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Document 2/SCOW-4

WORLD VETERANS FEDERATION 2nd Meeting of the Standing Committee on Women

Oslo (Norway), 16-17 November 2011

FEDERATION MONDIALE DES ANCIENS COMBATTANTS 2e Réunion de la Commission Permanente des Femmes

Oslo (Norvège), 16-17 novembre 2011

COUNTRY REPORTS

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RAPPORTS DE PAYS

LIST / LISTE

Bulgaria / Bulgarie Bulgarian Union of War Veterans Union des vétérans des guerres de Bulgarie Bosnia & Herzegovina / Bosnie-Herzégovine Veterans’ organization of the Republic of srpska Association des anciens combattants de la République Srpska Croatia / Croatie Antifascist Combatants’ Association of the Republic of Croatia (SAB RH) Association des combattants antifascistes de la République de Croatie Denmark / Danemark Blue Berets Denmark Association des Casques Bleus du Danemark France French Union of Associations of Combatants and Victims of War Union française des associations de combattants et de victimes de guerre Israel / Israël Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization Organisation des invalides du Zahal Jordan / Jordanie Jordanian Economic and social Association for Retired Servicemen and Veterans (ESARSV) Association économique et sociale jordanienne pour les retraités militaires et anciens combattants Palestine Association of Palestinian Revolution Ex-Warriors (APRE) Association des anciens combattants de la Révolution Palestinienne United Kingdom / Royaume-Uni British Members Council Conseil des membres britanniques

WORLD VETERANS FEDERATION 2nd Meeting of the

Standing Committee on Women Oslo (Norway) 16-17 November 2011

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BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA REPORT SUBMITTED BY THE VETERANS ORGANIZATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA

*** BOSNIE-HERZEGOVINE

RAPPORT SOUMIS PAR L’ASSOCIATION DES ANCIENS COMBATTANTS DE LA REPUBLIQUE SRPSKA

THE VETERANS ORGANIZATION OF REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA

NGO founded in 1993 with 120.000 members

Gathering Serb war veterans from BH, war participants in 1991-1995

Operates on the territory of the Republic of Srpska

Financed by the Republic of Srpska Government, municipalities and the VORS INVEST foundation

One republic office and 63 municipality offices

The highest body is VORS Assembly

President of the Assembly is also the VORS President

Executive body Presidency

Other bodies are: - Board of War Invalids acc 37.000 members - Board of Families of Fallen Soldiers acc 20 000 families

The rights of veterans, war invalids and families of fallen soldiers are regulated by Law on Rights of Veterans, Military Invalids and Families of Soldiers Killed in Patriotic War of the Republic Srpska

The rights of civilian victims of war are regulated by Law on the Protection of Civilian Victims of War

The right on employment of people with disabilities are regulated by Law on Professional Rehabilitation, Employment and Training of the Invalids

According to official data of The Ministry of Labour and Veterans in the Republic of Srpska there are 38.472 war invalids and civilian victims of war (979 women and 37.493 men)

ACTIVITIES

In cooperation with the Republic Srpska Government, the Ministry of Labour and Veterans, VORS is providing:

Insurance and improvement of social and economical position of veterans, war invalids and families of fallen soldiers through personal and family pensions, veteran’ supplemental

Solving housing problems for 5.600 families of fallen soldiers and war invalids

Improvement of health care for war invalids

Mutual support and help in trauma healing processes

Implementation of the Republic Srpska Employment Strategy 2011-2015, especially in Employment Action Plan for vulnerable groups

Implementation of Program “Strengthening Capacities of Public Administration and Civil Society in Providing Rights of Woman with Disabilities”. Program is financed by the Gender Center of the Republic of Srpska. VORS is contributing to a Program by research of social and economical situation among widows of war that still did not provide rights by laws.

