Konfliktutsatta

Konfliktutsatta is a term used in humanitarian and development contexts to describe people and communities exposed to armed conflict and its consequences. It covers those living in active conflict areas as well as internally displaced persons, refugees, and populations in regions at high risk of violence, displacement, or severe disruption of livelihoods. The concept highlights people who face threats to life, safety and dignity due to armed hostilities.

Key dimensions include safety and physical protection, displacement dynamics, access to essential services, livelihoods and economic security, and psychosocial well-being. In conflict settings, civilians are often subjected to violence, explosive hazards, coercive recruitment, sexual and gender-based violence, and human rights abuses. Children, women and other vulnerable groups are disproportionately affected. The term is used by Swedish policy and international aid organizations to identify target groups for protection and humanitarian assistance as well as resilience-building.

Causes and risk factors comprise protracted or recurring violence, collapse of state institutions, disrupted governance, economic downturns, and damaged infrastructure, including health and education systems. Impacts commonly include mortality and injuries, mental health problems, interrupted education, food insecurity, loss of housing and assets, and long-term development setbacks.

Responses focus on protection of civilians under international humanitarian law, safe access for aid providers, and adherence to humanitarian principles. Short-term actions include emergency aid, healthcare, nutrition, water and sanitation, shelter, and education continuity; longer-term strategies emphasize resilience, livelihood support, conflict prevention, and governance reforms. The term is used to guide measurement, planning and coordination among humanitarian actors.