Speaking Out

Episode 1: Bangladesh in the 1990s In 1991–1992, Myanmar’s military repression forces over 250,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh, where they settle in refugee camps. In the camps near Cox’s Bazar, MSF observes dire living conditions and violence, while Bangladeshi authorities limit aid and force repatriations. MSF engages in “silent advocacy,” raising concerns only with political stakeholders in order to maintain activities in the camps. This episode highlights enduring dilemmas in MSF’s humanitarian approach with the Rohingya: publicly speaking out versus staying silent to preserve access.***This podcast series is adapted from the MSF Speaking Out Case Study “MSF and the Rohingya 1992 – 2014”.It brings to light two decades of MSF advocacy activities as part of its humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya people in Bangladesh and Myanmar.It examines the challenges that MSF teams in the field and headquarters encountered when deciding whether and how MSF could publicly speak out about the plight of the Rohingya facing persecutions and violence in Myanmar and Bangladesh. During the 1992-2014 period, MSF worked mostly through diplomatic channels “behind closed doors” to advocate about the Rohingya’s plight with foreign diplomats and United Nations agencies. This “silent advocacy” was challenged within MSF by those who felt that the lack of public speaking out meant MSF was abandoning a persecuted population. To maintain an operational presence without speaking out publicly was not seen as an ethically justifiable option for an independent and impartial humanitarian organisation like MSF.Over 7 episodes, the podcast explores the challenges, dilemmas and internal disagreements underlying MSF’s humanitarian response to assist the Rohingya under the Myanmar authoritarian regime.***This podcast series is written, produced and mixed by Andrea Rangecroft.  Editorial direction is from Nancy Barrett and Laurence Binet. The narrator is Claire Lubert. Extracts are read by Clive Hayward and Lucy Scott  The voiceovers are by Kevin Halliwell, Charles Nove and Alex Vincent.  The music is by Lost Harmonies and Peter Sandberg.  Photo crédits: Generic MSFA special thanks to Rian Landman   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 2: Years of growth and silence In Myanmar an increasingly authoritarian regime is taking shape, inhibiting the return of refugees and making the lives of the Rohingya who’ve remained in Rakhine State increasingly difficult. MSF documents systematic persecution but is divided over how to approach the dilemma of access versus speaking out. While from 1994, MSF Holland opts for “silent diplomacy” in order to expand its malaria and HIV/AIDs programmes in Myanmar, MSF France decides to withdraw in 2006, denouncing the authorities lack of transparency. ***This podcast series is adapted from the MSF Speaking Out Case Study “MSF and the Rohingya 1992 – 2014”.  It brings to light two decades of MSF advocacy activities as part of its humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya people in Bangladesh and Myanmar.  It examines the challenges that MSF teams in the field and headquarters encountered when deciding whether and how MSF could publicly speak out about the plight of the Rohingya facing persecutions and violence in Myanmar and Bangladesh. During the 1992-2014 period, MSF worked mostly through diplomatic channels “behind closed doors” to advocate about the Rohingya’s plight with foreign diplomats and United Nations agencies. This “silent advocacy” was challenged within MSF by those who felt that the lack of public speaking out meant MSF was abandoning a persecuted population.  To maintain an operational presence without speaking out publicly was not seen as an ethically justifiable option for an independent and impartial humanitarian organisation like MSF. Over 7 episodes, the podcast explores the challenges, dilemmas and internal disagreements underlying MSF’s humanitarian response to assist the Rohingya under the Myanmar authoritarian regime.  ***This podcast series is written, produced and mixed by Andrea Rangecroft.  Editorial direction is from Nancy Barrett and Laurence Binet. The narrator is Claire Lubert. Extracts are read by Clive Hayward and Lucy Scott  The voiceovers are by Kevin Halliwell, Charles Nove and Alex Vincent.  The music is by Lost Harmonies and Peter Sandberg.  Photo crédits: Carlos QuarenghiA special thanks to Rian Landman   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 3: A slow opening at MSF In 2006, following MSF’s internal reorganisation, MSF Operational Centre Amsterdam (OCA) refocuses advocacy on the Rohingya marking a shift in its approach to testimony. To bypass Myanmar’s restrictions, strengthened through violent crackdowns on protesters after 2007’s Saffron Revolution, most of the speaking out concerns the fate of unregistered refugees in Bangladesh. Nonetheless, in Myanmar, MSF OCA speaks out on the humanitarian consequences of state-sponsored discrimination, repression, and lack of access to healthcare for both the Rohingya and people living with AIDS. ***This podcast series is adapted from the MSF Speaking Out Case Study “MSF and the Rohingya 1992 – 2014”.  