The VORS is founder of “Help” foundation that provides the scholarships for children without parents

Opening veteran clubs (psycho-social support for veterans with PTSD trough support groups and self-care groups) and providing support through Project of self-employment of demobilized soldiers and war invalids

Organization of summer holiday for children of fallen soldiers and war invalids

(Bosnia & Herzegovina / Bosnie-Herzégovine)

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PLAN FOR FUTURE INTERVENTIONS – GENDER EQUALITY

• Cooperation with the Gender Centre and Ministry of Labour and Veterans of the of the Republic of Srpska Government

• Planned impact – Advancement of women - civil victims of war in Republic of Srpska: – Situation analysis – Report with recommendations – Establishing the system of psycho-social support – The support of the establishment of the women`s sections in all municipality

veteran`s organizations –

The Veteran’s Organization of the Republic of Srpska

Kralja Alfonsa, Banja Luka Republic of Srpska, BiH

www.boracka.net



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BULGARIA REPORT SUBMITTED BY THE BULGARIAN UNION OF WAR VETERANS

*** BULGARIE

RAPPORT SOUMIS PAR L’UNION DE VETERANS DES GUERRES DE BULGARIE

INFORMATION Concernant les lois se référant aux

vétérans des guerres dans la République de Bulgarie

Dans notre pays - Ia République de Bulgarie - on effectue des soins spéciaux pour la défense des intérêts morals, matériels et sociaux, pour le prestige et la dignité des vétérans des guerres, des invalides militaires et des victimes des guerres. Dans notre pays il existe une loi spéciale pour les vétérans des guerres, et ce sont des hommes et des femmes – participants à la Deuxième guerre mondiale dont le nombre diminue de plus en plus les dernières années. Au début de cette année les vétérans de la deuxième guerre mondiale restes vivants ne comptent que 13200 personnes. Il existe une loi a part pour les invalides militaires et les victimes des guerres. D'après la loi pour les vétérans des guerres, ceux-ci ont le droit aux moyens médicaux (médicaments), d'après une liste approuvée par le Ministère de la santé. Cette liste des médicaments est mise à jour chaque année par une commission spécialisée. Les moyens financiers pour les médicaments sont a la charge du budget d'Etat. Les vétérans bénéficient gratuitement une fois par an, de loisirs (repos), de traitement et de réhabilitation dans les sanatoriums balnéaires (des hôpitaux spécialises de réhabilitation) du Ministère de la défense, du Ministère des affaires intérieures, du Ministère de la sante etc.' Les vétérans bénéficient également de cartes de voyage gratuites dans le transport public (tramways, trolleybus, autobus, métro). En plus, une fois par an, ils peuvent voyager, sur des itinéraires choisis dans le pays, par chemin de fer ou par transport navigal. Le traitement avant hôpital et en hôpital est gratuit pour les vétérans et il est à la charge et est paye par les Caisses d'assurances de la sante. Dommage l'Union des vétérans des guerres ne réussit toujours pas de mettre a l'aise les vétérans nécessitant de traitement après hôpital et de traitement dans des hospices qui sont très chers. On fait usage avec priorité des prestations du patronage social et l'hébergement dans les maisons pour les vieilles personnes, étant donné que pour toutes ces activités on paye 30% de la pension individuelle. Les autres moyens sont a la charge des communautés. Les vétérans peuvent faire usage des réfectoires d'alimentation collective et des clubs auprès des établissements militaires. Les vétérans des guerres touchent une allocation à la pension individuelle mensuelle, égale à la pension sociale pour le pays. Les invalides des guerres et les victimes des guerres ont une organisation (union) a part qui défendent leurs intérêts. le pays met des soins spéciaux pour les invalides des guerres et les victimes des guerres et leur assure les conditions appropriées pour les intégrer dans la vie sociale. Les invalides des guerres ont le droit de médicaments pour lesquels ils paient 25% de leur prix, le reste étant à la charge du budget d'Etat. Les victimes des guerres ont le droit d'un repos allant jusqu'a 15 jours, ainsi que de prophylaxie et de réhabilitation jusqu'u 30 jours, une fois par an, dans les établissements de réhabilitation et de

