Activity 1
Take a look at the map of the world below. Try to identify as many war zones or countries that are currently experiencing conflict throughout the world. When you have finished, compare your findings with the rest of the class, and explain what you understand of each conflict that you have identified. Compare the findings of the class with the map on the next page, which identifies all of the major conflict zones in the world.

War and Peace
By conservative estimates there are at least 40 million refugees and displaced people throughout the world, many living in overcrowded camps, refugee settlements, or simply hidden from view in towns and cities. The vast majority have been displaced from their homes because of conflict and violence, either the deliberate targets of armies and rebel groups, or more often simply caught between warring factions who are oblivious or indifferent to their suffering.

Conflict continues to affect millions of civilians every year, destroying houses, whole villages and land for farming. Recent examples include: Colombia, where over 2 million people are displaced as a result of the long-running civil war there; Sudan, where up to 5 million people have fled their war-torn regions for the relative safety of the capital city Khartoum and other areas; and the Balkans where, even though the conflict has ended, up to one million people remain displaced, many living in terrible conditions. These are just three examples, though there are over 30 different conflict zones around the world, all forcing people to flee their homes.

Conflict can have a devastating effect on a society. It takes away education and other opportunities; it destroys health infrastructure and productive activities; and it undermines the fabric of communities, sowing the seeds of mistrust and lawlessness.

We walked many, many months, hiding in forests and villages, trying to reach a safe place. We were hungry; our feet bled, no skin left. We were separated and we lost each other. Finally I reached Tanzania... Today, I live in Nduta, caring for three of my grandchildren, whose parents are believed to be dead. I am haunted still by the story of how my husband was killed. I ache for the loss of my children and am troubled with not knowing if any are still alive... At times I feel overwhelmed with sadness and suffering.
Rosalie, a Burundian refugee in Nduta camp, Tanzania

When the rebels entered Sudan, we ran from Juba to Nimule. When I was in Nimule with my children, some people broke into my house. They beat me, a disabled woman, and added to my pain by knocking some of my teeth out. I left my husband in the town, I do not know where he is now. I have seven children. I am finding difficulties in caring for them, in providing school fees, clothing, blankets, and books. I also came accross two orphans, and it is not easy to help them.
Rebecca Ifuho, Rhino refugee camp settlement

Conflict zones throughout the world

Activity 2
Often we fail to consider the human cost of war. When you consider a modern conflict, do you think of real people suffering or do you think of numbers and figures? Has the way you perceive conflict been influenced by things you see in your day-to-day life?

Activity 3
Take a look at the international pages of a good newspaper. Locate an article dealing with a war zone anywhere in the world. Using this article and any other sources you may have, describe what the causes of this particular conflict were. Find out how the civilian population has suffered during the conflict and whether it has produced a large amount of refugees.

Links and further reading

BBC Children of Conflict special report:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/people/features/childrensrights/childrenofconflict/