Aftermaths and consequences of war: What happens when the troops leave?

The humanitarian, economic, developmental and security consequences of war do not end upon the conclusion of armed conflict. Residual violence, food shortages, a lack of basic services, and spillover of violence into neighbouring countries are just some of the complex challenges to the establishment of a normal, peaceful society in places that have experienced extreme violence. As a result, sustained humanitarian action is essential in the aftermath of war, to respond to the pressing needs of the population at large and help communities to develop resilience and plan for the future.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works in over 80 countries across the world, including in places such as Libya and Iraq where the needs of the people remain acute. In such circumstances chronic insecurity not only shapes the assistance and protection needs and thus the response of humanitarian organizations, it can also hinder their ability to reach populations in need. The Director of Operations for the ICRC, Pierre Krähenbühl, oversees the work of the organization in all of these contexts and in this event will present key post-conflict humanitarian concerns and challenges as well as look ahead to the withdrawal of armed forces from Afghanistan in 2014.