The Impact of Armed Conflict on Women and Girls - UNFPA

service facilities can be extremely difficult. Communities are disrupted, civilians
are internally displaced and family separations are common, all <strong>of</strong> which
contribute to personal and familial insecurity. Finally, the effects <strong>of</strong> conflict are
compounded, which results in entire populations experiencing various levels <strong>of</strong>
trauma.
In post-conflict settings, the sudden entry <strong>of</strong> money and foreigners, and
specifically peacekeeping organizations, heightens an already precarious
situation for refugee and host populations. First, most peacekeeping personnel
are men between 20 and 50 years <strong>of</strong> age. <strong>The</strong>y represent a range <strong>of</strong> countries,
cultures, health and education statuses, and, consequently, expectations for
behaviour and conduct. <strong>The</strong>ir presence results in an increased demand for
housing, which can, in turn, increase housing costs and decrease the availability
<strong>of</strong> homes for civilian populations. An increased demand for various services and
black-market goods has pr<strong>of</strong>ound effects on the local economy and labour
market. <strong>The</strong> demand for commercial sex increases sharply in settings with
peacekeeping organizations, and this has serious social and health implications,
particularly for women and girls. In addition, price increases due to a rapid influx
<strong>of</strong> money may increase the vulnerability <strong>of</strong> the poor. Along these lines, the
introduction <strong>of</strong> new technologies and economies can influence local culture in
diverse, and not always positive, ways. Finally, national demobilization and
reintegration may accompany the presence <strong>of</strong> peacekeeping organizations,
contributing to a social and cultural erosion that undermines community
rehabilitation.
<strong>The</strong> Group identified and discussed legal and judicial concerns related to
peacekeeping operations. First, the accountability <strong>of</strong> peacekeeping forces is not
easy to establish. It is unclear whether standard rules <strong>of</strong> conduct for the
peacekeepers exist and, if they do, whether these rules can be effectively
enforced. Second, for peacekeeping forces where codes <strong>of</strong> conduct have
already been established, their gender implications are unclear. In addition, the
host population may be unaware <strong>of</strong> the rules and regulations governing the
mission. Finally, law enforcement mechanisms vary on the territories controlled
by peacekeeping forces, in terms <strong>of</strong> women police, ombudsmen and legal
counsellors. More effort must be made to understand and potentially collaborate
with these elements.
<strong>The</strong> Group also explored socio-economic and health concerns related to
peacekeeping operations. First, the establishment <strong>of</strong> formal and informal
employment <strong>of</strong> local people by mission members may be exploitative and
discriminatory. Such employment, however, may also contribute to improving the
economy and the well-being <strong>of</strong> individual women. Second, the influx <strong>of</strong> large
numbers <strong>of</strong> men in host populations has reproductive and sexual health
implications. As mentioned, the increase in commercial sex activities
accompanying military operations has serious health and social consequences
for civilian populations. Finally, traditional lifestyles and the behaviour <strong>of</strong> different
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