally understood that the preexisting legal system can be modified through new legislation when a necessity arises. In principle, any legislation enacted by the Occupying Power in the name of necessity applies in the occupied territory during the occupation and not beyond that stretch of time. Article 64 of the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention expresses in a more precise and detailed form the terms of Article 43 of the Hague Regulations. Without exhausting the concept Article 64 allows for suspension or repeal of existing laws and the enactment of new legislation in three exceptional situations: (i) the need of the Occupying Power to remove any direct threat to its security and to maintain safe lines of communication, (ii) the duty of the Occupying Power to discharge its duties under the Geneva Convention, and (iii) the necessity to ensure the {\textquotedblleft}orderly government{\textquotedblright} of the occupied territory. Obviously, the orderly government exception becomes more prominent under conditions of prolonged occupation. It is, therefore, required to establish a litmus test for resolving disputes concerning the validity of legislation enacted by the Occupying Power in the name of orderly government. How far can the Occupying Power go in tampering, in the name of necessity, with the institutions of government of the occupied territory? Under Article 47 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, should institutional changes be introduced by the Occupying Power, they must not deprive the civilian occupation in the occupied territory of any benefits conferred by international humanitarian law. But the paramount question is whether the Occupying Power can transform radically the political institutions of government in the occupied territory when its action does not affect adversely those benefits. While the practice of States is somewhat ambiguous, it is believed that such changes ought to be undertaken only by the territorial sovereign. The Occupying Power should not be allowed to interfere with fundamental institutions of government in the occupied territory, inasmuch as there is a disquieting possibility that the structural innovations (albeit temporary in theory) may take root and have enduring consequences. Under the Hague Regulations and the Fourth Geneva Convention, the rules stated above relate only to belligerent occupation. However, there is possibly room for their application by analogy also in circumstances of peacebuilding, subject to any binding resolution adopted by the United Nations Security Council.

}, author = {Yoram Dinstein} } @report {1393732, title = {Article 43 of the Hague Regulations and Peace Operations in the Twenty-First Century}, year = {2004}, abstract = {

Under Article 43 of the Hague Regulations, an occupying power must restore and maintain public order and civil life, including public welfare, in an occupied territory. This is not a result it has to achieve, but an aim it has to pursue with all available proportionate means not prohibited by International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and compatible with International Human Rights law. It may suspend the derogable provisions of the latter {\textemdash} but is not obliged to do so - if necessary for that purpose. Local legislation and institutions based upon such legislation must be respected by an occupying power and by any local authorities acting under the global control of the occupying power. New legislation or derogations from existing legislation are however admissible, for the period of the occupation, if essential for (1) the security of the occupying power and of its forces, (2) the implementation of IHL and of International Human Rights Law (as far as the local legislation is contrary to such international law), (3) the purpose of restoring and maintaining public order and civil life in the territory, (4) the purpose of enhancing civil life during long-lasting occupations, (5) or where explicitly so authorized under UN Security Council Resolutions. These obligations and limitations also apply to post-conflict reconstruction efforts, including constitutional reforms, economic and social policies. Article 43 also applies to peace operations when they are at all subject to IHL, i.e., UN authorized or mandated operations resulting from an armed conflict or consisting of military occupations meeting no armed resistance, independently of whether the conflict or operation is authorized by the Security Council and of the aim of the operation. IHL is however not applicable if and as long as the operation meets the consent of the state on the territory on which it is deployed. The applicability of IHL to UN run operations, including UN international civil administrations, is more controversial, even when they result from an armed conflict. When Article 43 is not applicable to such a peace operation, the latter is nevertheless confronted with problems similar to those of an occupying power, which deserve solutions similar to those adopted in State practice under Article 43. Limits to such application of Article 43 by analogy are the purpose of the peace operation defined by the UN Security Council, specific instructions by the Security Council and the fact that UN Human Rights standards, even if laid down in soft law instruments, are binding upon UN operations. Both occupying powers and those involved in peace operations must take into account, when engaged in the restoration or maintenance of public order and civil life according to Article 43 or in legislation permitted under that article, that they are not the sovereign. They should therefore introduce only as many changes as absolutely necessary under Article 43 as understood above and stay as close as possible to similar local standards and the local cultural, legal and economic traditions.