It brings to light two decades of MSF advocacy activities as part of its humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya people in Bangladesh and Myanmar.  It examines the challenges that MSF teams in the field and headquarters encountered when deciding whether and how MSF could publicly speak out about the plight of the Rohingya facing persecutions and violence in Myanmar and Bangladesh. During the 1992-2014 period, MSF worked mostly through diplomatic channels “behind closed doors” to advocate about the Rohingya’s plight with foreign diplomats and United Nations agencies. This “silent advocacy” was challenged within MSF by those who felt that the lack of public speaking out meant MSF was abandoning a persecuted population.  To maintain an operational presence without speaking out publicly was not seen as an ethically justifiable option for an independent and impartial humanitarian organisation like MSF. Over 7 episodes, the podcast explores the challenges, dilemmas and internal disagreements underlying MSF’s humanitarian response to assist the Rohingya under the Myanmar authoritarian regime.  ***This podcast series is written, produced and mixed by Andrea Rangecroft.  Editorial direction is from Nancy Barrett and Laurence Binet. The narrator is Claire Lubert. Extracts are read by Clive Hayward and Lucy Scott  The voiceovers are by Kevin Halliwell, Charles Nove and Alex Vincent.  The music is by Lost Harmonies and Peter Sandberg.  Photo crédits: Giulio Di SturcoA special thanks to Rian Landman   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 4: Myanmar opens up In 2008, Cyclone Nargis devastates Myanmar’s Irrawaddy Delta, killing over 130,000 people. The crisis opens a humanitarian space. From 2009 onwards, MSF intensifies its public advocacy on the Rohingya including the “Fatal Policy: How the Rohingya Suffer the Consequences of Statelessness” report that highlights the health consequences of restrictive policies in Myanmar. Though never publicly published, it becomes a key tool in diplomatic exchanges. Throughout, MSF balances the need for advocacy with operational access, gradually developing a comprehensive regional strategy that highlights the Rohingya crisis as a major humanitarian and political issue.***This podcast series is adapted from the MSF Speaking Out Case Study “MSF and the Rohingya 1992 – 2014”. It brings to light two decades of MSF advocacy activities as part of its humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya people in Bangladesh and Myanmar. It examines the challenges that MSF teams in the field and headquarters encountered when deciding whether and how MSF could publicly speak out about the plight of the Rohingya facing persecutions and violence in Myanmar and Bangladesh. During the 1992-2014 period, MSF worked mostly through diplomatic channels “behind closed doors” to advocate about the Rohingya’s plight with foreign diplomats and United Nations agencies. This “silent advocacy” was challenged within MSF by those who felt that the lack of public speaking out meant MSF was abandoning a persecuted population. To maintain an operational presence without speaking out publicly was not seen as an ethically justifiable option for an independent and impartial humanitarian organisation like MSF. Over 7 episodes, the podcast explores the challenges, dilemmas and internal disagreements underlying MSF’s humanitarian response to assist the Rohingya under the Myanmar authoritarian regime. ***This podcast series is written, produced and mixed by Andrea Rangecroft.  Editorial direction is from Nancy Barrett and Laurence Binet. The narrator is Claire Lubert. Extracts are read by Clive Hayward and Lucy Scott  The voiceovers are by Kevin Halliwell, Charles Nove and Alex Vincent.  The music is by Lost Harmonies and Peter Sendberg.  Photo credits: Generic MSFA special thanks to Rian Landman   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 5: Renewed violence and loss of access to Myanmar In 2012, violence breaks out in Myanmar’s Rakhine State between Buddhists and Rohingya after a Buddhist woman is allegedly killed by Rohingya men. Retaliatory attacks displace tens of thousands and create widespread insecurity. MSF struggles to provide healthcare amid harassment, access restrictions, and arrests of Rohingya staff, forcing a suspension of operations. MSF faces ethical challenges in maintaining neutrality and impartiality while being seen by other communities in Rakhine as biased toward Muslims. With the regime detaining two MSF staff members, the organisation finds itself once again in a difficult position when it comes to speaking out. ***This podcast series is adapted from the MSF Speaking Out Case Study “MSF and the Rohingya 1992 – 2014”. It brings to light two decades of MSF advocacy activities as part of its humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya people in Bangladesh and Myanmar. It examines the challenges that MSF teams in the field and headquarters encountered when deciding whether and how MSF could publicly speak out about the plight of the Rohingya facing persecutions and violence in Myanmar and Bangladesh. During the 1992-2014 period, MSF worked mostly through diplomatic channels “behind closed doors” to advocate about the Rohingya’s plight with foreign diplomats and United Nations agencies. This “silent advocacy” was challenged within MSF by those who felt that the lack of public speaking out meant MSF was abandoning a persecuted population. To maintain an operational presence without speaking out publicly was not seen as an ethically justifiable option for an independent and impartial humanitarian organisation like MSF. Over 7 episodes, the podcast explores the challenges, dilemmas and internal disagreements underlying MSF’s humanitarian response to assist the Rohingya under the Myanmar authoritarian regime. ***This podcast series is written, produced and mixed by Andrea Rangecroft.  