Rehabilitation Needs of War and Conflict Survivors: Addressing Physical and Psychological Trauma

The field of rehabilitation has traditionally overlooked the profound consequences of war, genocide, civil strife, and conflict. Globally, conflict-related violence is on the rise, with 2025 witnessing significant turmoil in regions such as the Middle East, Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Yemen, and parts of Africa, Central America, the Caribbean, and Asia. Predictions indicate that accelerated climate change and increased global competition for natural resources will exacerbate the risk of armed conflict, leading to more casualties. Survivors of these conflicts often face severe trauma and lifelong injuries, compounded by the illegal use of banned weaponry, which causes devastating and complex injuries. Gender-based violence, such as rape, has left deep emotional and physical scars on women, children, families, and societies, as seen in the Genocide against the Tutsi. The physical and psychological trauma from such conflicts can take years to heal, as evidenced by experiences from Rwanda and the Balkan wars. Additionally, geographic displacement and economic destitution further hinder recovery opportunities, while war-torn regions lose their medical and rehabilitative infrastructures, necessitating comprehensive and coordinated rehabilitation responses.This Research Topic aims to explore and address the multifaceted rehabilitation needs of survivors of war, genocide, and conflict. The primary objectives include understanding the acute and long-term physical and psychological rehabilitation requirements, examining the impact of gender-based violence, and developing interprofessional responses to manage complex injuries. The research will also focus on health promotion for veterans, trauma interventions for affected populations, and the rebuilding of rehabilitation systems in war-affected regions. By addressing these critical areas, the research seeks to provide evidence-based solutions and strategies to improve the rehabilitation and reintegration of survivors.To gather further insights into the rehabilitation needs of war and conflict survivors, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Acute and long-term physical rehabilitation for survivors of war and conflict- Gender-based violence as a weapon and its impact on rehabilitation- Interprofessional responses to managing complex injuries resulting from conflict and violence- Health promotion for veterans injured in combat- Psychiatric rehabilitation or mental health support for war survivors- Trauma interventions for children, women, and families with war and violence experiences- Pediatric and developmental support for children experiencing war- Assistive technology provision in war-torn regions and for survivors of violence in low-resource countries- Rebuilding rehabilitation in health systems affected by war- Community and social reintegration and inclusion of war, conflict, and genocide survivors- Vocational and educational rehabilitation for war, conflict, and genocide survivorsWe are particularly interested in receiving submissions that include intervention studies, systematic reviews, and exploratory studies documenting rehabilitation needs. Topic editors: Thilo Kroll, Glorieuse Uwizeye Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/61090/rehabilitation-needs-of-war-and-conflict-survivors-addressing-physical-and-psychological-trauma