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Blog Posts by Dawn Calabia

Congress Shouldn’t Shortchange the Victims of Conflict, Oppression and Natural Disasters
May 07, 2010 Dawn Calabia

The Senate Budget Committee recently refused to support increases requested by President Obama for next year’s Foreign Aid account. The Committee cut $4 billion from the $58.5 billion proposed . These cuts happened despite increasing recognition that the civilian agencies responsible for diplomacy, development and humanitarian aid are grossly underfunded.

I-VAWA: U.S. To Address Violence Against Women and Girls
February 09, 2010 Dawn Calabia Congress
Last week, the bipartisan International Violence Against Women Act (I-VAWA) was introduced into both Houses of Congress. This legislation signals a strong effort to join and take leadership of the international campaign to end violence against women and girls and empower women to protect their rights.
Iraqi Refugees: Women on the Margins
November 30, 2009 Dawn Calabia Iraq
Many Iraqi women refugees, sheltered temporarily in Syria, bear the scars and trauma of extreme violence suffered in their homeland.  Ethnic and religious-based persecution tore apart previously stable communities in Iraq, removing these women and their children from their traditional support systems. Stripped of the normal protections of home and extended family life they exist on the margins of society. 
Iraq: Don't Forget Displaced Women
July 15, 2009 Dawn Calabia Iraq, Humanitarian Response

As a humanitarian talking with displaced Iraqis be prepared for a lot of anger.  “You destroyed my country,” said one woman. “Those ruling have no place for us. What will you do?” Millions of people have been displaced inside and outside the country. Small numbers have returned home. For others, insecurity, plus the absence of the rule of law, infrastructure, employment prospects, or basic services like water, sanitation, education or health care prevent them from returning home.
Bangladesh: Poetry as a Bridge to Understanding
October 30, 2008 Dawn Calabia Bangladesh, Statelessness

In Bangladesh a Supreme Court decision this May recognized the right to citizenship for a formerly stateless population, the Bihar, an Urdu speaking minority.

Bangladesh is an extremely young country, formed only 37 years ago after a violent conflict to sever its ties with Pakistan, achieved independence and preserve its Bengali culture.