(Bulgaria / Bulgarie)

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prophylaxie auprès des Ministères de la défense, des affaires intérieures, de la sante etc. tout en payant 25% de leur prix. Les invalides des guerres et les victimes des guerres bénéficient des mêmes droits que ceux des vétérans en ce qui concerne l'assistance d'hôpital et avant hôpital. Il en est de même pour le patronage social et l'utilisation des maisons pour les vieilles personnes. Les invalides des guerres touchent avec leurs pensions de travail, également des pensions d'invalidité militaire au prorata du degré et de la catégorie d'invalidité. Dans la loi des invalides des guerres sont déterminés (réglementés) également les droits des victimes des guerres- Comme victimes des guerres sont considérés l'époux/épouse survivant/e, les enfants et les parents des citoyens bulgares, morts pendant ou pour la défense du pays. Les droits des victimes des guerres sont presque les mêmes que ceux des vétérans et des invalides des guerres, avec certaines différences en ce qui concerne l’utilisation des établissements de traitement sanatorial et de réhabilitation, pour lesquels ils paient 25% de leur prix. Le Conseil d'administration central de l'association des guerres travaille sans cesse pour l'amélioration des conditions de vie des vétérans des guerres, en particulier ceux qui ont des problèmes de sante sérieux. A leur intention les autorités départementales des vétérans essayent d'assurer des soins individuels et une surveillance dispenserisee. A l’avenir nous espérons fort qu'une fois ayant surmonté la crise financière et économique, nous arriverons a améliorer les conditions de vie des vétérans des guerres. MERCI DE VOTRE ATTENTION 22.07.2011

INFORMATION SUCCINCTE Concernant les activités de l'Association des anciens

Combattants en Bulgarie pendant la période 2008-2010

L'Association des anciens combattants des guerres en Bulgarie C'est une organisation nationale, indépendante, sans-parti, autogérant, ayant ses taches sociales et patriotiques et sa propre vie organisationnelle. Le caractère, les objectifs et les taches de base de notre association sont déterminés par le Statut de l'association, approuvé par le congres' Dans le but d'accomplir les objectifs de base de l’Association des anciens combattants des guerres en Bulgarie, les principales activités dans le cadre du patriotisme ont été liées a la célébration du 65ème anniversaire de la victoire sur le hitlero-fascisme dans la Deuxième guerre mondiale. L’Association des anciens combattants des guerres a réussi de transformer cet anniversaire en une célébration nationale pour tout le pays en y faisant associer la participation de plusieurs organisations publiques, mouvements dirigeants administratifs, étudiants et jeunes- De même' sous le patronage du Président de la République ont été réalisés des initiatives diverses - concerts, manifestations, discussions, concours etc., Ensemble avec le Ministère de l'Instruction on a tenu Un concours destiné aux élèves de la 5

ème à la 12

ème classe pour des œuvres littéraires et d’art liées a l'apport du peuple

bulgare pour la victoire dans la guerre. Nous avons publié un livre avec les meilleures œuvres classées des élèves. Suite l'activité en commun avec le Ministère de I’ Instruction, on est devenu témoin a une chose fort précieuse - pour quelques mois seulement, a la fin de 2010 beaucoup d'élèves sont entres dans notre association en tant qu'amis des anciens combattants- Et tout cela s'est réalisé tout a fait spontanément. Les élèves, ayant appris de |'héroïsme des bulgares ayant pris part a la guerre et des exploits de leurs grands pères expriment de cette manière' leur fierté qu'ils sont descendants de tels héros.