Editorial direction is from Nancy Barrett and Laurence Binet. The narrator is Claire Lubert. Extracts are read by Clive Hayward and Lucy Scott  The voiceovers are by Kevin Halliwell, Charles Nove and Alex Vincent.  The music is by Lost Harmonies and Peter Sendberg.  Photo credits: Kaung HtetA special thanks to Rian Landman   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 6: Under pressure in Myanmar In January 2014, in Du Chee Yar Tan, Rakhine State, MSF OCA treats wounded Rohingya after a violent attack and issues a public statement. The Myanmar government denies the violence, pressures MSF for patient details, and accuses it of exaggeration. Over the following weeks, MSF issues cautious public statements emphasising neutrality and commitment to medical needs. Teams face harassment, protests, and accusations of misinformation from the Myanmar government. Negotiations over the renewal of MSF’s Memorandum of Understanding in the country collapse. On 27 February 2014, MSF OCA is ordered to close all programs in Myanmar.***This podcast series is adapted from the MSF Speaking Out Case Study “MSF and the Rohingya 1992 – 2014”.  It brings to light two decades of MSF advocacy activities as part of its humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya people in Bangladesh and Myanmar.  It examines the challenges that MSF teams in the field and headquarters encountered when deciding whether and how MSF could publicly speak out about the plight of the Rohingya facing persecutions and violence in Myanmar and Bangladesh. During the 1992-2014 period, MSF worked mostly through diplomatic channels “behind closed doors” to advocate about the Rohingya’s plight with foreign diplomats and United Nations agencies. This “silent advocacy” was challenged within MSF by those who felt that the lack of public speaking out meant MSF was abandoning a persecuted population.  To maintain an operational presence without speaking out publicly was not seen as an ethically justifiable option for an independent and impartial humanitarian organisation like MSF. Over 7 episodes, the podcast explores the challenges, dilemmas and internal disagreements underlying MSF’s humanitarian response to assist the Rohingya under the Myanmar authoritarian regime.  ***This podcast series is written, produced and mixed by Andrea Rangecroft.  Editorial direction is from Nancy Barrett and Laurence Binet. The narrator is Claire Lubert. Extracts are read by Clive Hayward and Lucy Scott  The voiceovers are by Kevin Halliwell, Charles Nove and Alex Vincent.  The music is by Lost Harmonies and Peter Sendberg.  Photo credits: Chris HubyA special thanks to Rian Landman   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 7: Introspection at MSF Eventually, the Myanmar Government backs down and limits the ban to MSF activities in Rakhine. This still leaves the organisation with a dilemma: speaking out on Rohingya persecution versus preserving life-saving programmes in other states. After tense debates, MSF OCA leadership decides to withdraw from Rakhine to retain access elsewhere. Many argue that this compromises principles for access. In 2017, mass violence drives Rohingya into Bangladesh with thousands killed, which MSF documents and publicly denounces. International legal cases accuse Myanmar of genocide, while abuses persist. MSF continues to question its 2014 choices and the balance between speaking out and access.***This podcast series is adapted from the MSF Speaking Out Case Study “MSF and the Rohingya 1992 – 2014”.  It brings to light two decades of MSF advocacy activities as part of its humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya people in Bangladesh and Myanmar.  It examines the challenges that MSF teams in the field and headquarters encountered when deciding whether and how MSF could publicly speak out about the plight of the Rohingya facing persecutions and violence in Myanmar and Bangladesh. During the 1992-2014 period, MSF worked mostly through diplomatic channels “behind closed doors” to advocate about the Rohingya’s plight with foreign diplomats and United Nations agencies. This “silent advocacy” was challenged within MSF by those who felt that the lack of public speaking out meant MSF was abandoning a persecuted population.  To maintain an operational presence without speaking out publicly was not seen as an ethically justifiable option for an independent and impartial humanitarian organisation like MSF. Over 7 episodes, the podcast explores the challenges, dilemmas and internal disagreements underlying MSF’s humanitarian response to assist the Rohingya under the Myanmar authoritarian regime.  ***This podcast series is written, produced and mixed by Andrea Rangecroft.  Editorial direction is from Nancy Barrett and Laurence Binet. The narrator is Claire Lubert. Extracts are read by Clive Hayward and Lucy Scott  The voiceovers are by Kevin Halliwell, Charles Nove and Alex Vincent.  The music is by Lost Harmonies and Peter Sendberg.  Photo credits: Eddy McCallA special thanks to Rian Landman   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 1: The First War in ChechnyaThe first war of independence of Chechnya with the Russian Federation starts in 1994 and runs for two years during which access was regularly blocked by Russian forces. MSF feeds the press with information on the rapidly deteriorating conditions and the Russian’s refusal to let them into many areas of the country. This podcast series is written, produced and mixed by Andrea Rangecroft. Interviews are recorded by Lucy Dearlove. Editorial direction is from Nancy Barrett, Laurence Binet and Rebecca Golden Timsar. The narrator is Nick Owen. Extracts are read by Didi Bellos and Matthew Wade. The voiceovers are by Lucy Dearlove and Mark Fairclough. The music is by Lost Harmonies and Peter Sendberg.  Photo credits: © Generic MSF A special thanks to Dr Alain Devaux.  This podcast is adapted from the case study “War Crimes and Politics of Terror in Chechnya, 1994 – 2004”. Over 9 episodes, it explores the challenges and dilemmas MSF faced during the two wars in Chechnya between 1994 and 2004. These wars raised many questions for MSF on when and how the organisation should speak out publicly about the war crimes its staff witness and the chilling effects of the politics of terror on the Chechen people. Through MSF press releases, internal reports, speeches, and news articles of the time as well as eyewitness testimonies from MSF staff, this podcast series examines the challenges MSF faced when access to those in need was repeatedly blocked by the Russian authorities, forcing international staff to operate and train Caucasus teams at a distance. Later on, when staff members were kidnapped, MSF was confronted with a new dilemma - whether to raise a voice or lay low until their colleagues were released?To read the full study and discover other case studies, please go to our website: msf.org/speakingout   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 2: A Far Cry from PeaceIn 1999, while the country and its people are still struggling to recover, the Russian authorities start bombing Chechnya again. The Russian Federation President, Boris Yeltsin talks publicly about a peace plan but his forces carry out a ruthless bombing campaign on rebel-held villages in southern Chechnya. MSF sections are united in wanting to speak out about what their staff witnessed before being forced out of the region. So what is the best way to draw the world's attention to the plight of the Chechen population, without endangering the national staff who continue to work in southern Chechnya?This podcast series is written, produced and mixed by Andrea Rangecroft. Interviews are recorded by Lucy Dearlove. Editorial direction is from Nancy Barrett, Laurence Binet and Rebecca Golden Timsar. The narrator is Nick Owen. Extracts are read by Didi Bellos and Matthew Wade. The voiceovers are by Lucy Dearlove and Mark Fairclough. The music is by Lost Harmonies and Peter Sendberg.  Photo credits: © Olivier Jobard/MYOPA special thanks to Dr Alain Devaux. This podcast is adapted from the case study “War Crimes and Politics of Terror in Chechnya, 1994 – 2004”. Over 9 episodes, it explores the challenges and dilemmas MSF faced during the two wars in Chechnya between 1994 and 2004. These wars raised many questions for MSF on when and how the organisation should speak out publicly about the war crimes its staff witness and the chilling effects of the politics of terror on the Chechen people. Through MSF press releases, internal reports, speeches, and news articles of the time as well as eyewitness testimonies from MSF staff, this podcast series examines the challenges MSF faced when access to those in need was repeatedly blocked by the Russian authorities, forcing international staff to operate and train Caucasus teams at a distance. Later on, when staff members were kidnapped, MSF was confronted with a new dilemma - whether to raise a voice or lay low until their colleagues were released?To read the full study and discover other case studies, please go to our website: msf.org/speakingout   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 3: Advocacy without accessWith hostilities in Chechnya flaring up again in what the Russian Federation terms as “anti-terrorist operations”, MSF leaders decide to take advantage of the ceremony of the reception of Nobel Peace Prize to call on the international community to intervene. But MSF teams are struggling to work in a Chechnya facing all-out war and dangerous security problems. Instead, MSF starts support refugees in the neighbouring republics where they collect first-hands accounts. Inside Chechnya, operations are run through staff members from the Caucasus who are trained, supported, and managed from afar by international teams in the region. MSF is in a difficult situation that raises many questions: Should MSF be speaking out based on refugees’ testimonies if there are no operational activities with international staff permanently on the ground sin Chechnya? When dealing with a regime in denial of the realities of a war, why is it important to use the word ‘war’? Is it up to MSF to call for this qualification? This podcast series is written, produced and mixed by Andrea Rangecroft. Interviews are recorded by Lucy Dearlove. Editorial direction is from Nancy Barrett, Laurence Binet and Rebecca Golden Timsar. The narrator is Nick Owen. Extracts are read by Didi Bellos and Matthew Wade. The voiceovers are by Lucy Dearlove and Mark Fairclough. The music is by Lost Harmonies and Peter Sendberg.  