}, author = {Marco Sass{\`o}li} } @report {1394021, title = {Improving Compliance with International Humanitarian Law}, year = {2004}, abstract = {

Over the years, states, supported by other actors, have devoted considerable effort to devising and implementing in peacetime preventive measures aimed at ensuring better respect for international humanitarian law (IHL). Dissemination of IHL generally, within academic circles and among armed forces and armed groups has been reinforced, and IHL has been increasingly incorporated into military manuals and doctrine. Domestic legislation and regulations have been progressively adopted or adapted, and the necessary structures put in place to give effect to the rules contained in the relevant IHL treaties. In many states specific advisory bodies, such as National IHL Committees, have been established and international humanitarian law is increasingly being considered as part of the political agenda of governments. At the same time, by encouraging the national prosecution of war crimes and, more significantly, by the establishment of international bodies such as the ad hoc international criminal tribunals and the International Criminal Court, the international community has concentrated its efforts since the early 1990s on the repression of serious violations of international humanitarian law. Despite these advancements in preventive and repressive measures, however, insufficient respect for the rules of international humanitarian law during armed conflict remains an abiding problem. It is the result of both the lack of political will and practical ability of parties to an armed conflict {\textemdash} both States and armed groups {\textemdash} to comply with their legal obligations. While efforts to improve both the prevention and repression of IHL violations are fundamental and must continue, the question of how better compliance with international humanitarian law can be ensured during armed conflicts thus deserves greater attention. In 2003, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in cooperation with other institutions and organizations, organized a series of regional expert seminars to examine this issue. Regional seminars were held in Cairo, Pretoria, Kuala Lumpur, Mexico City, and Bruges (Belgium). Participants included government experts, parliamentarians, academics, members of regional bodies or non-governmental organizations, and representatives of National Societies of the Red Cross and Red Crescent.\ 

}, author = {International Committee of the Red Cross} } @report {1394030, title = {Legitimate Targets of Attacks Under International Humanitarian Law}, year = {2004}, abstract = {

According to an uncontroversial principle of customary international humanitarian law (IHL), parties to an armed conflict must distinguish between the civilian population and combatants and between civilian objects and military objectives. In order to spare civilians and the civilian population from hostilities and their effects, it is essential to define who and what may be attacked. The first rule regarding attacks (by acts of violence2 ) is that the intended target must be a military objective. Once a military objective is the target, under additional rules, which are not discussed here, the attack may nevertheless become illegal if excessive collateral damage affecting civilians or civilian objects must be expected. Furthermore, even when attacking a lawful target, precautionary measures to spare civilians have to be taken. While the main aim of the law is to protect persons, it is appropriate to discuss first what objects may be attacked. This permits to clarify the criteria, which make targets legitimate. In addition, attacks on objects involve the greatest danger for persons who are beyond any doubt civilians.\ 

}, author = {Marco Sass{\`o}li} } @report {1393795, title = {The Temporal Scope of Application of International Humanitarian Law in Contemporary Conflicts}, year = {2004}, abstract = {

When does the application of international humanitarian law properly begin and end in modern conflicts? Classical international law distinguished three types of armed conflict: (1) war; (2) civil war; and (3) armed hostilities short of war. The laws of war were applicable in time of war--from the declaration of war until the formal reestablishment of peace (for example, by the signing of a peace treaty). The laws of war were not applicable in civil wars--which were considered internal matters--unless a state formally recognized the insurgency as a belligerent. And, of course, the laws of war were not applicable as a formal matter in hostilities short of war. Prior to the drafting of the Geneva Conventions in 1949, the applicability of the {\textquotedblleft}law of war{\textquotedblright} was, therefore, delimited by formal acts of state such as a formal declaration of war or a formal recognition of belligerency. The Geneva Conventions substantially revised this formalistic, de jure approach--making contemporary international humanitarian law applicable during armed hostilities that de facto constitute {\textquotedblleft}armed conflicts.{\textquotedblright} In both international and non-international armed conflicts, the Geneva Conventions, in general, govern the conduct of hostilities for the duration of the {\textquotedblleft}armed conflict.{\textquotedblright} This background note briefly outlines the regime established in the Geneva Conventions and summarizes several ambiguities in these rules. Because the scope of application regimes differ sharply between international and non-international armed conflict, these two types of conflict are analyzed separately.\ 

}, author = {Derek Jinks} } @report {1393788, title = {Conduct of Military Operations in Urban Areas}, year = {2004}, abstract = {

This policy brief reviews the rules of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) applicable to the conduct of hostilities in urban environments, and identifies key legal provisions designed to enhance the protection of civilians in these areas.