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On a publié, également, beaucoup de livres historiques et commémoratifs on a fait des films télévisés célébrant la mémoire et l’héroïsme des combattants morts et de ceux qui avaient survécu ces moments horribles' On a mis des soins spéciaux pour l'entretien des monuments de guerre, des plaques commémoratives et des cimetières des victimes des guerres, pour la construction de nouveaux et pour l'organisation des mesures de commémoration. A l'occasion de l'anniversaire jubilier fut tenue Une rencontre nationale plein d'émotion, des femmes-anciennes combattantes de la 2

ème guerre mondiale. Cette rencontre a eu lieu dans la ville

départementale de Hissar. Les deux journées de la fête c'étaient des journées de souvenirs, de respect de vénération, de camaraderie- La rencontre a été non seulement pour les femmes-anciennes combattantes et les descendantes, elle s'est transformée en une fête pour toute la société : des organisations publiques et des jeunes avec la participation active des dirigeants administratifs de la région. Les anciens combattants ayant participé a la 2

ème guerre mondiale ont accepté avec beaucoup

d'émotion la médaille jubiliere «65 années de la victoire » attribuée à tout les anciens combattants vivants. Une mesure importante de notre activité patriotique pendant cette période c’était la célébration de La Journée Mondiale de là Paix - le 21 septembre. L’année passée la célébration était beaucoup plus nombreuse, non formelle et standard, mais avec beaucoup d'initiatives-- des concerts' des marches, des manifestations, des pigeons dans le ciel, de Ia musique, des danses, des événements sportifs, etc. Les événements publiques et la participation des jeunes et des élèves étaient orientés vers notre responsabilité commune pour la sauvegarde de la paix et le désir de résoudre les conflits militaires d'une manière paisible. Il faut condamner et faire arrêter toutes formes d’événements néo fascistes, de xénophobie et discriminatoires et participer activement dans l’accomplissement des objectifs du millenium. Quant à la seconde direction dans notre activité - la protection sociale des anciens combattants des guerres - notre association continue ses efforts de faire améliorer les soins médicaux, assurer des méthodes modernes d'assistance avant hôpital et en hôpital, assurer de la nourriture gratuite et élargissement de la gamme d'assistance d'argent pour ceux qui en ont fortement besoin, assurer un traitement de réhabilitation et de sanatorium. Ensembles avec les services de santé, nous avons commence a faire des cartothèques et â dispanceriser les anciens combattants souffrants de maladies chroniques et les solitaires, afin de pouvoir améliorer les soins médicaux et assurer des meilleures conditions de vie dans les maisons pour les gens âgées. L’événement le plus significatif de notre activité organisationnelle, c'était le 8

ème Congres de

l'Association des anciens combattants qui s'est déroulé les 23-24 juin 2010. A ce congres on a fait le compte de l'ensemble des activités de l'Association, on a approuvé [e concept de son évolution future, on a accepté les modifications et les appendices du Statut. On a élu les organes dirigeants de l'Association. Afin d'améliorer et de stabiliser Ies organisations départementales, communautaires et régionales dans le pays, il faut attirer l’attention sur l'adhésion de nouveaux membres - descendants et propageant les mêmes idées, étant donné que les anciens combattants ayant participe a la 2

ème

guerre mondiale sont âgés déjà de plus de 85 ans. Ces dernières années a été améliorée notre activité commune avec d'autres organisations - l'Union des invalides des guerres, l'Union des officiers et des sergents de la réserve, l'Union antifasciste, des organisations de retraités, de syndicats et de jeunes etc. On a amélioré les contacts avec le Ministère de la Défense, le Ministère de l'Instruction, le Ministère des soins sociaux, ainsi qu'avec les services administratifs sur le terrain. Le Conseil Administratif central de l'Association des anciens combattants est en relations permanentes avec les dirigeants au niveau départemental, communautaire et régional. Pendant les conférences territoriales on discute l'activité, on échange d'expérience et on pose de taches. Tous les 3 mois on tient des plenums auxquels on traite les problèmes principaux de l'Association.