Photo credits: © Sandra AslaksenA special thanks to Dr Alain Devaux. This podcast is adapted from the case study “War Crimes and Politics of Terror in Chechnya, 1994 – 2004”. Over 9 episodes, it explores the challenges and dilemmas MSF faced during the two wars in Chechnya between 1994 and 2004. These wars raised many questions for MSF on when and how the organisation should speak out publicly about the war crimes its staff witness and the chilling effects of the politics of terror on the Chechen people. Through MSF press releases, internal reports, speeches, and news articles of the time as well as eyewitness testimonies from MSF staff, this podcast series examines the challenges MSF faced when access to those in need was repeatedly blocked by the Russian authorities, forcing international staff to operate and train Caucasus teams at a distance. Later on, when staff members were kidnapped, MSF was confronted with a new dilemma - whether to raise a voice or lay low until their colleagues were released?To read the full study and discover other case studies, please go to our website: msf.org/speakingout   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 4: A cautious re-entry to ChechnyaThroughout the year 2000, MSF seizes every opportunity to raise the alarm on the Chechen’s fate with governments and institutions around the world, but to little concrete effect other than general condemnation. With still no international staff in the country, MSF sections resort to so-called ‘remote control’ management, using locally hired employees to deliver aid on the ground. Concerns over the organisation’s legitimacy in speaking out remain and soon one of the sections starts making unauthorised and dangerous trips over the border into Chechnya from Dagestan where they ran distributions of basic care items. Under attack in the Russian media, MSF wonders whether it should ignore or address the accusations of espionage regularly thrown at the organization?This podcast series is written, produced and mixed by Andrea Rangecroft. Interviews are recorded by Lucy Dearlove. Editorial direction is from Nancy Barrett, Laurence Binet and Rebecca Golden Timsar. The narrator is Nick Owen. Extracts are read by Didi Bellos and Matthew Wade. The voiceovers are by Lucy Dearlove and Mark Fairclough. The music is by Lost Harmonies and Peter Sendberg.  Photo credits: © Gazelle GaignaireA special thanks to Dr Alain Devaux. This podcast is adapted from the case study “War Crimes and Politics of Terror in Chechnya, 1994 – 2004”. Over 9 episodes, it explores the challenges and dilemmas MSF faced during the two wars in Chechnya between 1994 and 2004. These wars raised many questions for MSF on when and how the organisation should speak out publicly about the war crimes its staff witness and the chilling effects of the politics of terror on the Chechen people. Through MSF press releases, internal reports, speeches, and news articles of the time as well as eyewitness testimonies from MSF staff, this podcast series examines the challenges MSF faced when access to those in need was repeatedly blocked by the Russian authorities, forcing international staff to operate and train Caucasus teams at a distance. Later on, when staff members were kidnapped, MSF was confronted with a new dilemma - whether to raise a voice or lay low until their colleagues were released?To read the full study and discover other case studies, please go to our website: msf.org/speakingout   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 5: All on the same pageMSF’s operations in Chechnya are slowly starting back up again after 3 years of being run remotely. Although the bombing stops, general insecurity is pervasive and restarting these programmes is not without risks.With an international team back on the ground in Chechnya, everyone agrees on the need to document the situation more thoroughly. A collection of patients’ accounts in the report “Chechnya: The politics of terror” is handed over at a press conference. The various MSF sections agree on a coordinated media strategy for getting news out of Chechnya and into the press, in particular the Russian media.This podcast series is written, produced and mixed by Andrea Rangecroft. Interviews are recorded by Lucy Dearlove. Editorial direction is from Nancy Barrett, Laurence Binet and Rebecca Golden Timsar. The narrator is Nick Owen. Extracts are read by Didi Bellos and Matthew Wade. The voiceovers are by Lucy Dearlove and Mark Fairclough. The music is by Lost Harmonies and Peter Sendberg.  