}, author = {International Humanitarian Law Research Initiative} } @report {1394028, title = {Iraqi Voices: Attitudes Toward Transitional Justice and Social Reconstruction}, year = {2004}, abstract = {

In attempt to move beyond a past marked by conflict, terror, and violence, Iraq has many hurdles to overcome in achieving social reconstruction and transitional justice. This study reflects the views of Iraqis regarding past human rights abuses, justice and accountability, truth-seeking and remembrance, amnesty, reparations, and reconciliation. Using this data, the study makes recommendations on how Iraq may address the needs and wants of its citizens for fairness, accountability, and justice, while simultaneously prioritizing a peaceful future.

}, author = {Phuong Pham and Patrick Vinck and Nehal Bhuta and Nida Alahmad} } @report {1394029, title = {The Legality of House Demolitions Under IHL}, year = {2004}, abstract = {

This note examines the legal aspects, under international humanitarian law (IHL), of Israel{\textquoteright}s practice of demolitions of Palestinian houses in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT).\ It outlines the basis, history, and practice of house demolitions, sets forth the relevant IHL provisions that impact house demolitions, and reviews the positions of the different parties involved on this issue.

}, url = {http://reliefweb.int/report/israel/opt-legality-house-demolitions-under-international-humanitarian-law}, author = {HPCR} } @report {1394063, title = {Rules of IHL Applicable to the Conduct of Military Operations in Urban Areas}, year = {2004}, abstract = {

Urban warfare constitutes one of the most serious threats to the security and integrity of civilians in times of war. It represents, consequently, one of the most challenging areas of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in practice. This note reviews the rules of IHL applicable to the conduct of hostilities in urban environments, and identifies key legal provisions desgned to enhance the protection of civilians in these areas.

}, author = {International Humanitarian Law Research Initiative} } @report {1394057, title = {The Separation Barrier and International Humanitarian Law}, year = {2004}, abstract = {

This briefing note discusses the legal implications under international humanitarian law (IHL) of erecting and maintaining a separation barrier in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). The main objective of this note is to review the applicable IHL rules and present the various legal perspectives of the parties involved in the debate on the legality of the separation barrier, particularly in the context of the advisory proceedings before the International Court of Justice in the Hague. This briefing note will be updated as arguments of the various parties are presented to the courts, and as the courts{\textquoteright} rulings are made public.

}, author = {HPCR} } @report {1393800, title = {Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research 2004 Annual Report}, year = {2004}, author = {HPCR} } @report {1393786, title = {Computers and War: The Legal Battlespace}, year = {2004}, abstract = {

The use of computers in modern warfare stretches back over decades. Computers have been employed for functions that range from managing materiel and personnel flows into an area of operations to sorting intelligence data and improving the precision capabilities of weapons. In recent conflicts, however, we have witnessed their transformation into a {\textquotedblleft}means of warfare{\textquotedblright} (weapon) and modern militaries are busily developing information technology {\textquotedblleft}methods of warfare.{\textquotedblright} This article briefly addresses the legal issues surrounding computer use in classic kinetic-based warfare. Attention then turns to the most significant phenomenon for humanitarian law, namely the employment of information technology during network-centric, four-dimensional operations, which increasingly characterize twentieth-first century conflict.

}, author = {Michael N. Schmitt and Heather A. Harrison Dinniss and Thomas C. Wingfield} } @report {1394065, title = {Roundtable Report on Human Rights and Rule of Law: Constitutional and Legal Reform}, year = {2003}, abstract = {

