Name: Why civilians suffer more once a war is over
Uploaded: 2017-03-22T15:17:38Z
Duration: 14 min 12 s
Description: In a war, it turns out that violence isn't the biggest killer of civilians. What is? Illness, hunger, poverty -- because war destroys the institutions that keep society running, like utilities, banks, food systems and hospitals. Physician Margaret Bourdeaux proposes a bold approach to post-conflict recovery, setting priorities on what to fix first

In a war, it turns out that violence isn't the biggest killer of civilians. What is? Illness, hunger, poverty -- because war destroys the institutions that keep society running, like utilities, banks, food systems and hospitals. Physician Margaret Bourdeaux proposes a bold approach to post-conflict recovery, setting priorities on what to fix first

Why civilians suffer more once a war is over

The greatest threat to civilians after conflict is not bullets but the destruction of essential systems like hospitals, utilities, and banks. In Kosovo, families faced terrifying uncertainty when every social institution disappeared, struggling with basic health and survival. A staggering study found most war-related deaths occur after fighting ends, due to broken health systems and lost services. Restoring these systems is crucial for postwar recovery and real human security.