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On peut dire, cependant, que la situation financière de l'Association reste toujours non-satisfaisante, elle est assurée par les cotisations et par la subvention reçue par le budget d'Etat ce qui nous pose toujours des difficultés avec le paiement de notre cotisation vis-à-vis de la FMAC. Ces dernières années nous avons amélioré nos contacts avec la FMAC et nos délégués ont participé à la 26ème Assemblée Générale a Copenhague et à la 7ème Conférence internationale a Paris.

Président: Todor Anastassov

Responsable AI :

Prof. Dr Sophie Pinkas



CROATIA ANTIFASCIST COMBATANTS’ ASSOCIATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA (SAB RH)

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CROATIE ASSOCIATION DES COMBATTANTS ANTIFASCISTES DE LA REPUBLIQUE DE CROATIE

Report on the Federation’s main national activities 2008.-2010.

Since the last meeting of the Standing Committee on women, held from 19.-20.11.2008. in Paris, France, the Federation of Antifascist veterans and Antifascists of the Republic of Croatia (Croatian SABA RH) has been active within its programme - marking significant historical dates, publishing, holding commemorative meetings, promoting the development of a civil society, cooperation with associations of veterans of the War for Croatian independence (1991-1995), and involving young people in SABA’s activities.

SABA’s main activities are still oriented towards realizing the rights of World War II veterans, such as the right to a full pension, better health insurance, equality between the rights of WWII veterans with those of veterans of the War for Croatian Independence (1991.-1995), and the promotion of antifascism, especially among the youth of the country. Today’s youth has been cheated of the whole truth about World War II, because the theme is very poorly covered in the national curriculum. In fact, there was not a single question on this part of our nation’s history in this year’s national high school history examination.

Croatia has been hit by the economic crisis alongside the rest of the world since 2008, and we have thus faced difficulties with the financing of the Federation’s activities. There were no funds awarded to us in the 2011 government budget. Having alarmed the public, both at home and abroad, we were provided with funds for some of our programmes, and given a promise that more wuold be forthcoming.

Although a woman - Mrs. Jadranka Kosor - is the Prime Minister of Croatia now, and the Finance minister is also a woman, Mrs Martina Dalić, we feel that the position of women in Croatia is still not satisfactory. The biggest issues still appear in the segment of employing younger women - signs of sexual discrimination are still present. At job interviews, young women are still faced with questions about their marital status, family planning, whether they have young children etc.

In the period above, the Section of Antifascist Women has, despite limited financing, marked International Women’s Day every year by visiting memorials to heroines of World War II (eg. Memorial to the Baković sisters) and holding themed conventions. Some of our themes have been Women in poetry, The Position of Women-fighters in today’s society, Women Forgotten.

In 2010, Croatian SABA’s Vice President Katica Sedmak was elected for President of the Council of the Jasenovac Memorial Site (the largest concentration camp on Croatian territory during World War II).

We have to say that many members of the Section of Antifascist Women have passed away since 2008, considering that most of our members are elderly, having participated in the National Liberation Struggle in World War II.

This year, we have said goodbye to a well known anti-fascist woman - poet Vesna Parun, as well as Zorka Prodanović, who was President of the Section of Antifascist Women before which she was chosen as honorary President.

SABA RH held its regular electoral committee this year (2011). Mr. Ratko Maričić was elected for President of the Federation, and Proffessor Zlata Martinović was elected for President of the Women’s Union.