The opportunities for engaging the Afghan public in the process of constitution building and legal reform are quickly disappearing. Decades of war have left the legal system, and its legal culture, in ruins. The project of constitutional and legal reform will be central to the success of reconstruction efforts. For the first time, Afghan legal professionals, civil society leaders, and other groups have the chance to engage in the rebuilding of their country{\textquoteright}s legal foundations: both to stabilize a still-insecure country, and to transform their society in more long-lasting ways. However, as the Constitutional Loya Jirga approaches, many key questions regarding the nature of the new Afghan legal order remain, and many Afghans are beginning to feel that they have been left out of the process. The Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) is in an ideal position to engage civil society groups and legal professionals in wider debate about the protection and integration of human rights standards in the new legal system. Its mandate includes the harmonization of international human rights standards with national law, and perhaps more importantly, the Commission enjoys access to a nation-wide constituency of individuals and groups who support the central government and the modernization of Afghan law. This roundtable report, which presents topics and analysis from a roundtable co-hosted by AIHRC and the Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research (HPCR) at Harvard University and entitled Human Rights and Rule of Law: Constitutional and Legal Reform, attempts to capture the outcomes of one such effort at engagement and discussion. This Roundtable was one of the first such meetings in Kabul to engage a broad representation of civil society leaders, legal professionals, and Loya Jirga delegates from provinces outside Kabul. In total, there were about forty participants, with half of the group from Kabul and half from other cities and towns. The Roundtable was led by members of the AIHRC, with attendance and participation by members of the Judicial Reform Commission. A series of background papers in Dari was drafted by HPCR (in close consultation with members of the AIHRC) prior to the Roundtable, and made available to the participants along with a copy of President Hamid Karzai{\textquoteright}s most recent decree on the Constitutional Loya Jirga and a paper on legal reform in Afghanistan.

}, author = {HPCR} } @report {1393802, title = {The Future of the Afghan Legal System: Perspectives from the Young Generation - Roundtable Report}, year = {2003}, abstract = {

The purpose of this report is to present the results of a youth roundtable on constitutional and legal reform, hosted February 5-6, 2003, by the Harvard Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research (HPCR) and co-organized by the Afghanistan Youth Center (AYC). This roundtable discussion, entitled {\textquotedblleft}The Future of the Afghan Legal System: Perspectives from the Young Generation,{\textquotedblright} was held at the Khyber Hotel in Kabul, Afghanistan. The roundtable was organized as one of a series of activities aimed at enriching the information environment in which legal reform decisions are made in Afghanistan by the Afghanistan Transitional Administration (ATA), the Drafting Committee of the Constitutional Commission, the Judicial Reform Commission, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), and the international community of donor nations. The current publication reflects further research and observation in the months of February through June 2003. It is hoped that many of the views expressed by the participants will serve as an example of the types of frank and open conversations on sensitive issues that can and should take place in the critical months leading to the Constitutional Loya Jirga in October 2003.

}, author = {HPCR} } @report {1393799, title = {Economics and Violent Conflict}, year = {2003}, abstract = {

