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Civilians
in Armed
Conflict –
Speech
attacked rebel-held areas with poisonous chlorine gas. Yes, they
were trying to eliminate the rebels, but did they even think about
who the majority of people living there actually were?
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that you have
the right to live, and to live in freedom and safety. These wars are a
violation of this right because civilians wake up in the morning not
knowing whether they will do so the next morning or any morning
in the future. They cannot stay in their homes or freely roam the
streets without fear.
Civilians in war-torn countries face hardships every day, but
fortunately several organisations, such as the
Centre for Civilians in
Conflict
, are there to help. They travel to conflict zones and actually
speak to people affected so that they can advise those in power on
ways to recognise, protect and help them.
One other significant organisation is the
International Committee of
the Red Cross
, which is also known as the ICRC. This organisation
provides humanitarian aid for people affected by conflict and armed
violence. They alsomake sure that civilians donot face discrimination
and can access health care, safe drinking water and agricultural land.
Harper Lee’s ‘
To Kill a Mockingbird
’ shows how the innocent people
in the community must be protected. For example in the novel, Miss
Maudie says ‘
Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy…
That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird
.’ The ‘mockingbirds’ in these wars
are civilians, including children, and rather than being protected,
they are subjected to violence. People have the right to live in safety
and security. The battlefields have moved to civilian homes and
streets and it seems that for those living in these areas, life is a
waiting game. They should not have to live and remain walking
ghosts.
‘
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