Report created by:

Antonija Gruber, Katica Sedmak, Secretary SABA RH Vice-President SABA RH



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DENMARK REPORT SUBMITTED BY THE DANISH BLUE BERETS

*** DANEMARK

RAPPORT SOUMIS PAR L’ASSOCIATION DES CASQUES BLEUS DU DANEMARK

1. The period 2008 – 2010 has been very god for the development of veterans support programmes in Denmark. Unfortunately this has been caused by the growing number of disabled and traumatised veterans. Based on UN resolutions, Denmark deploys military units to participate in a number of Peace support Missions all over the World. Unfortunately these missions become more and more warlike with casualties as a result. 2. As a result of the changed political situation in the World, the Danish Government in the spring of 2009, decided to restructure the Danish Military Forces. One of the results was an official recognition of “Veterans”, and a definition of “a Veteran” was decided. This definition is identical with the definition stated by World Veterans Federation. Also it was decided to create an official “Veterans Policy”. This new “Veterans Policy” was published by the Prime Minister in October 2010. The Blue Berets was consulted by the Government and was allowed to influence the “veterans Policy” to a great degree. It should also be mentioned, that the same development was going on in Norway and Sweden. The Danish, Norwegian and Swedish Veterans Organisation have had a close cooperation to influencing our respective Governments in optimising their policies in favour of the Veterans. We have jointly succeeded. Thank you to “Norways Veterans organisation for International Operations” and Swedens “Fredsbaskrarna” for the support. The Danish veterans Policy is attached. 3. In September 2009, the first National Veterans Day was celebrated in Denmark. The Government decided in the spring of 2009 to declare September 5th to a national day to honour and remember the Danish male and female who since 1948 (first UN Peace Keeping Mission) have served in the international peace support and humanitarian missions. The Danish Parliament invited the WVF President Hamid Ibrahim to participate in the celebrations of the day, and he honoured us by his present. September 5th the second Veterans Day was celebrated all over Denmark. The president of SCEA Dan Viggo Bergtun honoured us by participating in the programme in Copenhagen. 4. In October 2009, The Blue Berets had the honour to host WVF 26th General Assembly in Copenhagen. We hope the arrangement supported WVF, but in Denmark, the General Assembly focused the work for veterans in the important period, for creating the Danish Veterans Policy. 5. In 2009 also the decision was taken to create a major memorial for the veterans serving in the international missions since 1948. In Denmark – up to now – all

(Denmark / Danemark)

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memorials for veterans are related to World War 1 and 2. This new monument will be the first one, where the “official” Denmark can pay tribute to the brave men and woman from the international missions. Those mentioned as “the new veterans”. The Memorial will be unveiled by Queen Margrethe II on the 3. Veterans Day on September 5th 2011. 6. In November 2010 the Blue Berets, reinforced by members of the Danish Defence Command, participated in the 7th International Conference on Legislation Concerning Veterans and Victims of War. Besides listening to the valuable contributions from other participants, this Conference gave us the opportunity to present the new Danish Veterans Policy and the newest results in the Danish research in Psycho – Traumatism and effect of Modern War. Also this conference was a valuable in put to the development of the future veterans support. 7. The Blue Berets has during the whole work for creating the above mentioned veterans policy brought all relevant resolutions adopted by SCEA/WVF in focus. The resolution has given important in puts to the ongoing work. 8. Conclusion: The period 2008 – 2010 has been an important period in Denmark for the development of support for Veterans and their families. The result of the new Danish Veterans Policy will in short time create a modern and efficient support in line with WVF guidelines. The Blue Berets, Denmark, undergoes a positive development by adjusting to the new political will to support our veterans. In all we are happy with the developments in Denmark.

Bjarne Hesselberg

President Blue Berets, Denmark



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FRANCE REPORT SUBMITTED BY THE FRENCH UNION OF ASSOCIATIONS OF COMBATANTS AND VICTIMS

OF WAR

*** FRANCE

RAPPORT SOUMIS PAR L’UNION FRANÇAISE DES ASSOCIATIONS DE COMBATTANTS ET DE

VICTIMES DE GUERRE

En 2008 à Paris, la délégation française vous avait présenté la situation des femmes dans le monde

combattant en France, depuis une loi de 1831 octroyant des secours aux veuves reconnues en état

d’indigence, jusqu’à une loi de 2007 garantissant aux veuves d’anciens combattants un plafond de

ressources par l’institution d’une allocation différentielle.

