The Hidden Cost of Armed Conflict: 90% of casualties are non-combatants, mostly women & children

"Wisdom is better than the weapons of war, but one fool can destroy much good." -Ecclesiastes 9:18

--------------------

What if you knew that in order to fight a war, 90% of those killed in the war would be non-combatants:  mostly women and children? Would it be worth it, whatever the cause?

Welcome to the modern era, where nine out of every ten people killed in war are women and children. That's right. In the wars waged over the past twenty years, 90% of those killed in conflicts are non-combatants.

Not all of them die of bullets or bombs. Many die of hunger, physical or sexual assault, and disease. But, their hunger and their diseases are a direct result of the conditions of war being waged in their cities and villages.  

At the turn of the last century, 90% of those killed in armed conflict were soldiers, and 10% were civilian casualties. By World War II, civilian casualties had increased to 65%. Finally, by the time of the conflicts in the 1990’s, the number had completely reversed—and now, it remains that at least 90% of casualties are non-combatants. Still more are displaced and/or suffer trauma, hunger, assault, and other tragedies.

This fact is not news, first because our national and international leaders have known about this for a long time. And second, it isn't news because our news outlets don't think it is important enough information to tell us about it. When casualties are reported, only the deaths of soldiers or contractors are counted. 

Now that you know, there are many things you can do to help pressure our governments to put an end to conflict. Here's a list of five things you can do, for a start:

1. Tell people about this reality. Make it news. 
2. Join Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice, Amnesty International and a host of others who call for more women to be involved in peace negotiations. The participation of women ensures a just and lasting peace.
3. Become a peace advocate. Stand against any ‘drumbeat’ to war. There are those who believe that to the threat of war is proof of the strength of a nation, but in truth, the greater strength is in finding solutions that avoid combat. And since we know that one out of ten people who will be harmed in a war are non-combatants, we simply must stand against the use of violent force as a means to an end.
4. Make peace an official part of the work of our Government. Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich proposed a Department of Peace. Given what we know about the lasting effects of violent conflict, a governmental department dedicated to teaching non-violent conflict resolution and finding alternatives to war seems essential. (By the way, the bill also addressed domestic violence, rehabilitation of prisoners, and other means for creating a peaceful and secure society.) 
5. Write your elected officials and let them know that you object to the use of force by the United States, because you know that wars are no longer soldiers fighting soldiers. Those most vulnerable will pay the ultimate price.

Whatever you choose to do, do it now.