Photo credits:© Eric BouvetA special thanks to Dr Alain Devaux. This podcast is adapted from the case study “War Crimes and Politics of Terror in Chechnya, 1994 – 2004”. Over 9 episodes, it explores the challenges and dilemmas MSF faced during the two wars in Chechnya between 1994 and 2004. These wars raised many questions for MSF on when and how the organisation should speak out publicly about the war crimes its staff witness and the chilling effects of the politics of terror on the Chechen people. Through MSF press releases, internal reports, speeches, and news articles of the time as well as eyewitness testimonies from MSF staff, this podcast series examines the challenges MSF faced when access to those in need was repeatedly blocked by the Russian authorities, forcing international staff to operate and train Caucasus teams at a distance. Later on, when staff members were kidnapped, MSF was confronted with a new dilemma - whether to raise a voice or lay low until their colleagues were released?To read the full study and discover other case studies, please go to our website: msf.org/speakingout   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 6: 'Kidnapped by mistake'Kidnappings are becoming more commonplace in Chechnya and closer to home for MSF as various staff members are held for questioning. At the start of 2001, a key member of the team in the North Caucasus is taken hostage and questions are asked as to whether there's a causal link between MSF’s decision to speak out in the media and the kidnapping? MSF is faced with the following dilemma: should the organisation speak out in the media to create visibility and hopefully bring their colleague some much-needed protection? Or should MSF be as discreet as possible to avoid a rise in the hostage’s so-called ‘market value’? Is it wise to take active steps to secure the hostage's release, such as publicly denouncing the responsibilities, negligence or even complicity of the government controlling the territory where the kidnapping took place?This podcast series is written, produced and mixed by Andrea Rangecroft. Interviews are recorded by Lucy Dearlove. Editorial direction is from Nancy Barrett, Laurence Binet and Rebecca Golden Timsar. The narrator is Nick Owen. Extracts are read by Didi Bellos and Matthew Wade. The voiceovers are by Lucy Dearlove and Mark Fairclough. The music is by Lost Harmonies and Peter Sendberg.  Photo credits: © Eddy Van WesselA special thanks to Dr Alain Devaux. This podcast is adapted from the case study “War Crimes and Politics of Terror in Chechnya, 1994 – 2004”. Over 9 episodes, it explores the challenges and dilemmas MSF faced during the two wars in Chechnya between 1994 and 2004. These wars raised many questions for MSF on when and how the organisation should speak out publicly about the war crimes its staff witness and the chilling effects of the politics of terror on the Chechen people. Through MSF press releases, internal reports, speeches, and news articles of the time as well as eyewitness testimonies from MSF staff, this podcast series examines the challenges MSF faced when access to those in need was repeatedly blocked by the Russian authorities, forcing international staff to operate and train Caucasus teams at a distance. Later on, when staff members were kidnapped, MSF was confronted with a new dilemma - whether to raise a voice or lay low until their colleagues were released?To read the full study and discover other case studies, please go to our website: msf.org/speakingout  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 7: Anti-terrorist rhetoricMSF’s operations have been closed down in Chechnya in response to the MSF Coordinator’s kidnapping. After his release, three weeks later, MSF tries to restart its operations in Chechnya but there are delays due to security issues, and for now, the only programmes in the country are run through remote control management from Dagestan, on Chechnya eastern border. Most of MSF’s Caucasus staff are behind the return and support MSF speaking out in the media. Meanwhile and in a statement after the September 11th 2001 attacks in New York and Washington, Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation links Russian military operations in Chechnya with the anti-terrorist combat launched by the American government. After the events of 11 September 2001, the West's attitude and view of Russia became more complacent, which weakened the impact of MSF's efforts to raise awareness of the plight of the Chechen population.This podcast series is written, produced and mixed by Andrea Rangecroft. Interviews are recorded by Lucy Dearlove. Editorial direction is from Nancy Barrett, Laurence Binet and Rebecca Golden Timsar. The narrator is Nick Owen. Extracts are read by Didi Bellos and Matthew Wade. The voiceovers are by Lucy Dearlove and Mark Fairclough. The music is by Lost Harmonies and Peter Sendberg.  