Mon intervention cette année a pour but de vous présenter la part des travaux de l’Union Française des

Associations d’Anciens Combattants et de Victimes de Guerre, l’UFAC, présidée par M. Jacques

GOUJAT, consacrée à l’égard des femmes ressortissantes du monde combattant dont la très grande

majorité est constituée de veuves, ainsi que les résultats obtenus pendant ces trois dernières années.

Le monde combattant en France n’a pas échappé aux conséquences d’une réforme générale des

politiques publiques. Les responsables de l’UFAC, soutenue par ses Unions Départementales

d’associations de Combattants et Victimes de Guerre veillent en permanence au respect du droit à

réparation institué par une loi du 31 mars 1919 et suivantes dont ils n’accepteront jamais la remise en

cause.

Limitons-nous donc à la condition des femmes.

La majorité des veuves de guerre perçoivent 750 euros par mois mais l’Union Française des Anciens

Combattants (l’UFAC) déplore que certaines dont le mari est tombé au combat reçoive moins de 600

euros par mois. Il faut savoir que toute pension est le résultat de la multiplication de la valeur d’un point

d’indice par le nombre de points fixés selon la situation du pensionné, mais que la valeur de ce point a

pris du retard ; il est actuellement de 13,85 euros, alors qu’il devrait être 43% plus élevé.

Une avancée très sensible s’est effectuée au profit des veuves des plus grands invalides de guerre.

La majorité des veuves d’invalides de guerre, à condition qu’il y ait eu 15 ans de mariage et de soins,

ont une majoration de pension égale à 140 points d’indice ; les veuves des plus grands invalides de

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guerre dont la pension était au moins égale à 1929 points d’indice, subissaient une chute brutale de

leurs ressources au décès de leur époux, leur vie ayant été consacrée à être tierce personne auprès de

celui-ci dans le plus grand dévouement. Grâce à l’action de l’UFAC, la majoration de leur pension est

passée à 230 points d’indice.

Si les veuves de militaires perçoivent une réversion de la pension d’invalidité à partir d’un taux

d’invalidité de 60%, les veuves de victimes civiles de guerre ne la perçoivent que si le taux

d’invalidité de l’époux atteint 85%. L’UFAC sollicite l’alignement des taux d’attribution de pension au

taux des veuves de militaires soit 60% pour toutes ; si la qualité de ressortissante et ce droit à pension

étaient établis à partir de 10% d’invalidité, toutes les veuves seraient à égalité de traitement.

Actuellement ce droit à pension ne s’exerce que si le décès est lié à l’infirmité du pensionné.

Quant aux veuves de titulaires de la carte de combattant, communément appelées veuves

d’anciens combattants -dont le nombre est évalué à 1 500 000 environ- reconnues ressortissantes à

part entière de l’Office National des Anciens Combattants et Victimes de guerre en 1991, aucune

pension de réversion de la retraite du combattant ne leur est versée. Cependant, depuis 2007, les plus

démunies d’entre elles peuvent percevoir une aide financière différentielle qui leur assure un minimum

de ressources. Le plafond de ressources garanti par cette aide différentielle au conjoint survivant,

l’ADCS, est régulièrement revu à la hausse lorsque les allocations de droit commun augmentent. Ainsi,

de 550 euros à sa création en 2007, il est actuellement de 834 euros depuis le 1er avril 2011 après des

évolutions successives. Cette aide, d’un montant global de 5 000 000 d’euros -somme inchangée

depuis la création de cette mesure- est octroyée par l’Office National des Anciens Combattants et

Victimes de Guerre, l’ONACVG. A ce jour, 4537 ressortissantes veuves en bénéficient.