This essay reviews recent research on the relationships between economies and violent conflict. The type of economic policies that governments choose plays a significant role in determining the likelihood of conflict. Policies that induce conflict may result from deliberate decisions to weaken state institutions so that leaders can more easily enrich themselves. Sometimes however conflict may result from attempts to increase economic efficiency. There is for example ample anecdotal evidence about how the World Bank and IMF{\textquoteright}s structural adjustment programs of the 1980{\textquoteright}s and 1990{\textquoteright}s spawned civil conflicts. This review however has found no systematic support linking structural adjustment to war. It begins by considering the economic factors that make some societies susceptible to conflict. One of the main factors is poverty, though this is mostly a feature in civil wars, not international ones. Economic growth is also associated with lower levels of conflict. Thus, policies that aim to promote growth in developing countries are, in effect, also likely to act as agents for conflict prevention. However, although wealth reduces the chances of conflict, the rise in global economic prosperity throughout the 20th Century has corresponded with an increase rather than a fall in the number of civil wars. This is likely due to the rise in other conflict-inducing factors, such as population levels, and the fact that global growth has been unbalanced. Another feature of economies that is often related to levels of conflict is trade. There is strong evidence that countries that trade with each other are less likely to fight each other, though no comparable work has yet been Also considered is whether violent conflict is caused by undertaken on the effects of internal trade. economic inequality. Statistical research has not found evidence for such a relationship, though that may be because researchers are not working with the right data. While qualitative studies suggest that inequality between regions or groups {\textendash} known as {\textquotedblleft}horizontal inequality{\textquotedblright} {\textendash} is what matters for violent conflict, econometric research has used a measure of {\textquotedblleft}overall inequality{\textquotedblright} {\textendash} that is, inequality between individuals irrespective of their group membership The two types of inequality need not be in any way correlated. Also covered in this essay is research that has been undertaken on the ways in which economies function once violent conflicts have broken out, including attempts to quantify the economic costs of conflicts. Some conflicts reduce the levels of investment within zones where fighting takes place; others spur technological innovation and growth. Different studies have tried to estimate aggregate costs and benefits of conflict, using a model of economic production that uses information on levels and rates of change of physical capital, population, human capital, and {\textquotedblleft}total factor productivity.{\textquotedblright} No study however has yet measured the aggregate costs that arise from all these different channels. And while recent work has focused much on looting activities of groups there has not been much work studying the effects those activities have on economic producers. The ways in which economies are structured is also found to matter. Countries that depend on the sale of primary commodities, for example, are more likely to have wars. In particular the role of natural resources, such as oil and diamonds, has been widely discussed but there is a lack of consensus on the nature of their relationship to conflict. Researchers at the World Bank suggest that natural resources lead to wars because greedy citizens take up arms to capture them. But there are alternative explanations that are at least as plausible. These explanations suggest alternative policy responses on the part of governments and international organizations. Researchers have also studied the economic behavior of different groups during conflicts. Many have focused on ways rebel groups finance themselves. Some rebels do it by gaining control of natural resources, others are supported financially in part by emigrant populations (although this link is still poorly understood) and from third party sources such as foreign governments. Agricultural production is often as important for rebel financing as natural resources, although it is largely ignored by policy makers. The requirements for financing and the form of financing depend however on the relations between rebel groups and civilian populations. When rebels have popular support, they may benefit from donations in cash or in kind. Otherwise, they may rely on extortion. Unfortunately however, research is relatively sparse on the different ways rebels relate to civilian populations even though such variation is likely to have implications for financing, for forms of peace settlements and for war duration. Some political scientists have tried to distinguish between different types of natural resources in order to explore the mechanisms that link resources to conflict. Their research distinguishes between different commodities based on dimensions such as the extent to which production is centralized, the geographic distances between zones of production and the seat of government, and the extent to which trade in the resource is legal. It has also been argued that the institutional capacity of governments alters relationships between natural resources and conflict. These different lines of research have been developed through the examination of case study evidence, but their conclusions have not been tested using statistical techniques.\ 

}, author = {Macartan Humphreys} } @report {1393740, title = {Building Sustainable Peace and Fostering Development in Papua - E Conference Report}, year = {2002}, abstract = {

From 20th June through the 5th of July 2002, the Conflict Prevention Initiative of the Harvard Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research (CPI HPCR) in cooperation with the Center for Peace and Security Studies at the University of Gadjah Mada (CSPS) carried out a series of activities under the theme: {\textquotedblleft}Building sustainable peace and fostering development in Papua{\textquotedblright}. This event was an effort to gather ideas and support from those representing Papua in the fields of peacebuilding and development. Using the Internet to discuss policies in the field of conflict prevention, this CPI-CSPS event also aimed at providing a platform for spreading information and strengthening networks between participants and decision makers at the national and international levels. The event started with a roundtable discussion at the University of Gadjah Mada on 20-22 June 2002, with 8 people from Papua representing the academic world, NGOs, religious organizations, customary institutions, women{\textquoteright}s groups and youth. The main ideas that emerged during this discussion then became entry points for the e-conference, an online virtual discussion online in Indonesian. The e-conference took place between 24 June and 25 July 2002, with the participation of 89 people from various backgrounds. Simultaneously, an e-forum was carried out in English, with the participation of 32 people.

}, author = {HPCR and Center for Security and Peace Studies Gadjah Mada University} } @report {1394060, title = {Securing Communities for Reconstruction in Afghanistan: Final Report of the Conflict Prevention Initiative E-Conference}, year = {2002}, abstract = {

