A_e

MSF

financing

ECONOMICAL ASPECTS

It is important that aid workers do not make the mistake of considering refugees and displaced people as helpless individuals totally dependent on outside assistance. Despite the outward appearance of exhaustion, sickness, malnutrition and poverty - and apathy as a result of these factors in combination - it should not automatically be assumed that they are incapable of any independent action and unable to organize themselves in any way. They may have lost their jobs and belongings, but they did not lose their education and skills. Although they have been forced to leave their homes and their habitual roles, they will redefine similar roles for themselves within the context of the new community: some as leaders and some as dependents, relying on the leadership of others. It is therefore important to encourage them to build a new life for themselves as quickly as possible, even if it is hoped that this will only be a temporary one.

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