Page 30 - Economy_Fair Trade International Trade

30

Protect civilians from the horrors of war

The existence of a war or conflict results in the suffering and lose of everything for ordinary people.
In today’s conflicts rules are bent or broken and human rights abuses continue and are still unchecked.

It is important the current leaders commit or re-commit to the international laws such as Geneva
Convention and the Arms Trade Treaty. Oxfam International ask for these actions to world leaders and to
stop selling arms or not protect civilians from conflicts.

Stand up for people forced to flee

The world is still facing a huge human crisis not seen from the IIWW where millions of people are facing
vulnerable situations that risk their lives, face poverty, hostility, disasters, and abuse. The governments
need to develop a fair, united, and coordinated response together, because just a nation or country cannot
face the problem alone. It is needed and quick response and actions added to the complete commitment
of avoiding and prohibiting any act that affects international laws and human rights.

Help local people face the future on their own terms

For helping communities and livelihoods, the key is in offering the tools and mechanisms for long-term
approach, rather than make profit of them and impose terms. The creation of a new humanitarian model
needs to be created to give responsibility and leadership for own decision-making to communities.

5.4 The Voices of Women and the Oxfam Trailwalker

Case 1: “The day we will dance”: Voices of women in the midst of conflicts in West and Central Africa

West and Central Africa are facing two challenges, on the one hand the attack of armed groups and on the
other hand, the current world pandemic situation. Many communities of people, families, and individuals
lost everything. In these regions, many women lost their couples and have to face the situation of difficul-
ties and poverty added to the challenge of taking care of their families.

The case of Victorine from the Village of Dablo in Center-North of Burkina Faso is one among millions of
women facing difficulties everyday – ‘My children are my hope because they are the source of my life.’. She
had to let the activity that was helping her to maintain her family and face hunger. However, she described
that as one of the most needed for her and the communities is the water.

Oxfam International together with local partners and volunteers provide humanitarian aid to more than
400,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) and host communities. Access to water, hygienic and sanitation
conditions is provided and protection for women and girls. Furthermore, the organizations in collaboration
with other institutions drive projects and programs for conflict transformation and dialogue (Oxfam Inter-
national, 2019).