The value of credible data from under-resourced areas

Data collection requires a substantial investment in human resources and infrastructure, but it is essential that it is accurate to ensure the credibility of its use. These issues are explored in the light of data from injuries in 'disorganized' settings based on the experiences of field hospitals staffed by the International Committee of the Red Cross. Such data was influential in the campaign to ban landmines and can be used in the legitimate questioning of states' foreign policies. It is important to distinguish between combatant and non-combatant weapons injuries. A significant proportion of civilian weapons injuries in combat zones, particularly post-conflict, occur in a domestic context; some widely quoted figures for civilian war-related injuries are too high, though the correct figures are still far too high. While reducing the supply of arms, the importance of other social factors such as education, poverty and the provision of health care is stressed-provision of health care is affected in combat zones.