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  Chasing Chaos

  Jessica Alexander

  Jessica Alexander arrived in Rwanda in the aftermath of the 1994 genocide as an idealistic intern, eager to contribute to the work of the international humanitarian aid community. But the world that she encountered in the field was dramatically different than anything she could have imagined. It was messy, chaotic, and difficult—but she was hooked.

  In this honest and irreverent memoir, she introduces readers to the realities of life as an aid worker. We watch as she manages a 24,000-person camp in Darfur, collects evidence for the Charles Taylor trial in Sierra Leone, and contributes to the massive aid effort to clean up a shattered Haiti. But we also see the alcohol-fueled parties and fleeting romances, the burnouts and self-doubt, and the struggle to do good in places that have long endured suffering.

  Tracing her personal journey from wide-eyed and naïve newcomer to hardened cynic and, ultimately, to hopeful but critical realist, Alexander transports readers to some of the most troubled locations around the world and shows us not only the seemingly impossible challenges, but also the moments of resilience and recovery.

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  History and Hope: The International Humanitarian Reader (International Humanitarian Affairs)

  Kevin M. Cahill

  The International Humanitarian Affairs Reader is a compilation of the most important chapters in the ten volume series published on this topic by Fordham University Press. Each chapter selected has been edited to delete dated material; where appropriate, chapters will have a brief addendum to present current information.

  The Series Editor, Kevin M. Cahill M.D., will write a substantial introductory essay explaining the academic evolution of the discipline of international humanitarian assistance. It will focus on the "Fordham Experience"--its Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs (IIHA) has developed practical programs for training field workers, especially those dealing with complex emergencies following conflicts, man-made or natural disasters. The book series has been as essential part of this effort.

  The new International Humanitarian Affairs Reader will be divided into seven sections, each introduced by a "link" page providing continuity for the text. There will be extensive appendices to assist in finding basic acronyms, abbreviations, important conventions, treaties and accepted standards. One appendix will also provide the full table of contents for each volume in the series, and all chapters are available for digital download.

  The International Humanitarian Affairs Reader, scheduled for publication in Spring 2013, should provide the growing number of people--both within and outside academia--with a better understanding of the multi-faceted demands posed by humanitarian assistance programs. At Fordham University there are programs at both the undergraduate (Minor) and graduate (Masters) levels. Fordham's innovative, very intense, one-month residential course for experienced humanitarian workers--the International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance (IDHA)--is recognized worldwide. The Institute now has over 2000 graduates from 133 nations.

  Contributors to The International Humanitarian Affairs Reader include many of the leading figures in international diplomacy, relief and refugee operations, conflict resolution and reconciliation, and transition from disaster to stability and development, from the chaos of war to peace.

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  Sexual Violence and Armed Conflict

  Janie Leatherman

  Every year, hundreds of thousands of women become victims of sexual violence in conflict zones around the world; in the Democratic Republic of Congo alone, approximately 1,100 rapes are reported each month. This book offers a comprehensive analysis of the causes, consequences and responses to sexual violence in contemporary armed conflict. It explores the function and effect of wartime sexual violence and examines the conditions that make women and girls most vulnerable to these acts both before, during and after conflict. To understand the motivations of the men (and occasionally women) who perpetrate this violence, the book analyzes the role played by systemic and situational factors such as patriarchy and militarized masculinity. Difficult questions of accountability are tackled; in particular, the case of child soldiers, who often suffer a double victimization when forced to commit sexual atrocities. The book concludes by looking at strategies of prevention and protection as well as new programs being set up on the ground to support the rehabilitation of survivors and their communities. Sexual violence in war has long been a taboo subject but, as this book shows, new and courageous steps are at last being taken Ð at both local and international level - to end what has been called the “greatest silence in history”. – Publisher description.

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  The Sphere Handbook 2011: Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response

  The Sphere Project

  The Sphere Project is an initiative to determine and promote standards by which the global community responds to the plight of people affected by disasters. With this Handbook, Sphere is working for a world in which the right of all people affected by disasters to re-establish their lives and livelihoods is recognized and acted upon in ways that respect their voice and promote their dignity and security. This Handbook contains: * A Humanitarian Charter: legal and moral principles which reflect the rights of disaster-affected populations * Protection Principles * Core Standards and Minimum Standards in four key life-saving humanitarian sectors: Water supply, sanitation and hygiene promotion; Food security and nutrition; Shelter, settlement and non-food items; Health action. They describe what needs to be achieved in a humanitarian response in order for disaster-affected populations to survive and recover in stable conditions and with dignity.

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  Civic Engagement in Higher Education: Concepts and Practices

  Barbara Jacoby and Thomas Ehrlich

  Numerous studies have chronicled students lack of trust in large social institutions, declining interest in politics, and decreasing civic skills. This book is a comprehensive guide to developing high-quality civic engagement experiences for college students. The book defines civic engagement and explains why it is central to a college education. It describes the state of the art of education for civic engagement and provides guidelines for designing programs that encourage desired learning outcomes. In addition, the book guides leaders in organizing their institutions to create a campus-wide culture of civic engagement.

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  Traditions, Values, and Humanitarian Action

  Kevin M. Cahill

  This third volume in the pioneering series, International Humanitarian Affairs, goes beyond the practical to address fundamental questions at the heart of humanitarian actions. How do different religious, cultural, and social systems? and the values they support? shape humanitarian action? What are the bases of caring societies? Are there universal values for human well-being? International experts come face to face with the assumptions about human dignity and social justice that guide efforts to rescue and repair communities in crisis. The original essays explore mandates for humanitarian action in religious traditions, and codes of conduct for the media, military, medicine, and the academy in relief efforts. They explore threats to human welfare from terrorism and gender exploitation and assess international law, the media, and the politics of civil society in a world of war, conflict, and strife.