For two weeks in April and May 2002, the Conflict Prevention Initiative (CPI) of the Harvard Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research (HPCR) hosted the first ever international e-conference on {\textquotedblleft}Securing Communities for Reconstruction in Afghanistan,{\textquotedblright} attracting over 90 participants. The majority of the participants were Afghan NGO and civil society leaders working in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Others included representatives of various inter-governmental organizations, INGOs, academic institutions and donor governments. This report summarizes the principal themes of the discussion and concludes with a series of recommendations for various actors involved in the process of reconstruction in Afghanistan. These recommendations include both those specifically formulated by participants as well as those drawn more generally from the conference discussion. In addition, actual quotes from the participants are interspersed throughout the report in shaded boxes to suggest the richness and depth of the discussion. The e-conference was preceded by conversations with NGO leaders in Kabul, as well as roundtables with Afghan civil society leaders in Peshawar, Pakistan and Mashad and Zahedan, Iran. The roundtables were designed both to produce substantive inputs for the e-conference as well as to gather perspectives from those who may not have regular internet access. In this way, both the roundtables and the e-conference were designed to engage participants from their separate localities and yet still connect them with broader discussions and analysis.\ 

}, author = {HPCR} } @report {1393722, title = {Afghanistan: A New Era of Humanitarian Assistance}, year = {2002}, abstract = {

Undoubtedly, Afghanistan represents one of the most complex and difficult environments in which humanitarian agencies could operate. Working amidst ongoing military operations, continuous insecurity, and the massive displacement of populations, humanitarian agencies also have to cope with a rising demand for their services and a radically different political and social environment. Shifting from a policy that effectively isolated the former Taliban regime during the last six years, the international community is now gearing itself to actively support the political rehabilitation and social reconstruction of the country. This support, resulting in a new availability of funding and political backing, represents to many Afghans a much awaited engagement of the international community. Unfortunately, it has also generated a number of new challenges due to the sudden availability of political and economic resources emerging amid an operational infrastructure that cannot absorb, coordinate, and manage them properly.

}, author = {HPCR} } @report {1394026, title = {Internal Displacement in Afghanistan: New Challenges}, year = {2002}, abstract = {

The ongoing military action in Afghanistan is deepening what was already a severe humanitarian crisis. Further displacement of civilians will have a profound impact upon the ability of the country and its people to recover.\ The movement of civilian populations in search of security, as a result of conflict, or food, as a result of drought, has characterized the long conflict in Afghanistan. The continuing flight of civilians from urban areas, in the face of aerial attacks, compounds a humanitarian situation that was already grave, due to a long and devastating drought in many parts of the country. Over the coming winter, more than a million internally displaced persons (IDPs) will require emergency assistance simply to survive. Apart from the immediate impact on the livelihoods of the displaced and their hosts, forced movement affects social relations and traditions within affected communities. It is important to take stock of these changes, and related shifts in community- or tribal-level politics that might occur during displacement, in efforts to support the recovery of vulnerable communities. This policy brief aims to provide a concise point of reference for those planning responses to the complex range of issues resulting from displacement. It includes a number of active links to the most relevant and reliable information sources. It concludes with a range of operational recommendations for international organizations, governments and NGOs working on this issue.

}, author = {HPCR} } @report {1394066, title = {The Role of Islam in Shaping the Future of Afghanistan}, year = {2001}, abstract = {

In the aftermath of the attacks against the United States on September 11 and the resulting conflict in Afghanistan, Western analysts and the media have referred extensively to Islamic notions such as shura, fatwa, shari{\textquoteright}a, madrasa, and jihad in their reports on the region. Little information has been made available, however, on the meaning of these concepts and their actual political significance in Central Asia, more particularly in Afghanistan. As many analysts seek to distinguish the religion of Islam from the ideology behind the terror attacks, essential Islamic aspects of Afghan society and politics have been cast aside and remain misunderstood, limiting our understanding of the origins of political Islam in the region and our ability to relate to these key aspects of contemporary Afghan society. Afghanistan is considered one of the {\textquotedblleft}most Islamic{\textquotedblright} countries in the world if one appreciates the extent to which Islam underpins many of the customs and tribal codes that condition numerous aspects of political and social life in the country. Islam, therefore, has a profound influence on the identity and social structure of the rural Afghans who compose an overwhelming majority of the population. With the exodus of the intellectual elite over the past 20 years and the demise of the more secular education that was previously available to most urban communities, Islamic education at madrasa, or religious schools, and local mosques have become the primary sources of education within the country and in most refugee camps.

