Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Comprehensive Victim Assistance
ASEAN REGIONAL MINE ACTION CENTER
15
Sep
Victim assistance is one of the core mandates of the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC). Strengthening this work requires not only an understanding of physical rehabilitation, but also of the psychological, social and economic factors that shape a survivor’s recovery and reintegration.
To deepen this understanding, ARMAC conducted a Psychosocial Support Capacity-Building Workshop for its personnel, facilitated by ARMAC’s Regional Technical Advisor for Victim Assistance and Psychosocial Support – Ms. Leila El Ali.
Through reflection exercises, role plays, group discussions and practical activities, participants explored the visible and invisible impacts experienced by survivors and persons with disabilities, including fear, anxiety, shame, grief, changes in identity and loss of confidence. Discussions also highlighted how some of these impacts can be reinforced by the way families, communities and society respond to survivors.
A key focus of the workshop was the importance of listening and supportive communication. Participants examined how interrupting, judging, asking intrusive questions becomes barrier to good listening.
The workshop also reinforced that recovery is not a straight line. Like pieces of a puzzle, psychological well-being, family and peer support, access to services, identity and purpose, physical accessibility, education, livelihoods and social inclusion are interconnected. The needs and priorities of each survivor may also differ throughout their recovery journey.
The workshop also reinforced that recovery is not a straight line. Like pieces of a puzzle, psychological well-being, family and peer support, access to services, identity and purpose, physical accessibility, education, livelihoods and social inclusion are interconnected. The needs and priorities of each survivor may also differ throughout their recovery journey.
By strengthening this understanding internally, ARMAC continues to build its institutional capacity to support ASEAN Member States in advancing survivor-centred approaches that promote dignity, confidence, well-being, participation and meaningful inclusion.
What changes when we see the person—not only the injury?
Join ARMAC in advancing survivor-centred victim assistance across ASEAN. Through psychosocial support, training, and capacity-building, we can help address the wider needs of people and communities affected by explosive ordnance.
ASEAN Member States, practitioners, and relevant stakeholders are invited to engage with ARMAC’s initiatives and explore opportunities for collaboration. To learn more, contact secretariat@aseanmineaction.org.
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