Security as humanitarian disaster
In nearly every way, security became central to how Pakistani government and the military dealt with the humanitarian challenge of its operations in Waziristan.
Displacement of people from previous military operations in Swat, Bajaur and Mohmand was mitigated by the presence of camps set-up and operated by the civilian government and international humanitarian organizations. Both South Waziristan and North Waziristan however have been exceptions to how humanitarian issues have otherwise been dealt with.
No camps were set up for people fleeing the 2009 military operation, Rah-e-Nijat, in South Waziristan. They were left to deal with the ensuing displacement themselves, with many seeking shelter in the neighboring town of DI Khan.
For the people displaced from Zarb-e-Azb, there is currently only one organized camp situated in Bakka Khel, a frontier region in Bannu that is still technically part of FATA. The camp is predominantly controlled by the Pakistani security forces instead of the federal or provincial disaster management authorities or by other humanitarian organizations. As of this writing, there is only limited involvement of international humanitarian response organizations like UNHCR and UNICEF in the camp or in the coordination of the humanitarian effort.
Next: Zarb-e-Azb | A Timeline
Project collaborators: Shah Shuja | D. Wazir | A. Serafina A.
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