}, author = {HPCR} } @article {1394038, title = {People{\textquoteright}s Security as a New Measure of Global Stability}, journal = {International Review of the Red Cross}, volume = {83}, year = {2001}, abstract = {

Despite renewed commitment by States to respect and ensure respect for the rules of international humanitarian law, the surge of violence against civilians has continued. Entire populations in Europe, Africa and Central Asia have been displaced, harassed or subjected to extreme forms of violence as a consequence of armed conflicts, in violation of the most fundamental rules of international humanitarian and human rights law.As a result, traditional schemes of protection enshrined in international law are increasingly questioned, revealing the need to develop new strategies to enhance the protection of civilians in times of war. In his Report to the Millennium Assembly, United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan wrote: {\textquotedblleft}International conventions have traditionally looked at states to protect civilians, but today this expectation is threatened in several ways. First, states are sometimes the principal perpetrator of violence against the very citizens that humanitarian law requires them to protect. Second, non-state combatants, particularly in\ collapsed states, are often ignorant or contemptuous of humanitarian law. Third, international conventions do not adequately address the specific needs of vulnerable groups, such as internally displaced persons, or women and children in complex emergencies.{\textquotedblright}

}, author = {Claude Bruderlein} } @article {1393773, title = {Children Facing Insecurity: New Strategy of Survival in a Global Era}, year = {2001}, abstract = {

This paper explores the nature of children{\textquoteright}s security within the context of modern threats from globalization and new forms of warfare. It analyzes the sources of insecurity faced by children and the survival strategies they and their families employ as a result. Through a number of case-studies, it questions the usefulness of assistance programs that focus on the physical needs of children in isolation of their social and communal environment. As children are in a constant state of development, protecting their security requires more than support against physical harm. The paper argues that four dimensions of security are important for the protection of children in times of war: physiological necessities, safety, communal relationships and opportunities for personal development. Efforts to promote children{\textquoteright}s security must involve analysis of these core dimensions and treat the coping strategies of children and their families as a roadmap for protection. The focus of this paper is children affected by war but the analysis also applies to children at risk in other circumstances, from street children, to those living in extreme poverty. Children{\textquoteright}s security is particularly at risk in those countries under economic embargo, afflicted by armed conflict or by extreme poverty. Today{\textquoteright}s threats take place in the context of wars sustained by the import of small arms and light weapons and are often fought over the control of valuable resources {\textendash} oil, minerals, timber, gems - whose major markets are in the North. The dislocation caused by these wars fragments families and isolates children. While few of these threats are new, their impact on the life and security of children has increased with the globalization of trade, migration and communication. Civilians, especially children and their families, have been forced to develop new coping mechanisms for their changed situations. Children can no longer be viewed merely as the victims of war. They have taken on new roles as heads of households, child combatants, student leaders and actors in peace building. This paper explores how globalization affects the security of children, particularly in conflict areas. It presents a framework to structure the core dimensions of children{\textquoteright}s security and discusses how the survival strategies employed by families and children when protections fail may be used as a signal for improving security conditions for children. The paper was produced for the Human Security Network meeting in Amman, 11-12 May 2001, with a contribution from the Canadian Department for Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

}, author = {Theresa Stichick and Claude Bruderlein} } @report {1394018, title = {Humanitarian Negotiation: Observations from Recent Experience}, year = {2001}, abstract = {

During the last twenty years, the United Nations, the Red Cross Movement and nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) have had to increasingly utilise negotiation to ensure access and the provision of humanitarian assistance to those in need. Current trends of increasing international and intrastate conflict are likely to continue and thus negotiated access will remain an important issue. After a number of years of experience with such negotiation it may now be time to take stock of the lessons learned. This review has been based on field experience of humanitarian negotiations and on a rapid review of relevant literature. It highlights areas where common principles and issues have become clear in the negotiation process and, as a result, where a common approach and practice have evolved. It then examines areas where constraints have been encountered requiring reflection and analysis and areas where improvements may be needed. The paper finally outlines initial steps to strengthen capacity for humanitarian negotiation in the future.\ 

}, author = {Daniel Toole} } @report {1394053, title = {Setting Priorities for Preventive Action in Nepal: Final Report of the Web Conference}, year = {2001}, abstract = {