Photo credits: © Olivier JobardA special thanks to Dr Alain Devaux. This podcast is adapted from the case study “War Crimes and Politics of Terror in Chechnya, 1994 – 2004”. Over 9 episodes, it explores the challenges and dilemmas MSF faced during the two wars in Chechnya between 1994 and 2004. These wars raised many questions for MSF on when and how the organisation should speak out publicly about the war crimes its staff witness and the chilling effects of the politics of terror on the Chechen people. Through MSF press releases, internal reports, speeches, and news articles of the time as well as eyewitness testimonies from MSF staff, this podcast series examines the challenges MSF faced when access to those in need was repeatedly blocked by the Russian authorities, forcing international staff to operate and train Caucasus teams at a distance. Later on, when staff members were kidnapped, MSF was confronted with a new dilemma - whether to raise a voice or lay low until their colleagues were released?To read the full study and discover other case studies, please go to our website: msf.org/speakingout   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 8: A Deliberate Strategy of Non-AssistanceThe situation in the North Caucasus is becoming increasingly violent. The Russian federal authorities are forcing Chechen refugees to return to Chechnya, where they reign terror. They are also putting pressure on humanitarian organisations to stop helping refugees in 'Ingushetia, which would encourage them to return. When colleagues at other organisations are kidnapped in Chechnya, MSF closes down all operations in the country again. With a diminishing international presence in the warzone, MSF is once again faced with dilemmas - should it continue to speak out about human rights abuses its staff haven't witnessed? How can they help those in need and in danger in the region? And how long will it be before one of their own staff is once again held hostage?This podcast series is written, produced and mixed by Andrea Rangecroft. Interviews are recorded by Lucy Dearlove. Editorial direction is from Nancy Barrett, Laurence Binet and Rebecca Golden Timsar. The narrator is Nick Owen. Extracts are read by Didi Bellos and Matthew Wade. The voiceovers are by Lucy Dearlove and Mark Fairclough. The music is by Lost Harmonies and Peter Sendberg.  Photo credits: © Simon NorfolkA special thanks to Dr Alain Devaux. This podcast is adapted from the case study “War Crimes and Politics of Terror in Chechnya, 1994 – 2004”. Over 9 episodes, it explores the challenges and dilemmas MSF faced during the two wars in Chechnya between 1994 and 2004. These wars raised many questions for MSF on when and how the organisation should speak out publicly about the war crimes its staff witness and the chilling effects of the politics of terror on the Chechen people. Through MSF press releases, internal reports, speeches, and news articles of the time as well as eyewitness testimonies from MSF staff, this podcast series examines the challenges MSF faced when access to those in need was repeatedly blocked by the Russian authorities, forcing international staff to operate and train Caucasus teams at a distance. Later on, when staff members were kidnapped, MSF was confronted with a new dilemma - whether to raise a voice or lay low until their colleagues were released?To read the full study and discover other case studies, please go to our website: msf.org/speakingout   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 9: Speaking out in a time of kidnappingIn August 2002, the threat to MSF becomes a reality and another Coordinator, a Dutch national for the MSF Swiss section, is kidnapped in Dagestan. The organisation is once again faced with the dilemma of how and when to speak out on the situation in the North Caucasus while one of its members is held hostage. MSF opts to keep quiet at first, but as the weeks turn into months and the MSF Coordinator is still not released, MSF starts questioning whether it should take active steps to secure the hostage’s release by publicly pointing out a government’s responsibilities, negligence, or even complicity when a kidnapping occurs on its soil, or should it not enter into these conversations to avoid the potential for a government to dig in its heels? Tensions are running high, especially between MSF, the Dutch authorities and the family of the hostage, and some feel the structures within the organisation are not helping the situation.This podcast series is written, produced and mixed by Andrea Rangecroft. Interviews are recorded by Lucy Dearlove. Editorial direction is from Nancy Barrett, Laurence Binet and Rebecca Golden Timsar. The narrator is Nick Owen. Extracts are read by Didi Bellos and Matthew Wade. The voiceovers are by Lucy Dearlove and Mark Fairclough. The music is by Lost Harmonies and Peter Sendberg.  Photo credits:© Michael YassukovichA special thanks to Dr Alain Devaux. This podcast is adapted from the case study “War Crimes and Politics of Terror in Chechnya, 1994 – 2004”. Over 9 episodes, it explores the challenges and dilemmas MSF faced during the two wars in Chechnya between 1994 and 2004. These wars raised many questions for MSF on when and how the organisation should speak out publicly about the war crimes its staff witness and the chilling effects of the politics of terror on the Chechen people. Through MSF press releases, internal reports, speeches, and news articles of the time as well as eyewitness testimonies from MSF staff, this podcast series examines the challenges MSF faced when access to those in need was repeatedly blocked by the Russian authorities, forcing international staff to operate and