Opinion survey in eight countries
Quantitative research, by Ipsos*
©ICRC / F. Pagetti /lb-e-01189
Lebanon, Nahr el-Bared, 2008
The ICRC commissioned Ipsos to conduct quantitative (statistical) research surveys to measure the impact of armed conflict on the civilian population in eight of the most troubled places in the world – the Solferinos of today – which are either experiencing armed conflict or suffering its aftermath. The countries chosen were: Afghanistan, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Georgia, Haiti, Lebanon, Liberia and the Philippines. In each country, a broadly representative sample
of the adult general public was interviewed, either in person or by telephone. The specific sampling methods used and any groups or areas excluded are described in the relevant country reports.
The questions covered people’s personal experience of armed conflict and violence, the specific impact that it has on them, views on the acceptable conduct of combatants, the effectiveness and desired actions of related organizations and third parties, awareness of the Geneva Conventions, and the role of health workers during armed conflict.
The results give a powerful insight into the experiences and opinions of civilians coping with some of the most harrowing situations in the world.
Part 1: the impact of armed conflict was to determine whether the respondents had personal experience of armed conflict or armed violence and, if so, the specific impact it had on them. This first set of quantitative results was released on 24 June to mark the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Solferino (24 June 1859).
Part 2: behaviour during armed conflict focuses on what respondents think of international humanitarian law (IHL) and their views on behaviour during armed conflict. It was published in August 2009 to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions.
(Links to the results of the survey are in the right column.)
In-depth research in the same eight countries
Qualitative research, by Ipsos*
This comprehensive research work allows the ICRC to understand the deeper values, motivations, fears and aspirations of those who have been direct victims of armed conflict or violence. The research was carried out in the same eight ICRC featured countries covered by the quantitative opinion survey (listed above), through focus groups and one-on-one in-depth interviews carried out by ICRC staff. The individuals interviewed include internally displaced people, members of separated families, first responders and others directly affected by armed conflict or violence.
These qualitative research findings will be released in October 2009.
Voice of the People 60-country survey
by Gallup International**
This is a global survey amongst the general population in a range of countries, some of which are currently involved in armed conflict and some of which are not. This part of the research carried out is used to give a broader perspective on global issues and opinions, and can be linked to specific parts of the Our world. Your move. campaign.
The first set of results was released on 24 June to mark the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Solferino (24 June 1859): Civilians in wartime: what the world thinks
The second set of results has been released to mark the 60th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions (12 August 1949): The Geneva Conventions: Are they known? Do they help?
(Links to the results of the survey are in the right column.)
* Ipsos is one of the world’s largest opinion research groups, with front-line operations in over 60 countries worldwide, and access via research partners to areas where they do not have their own offices. More information on www.ipsos.com
** The "Gallup International Association" is registered in Zurich. It has almost 60 members, and research capabilities in almost 100 countries around the world. More information: www.gallup-international.com