The Conflict Prevention Initiative of the Harvard Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research convened an online conference on setting the priorities for preventive action in Nepal from 25 January to 1 February 2001. Eighty respected scholars, NGO activists and officials were selected from Nepal and around the world to join this important forum. The participants were carefully chosen to represent a wide variety of different perspectives on the sources of the current insecurity. The objective of the conference was to provide a closed forum for the exchange of information and analysis on the sources of social, political and economic insecurity in Nepal as well as to deliberate on the most effective strategies for conflict prevention in the region. This conference was the first to develop the use of online conferencing to facilitate exchange between scholars and practitioners from around the world on conflict prevention strategies. This provided an opportunity to bring together a diverse group of individuals, many of whom would be unable to meet in a more traditional forum. This report presents a succinct summary of the main issues and findings of the online discussion, including recommended policies for organizations involved in the promotion of human security in Nepal. It summarizes over 140 contributions by over 80 participants, many of them from Nepal. The contributions were not censored and represent a vast array of political opinions regarding the sources of instability in Nepal. The role of the Program was to present the various perspectives and distill innovative recommendations from the discussion, and not to determine the value of these observations or to judge their appropriateness. Consequently, the report reflects the views of the participants and not necessarily those of the Harvard Program. The report is divided into three sections. The first section outlines the historical background of the unrest. The second provides a discussion of the most significant factors contributing to the current instability. An analysis of a wide range of measures that may contribute to increased stability in Nepal forms the final section.\ 

}, author = {HPCR} } @article {1394032, title = {New Challenges of Humanitarian Protection}, journal = {BMJ}, volume = {319}, year = {1999}, abstract = {

The fourth Geneva Convention, adopted 50 years ago, on 12 August 1949, describes the actions that warring parties must take to protect civilian populations from the worst excesses of war. Building on the concept developed in the previous three conventions{\textemdash}that certain activities and people, especially civilians, can be seen as hors de combat{\textemdash}the fourth Geneva Convention defines in detail the many ways in which civilians must be dealt with to shield them from the direct and indirect effects of conflict between combatant forces. Among the responsibilities that this convention sets for the warring parties are explicit actions that would grant medical personnel, and all aspects of the medical enterprise, complete protection from interference or harm. This neutral status for medical relief (and, by extension, all humanitarian aid) rests on the reciprocal assumption that those who deliver this relief are practising in accord with their professional ethics and will take specified steps to maintain their neutral posture vis {\`a} vis the warring parties.

}, url = {http://www.bmj.com/content/319/7207/430}, author = {Claude Bruderlein and Jennifer Leaning} } @article {1395208, title = {Single agent vincristine by infusion in refractory multiple myeloma}, journal = {J Clin Oncol}, volume = {3}, year = {1985}, month = {1985 Nov}, pages = {1508-12}, abstract = {A phase 2 trial of vincristine infusion was conducted in a group of 21 patients with refractory multiple myeloma. Patients were generally heavily pretreated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Vincristine was given intravenously (IV) as a 0.5 mg bolus and followed immediately by infusion of 0.25 to 0.50 mg/m2/d for 5 days. Courses were repeated every 3 weeks in the absence of disease progression or prohibitive toxicity. Objective responses (partial) were noted in two patients (10\%), both of whom were administered 0.5 mg/m2/d infusions. Response durations were brief (2.2 and 1.2 months). Toxicity consisted of neurotoxicity and myelosuppression. In addition to the occurrence of paresthesias and myalgias, ileus (two cases) and moderately severe loss of motor function (two cases) were observed. The mean lowest WBC count following treatment was 2.67 X 10(3)/microL v 3.96 X 10(3)/microL pretreatment (P = .008). The mean lowest platelet count was 75.0 X 10(3)/microL v 106.8 X 10(3)/microL pretreatment (P = .008). Vincristine infusion appears to have limited activity in the treatment of refractory multiple myeloma. Additionally, response durations were short lived and toxicity, both neurologic and hematologic, was appreciable.}, keywords = {Adult, Aged, Drug Evaluation, Female, Hematologic Diseases, Humans, Infusions, Parenteral, Intestinal Obstruction, Male, Middle Aged, Multiple Myeloma, Nausea, Peripheral Nervous System Diseases, Vincristine}, issn = {0732-183X}, doi = {10.1200/JCO.1985.3.11.1508}, author = {Jackson, D V and Case, L D and Pope, E K and White, D R and Spurr, C L and Richards, F and Stuart, J J and Muss, H B and Cooper, M R and Black, W R} }