train Caucasus teams at a distance. Later on, when staff members were kidnapped, MSF was confronted with a new dilemma - whether to raise a voice or lay low until their colleagues were released?To read the full study and discover other case studies, please go to our website: msf.org/speakingout   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 1: Resumption of war in eastern ZaireIn 1996, MSF attempts to alert the international community about the resurgence of conflict in eastern Zaire, as witnessed by teams on the ground. The perpetrators of the Rwandan Tutsi genocide, living in refugee camps, threaten and attack the Zairean civilian population. The same perpetrators are holding Rwandan refugees that fled the 1994 genocide, hostage within the camps. The new Rwandan regime and its Zairian ally, the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo-Zaire (ADFL), launches counter attacks on the refugee camps.  This podcast series is produced and mixed by Andrea Rangecroft. Editorial direction is from Nancy Barrett, Laurence Binet, Martin Saulnier, and Rebecca Golden Timsar.  The narrator is Nick Owen. The extracts are read by Danielle Stagg and Matthew Wade. Music is by Lost Harmonies and Peter SendbergPhoto credits : © Wim Van Cappellen A special thanks to Rachel Kiddell-Monroe.  This MSF Speaking Out podcast is based on an original MSF case study called ‘The Hunting and Killing of Rwandan Refugees in Zaire-Congo: 1996-1997’. It is written by Laurence Binet and is part of the Speaking Out Case Study series - a project by MSF International. To read the full study and discover other case studies, please go to our website: msf.org/speakingout   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 2: Information war over refugee numbersAs the instability of the region increases, MSF and other humanitarian organisations are eventually forced out of eastern Zaire entirely. MSF suspects that thousands of refugees are suffering and at risk of dying. The organisation decides to launch an appeal for an armed international intervention and communicates about the plight of the population, predicting a health catastrophe, if access for aid agencies is not provided.This podcast series is produced and mixed by Andrea Rangecroft. Editorial direction is from Nancy Barrett, Laurence Binet, Martin Saulnier, and Rebecca Golden Timsar. The narrator is Nick Owen. The extracts are read by Danielle Stagg and Matthew Wade. Music is by Lost Harmonies and Peter Sendberg  Photo credits: © Frederic Sautereau A special thanks to Rachel Kiddell-Monroe. This MSF Speaking Out podcast is based on an original MSF case study called ‘The Hunting and Killing of Rwandan Refugees in Zaire-Congo: 1996-1997’. It is written by Laurence Binet and is part of the Speaking Out Case Study series - a project by MSF International. To read the full study and discover other case studies, please go to our website: msf.org/speakingout   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 3: Under fire in the pressIn November 1996, the offensive led by the ADFL and Rwandan forces empties the camps in eastern Zaire of their population. Some refugees were repatriated to Rwanda and others fled into the neighboring forest. MSF denounces the repatriation conditions and is reproached by the press for "catastrophic" forecasts made a few weeks earlier.This podcast series is produced and mixed by Andrea Rangecroft. Editorial direction is from Nancy Barrett, Laurence Binet, Martin Saulnier, and Rebecca Golden Timsar. The narrator is Nick Owen. The extracts are read by Danielle Stagg and Matthew Wade. Music is by Lost Harmonies and Peter Sendberg  Photo credits: © Frederic Sautereau A special thanks to Rachel Kiddell-Monroe.  This MSF Speaking Out podcast is based on an original MSF case study called ‘The Hunting and Killing of Rwandan Refugees in Zaire-Congo: 1996-1997’. It is written by Laurence Binet and is part of the Speaking Out Case Study series - a project by MSF International. To read the full study and discover other case studies, please go to our website: msf.org/speakingout   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 4: Humanitarians used as baitFinally allowed into South Kivu, a province in eastern Zaire, the MSF teams discover that refugees are being massacred by the ADFL and its allies, particularly in the Massisi and the Shabunda regions. MSF realises that MSF teams are used as bait by the ADFL to lure the refugees out of the forests and kill them.This podcast series is produced and mixed by Andrea Rangecroft. Editorial direction is from Nancy Barrett, Laurence Binet, Martin Saulnier, and Rebecca Golden Timsar. The narrator is Nick Owen. The extracts are read by Danielle Stagg and Matthew Wade. Music is by Lost Harmonies and Peter Sendberg  Photo credits: © Wim Van Cappellen A special thanks to Rachel Kiddell-Monroe.  This MSF Speaking Out podcast is based on an original MSF case study called ‘The Hunting and Killing of Rwandan Refugees in Zaire-Congo: 1996-1997’. It is written by Laurence Binet and is part of the Speaking Out Case Study series - a project by MSF International. To read the full study and discover other case studies, please go to our website: msf.org/speakingout  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.