Cette mesure relève de la solidarité et n’a aucun caractère législatif. Elle rejoint les autres actions

sociales ponctuelles dont peuvent bénéficier tous les ressortissants en difficulté, participation aux

frais d’obsèques de l’ancien combattant, aide aux frais médicaux, aide au maintien à domicile, secours

lors de catastrophes naturelles…. Une grande partie des fonds provient de la collecte dite du « Bleuet

de France » faite en majorité auprès des participants aux cérémonies commémoratives. 60% sont remis

à l’ONAC, 40% aux associations collectrices pour leur propre action sociale.

Parmi les associations adhérentes à l’UFAC, la Fédération Nationale des Combattants Prisonniers

de Guerre et Combattants d’Algérie, Tunisie, Maroc qui a pour heureuse particularité d’être dirigée

par le Président de l’UFAC, M. Jacques GOUJAT, a toujours pris en considération les épouses des

(France)

-3-

…/…

camarades anciens combattants décédés. Elle leur a ouvert ses portes en 1975. Au fil des décennies,

les veuves ont été intégrées, ont participé à la vie fédérale en général et ont accédé à des postes de

responsabilité à tous les niveaux, du national au local. Elles sont adhérentes à égalité de droits et de

devoirs. La FNCPG-CATM a été pionnière dans l’action en faveur des veuves et continue à montrer le

chemin pour leur protection. Au milieu des années 80, une Commission nationale des Veuves,

composée de veuves désignées par chacune des régions, a été instituée et se réunit une fois par an

pour faire le point sur la situation des épouses après le décès du conjoint. A l’issue de leurs travaux,

elles inscrivent leurs satisfactions et surtout leurs attentes dans une motion remise au Ministre de

tutelle et aux Parlementaires, députés et sénateurs répartis sur le territoire national. Ceci permet

aux parlementaires qui adhèrent aux demandes exprimées par les veuves d’intervenir favorablement

auprès des ministres concernés.

Les veuves d’anciens combattants sollicitent en cette année 2011 que l’aide différentielle au conjoint

survivant évoquée précédemment garantisse un montant de ressources au moins égal à l’estimation du

seuil de pauvreté, ce qui n’a jamais été le cas jusqu’à présent. L’UFAC soutient et appuie cette

demande.

D’autre part, elles restent vigilantes quant au maintien d’un avantage fiscal dont toutes bénéficient à

partir de 75 ans, comme les anciens combattants ; l’impôt en France se calcule à partir d’un quotient

familial obtenu en divisant le total des revenus par un certain nombre de parts en fonction de la situation

de famille ; l’avantage pour les anciens combattants et veuves de plus de 75 ans consiste à l’attribution

d’une demi-part supplémentaire ; s’il devait disparaître comme il est prévu pour celles dont le mari est

décédé avant d’en bénéficier parce que décédé trop jeune, cela fragiliserait par des conséquences

directes ou indirectes l’équilibre de leur budget, sans parler de l’injustice créée.

Le rôle de la commission nationale des veuves est d’apporter l’information, dans leur région et leur

département, à leurs semblables ressortissantes qui pourraient prétendre obtenir certains droits et

avantages. Elles sont encouragées dans cette tâche par l’ONACVG même, dont la directrice du

département solidarité accepte chaque année et avec plaisir d’intervenir à la réunion de la Commission

nationale des veuves.

Je voudrais signaler la vigilance particulière de l’ONACVG et de ses services départementaux à l’égard

des épouses ou veuves d’anciens combattants ayant participé à des Opérations Extérieures telles

que celle en Afghanistan. Je pourrais vous citer deux cas parmi d’autres, aidés et très suivis, connus

parce que concernant des femmes relevant du service de l’ONACVG de mon département. Une

(France)

-4-

ancienne combattante divorcée d’un ancien combattant malade, restant complètement démunie avec

des enfants à charge a été dirigée vers une école de reconversion ; malheureusement, cet effort a été

suivi d’échec. Une veuve d’un ancien combattant qui s’est suicidé suite au traumatisme subi et qui, elle

aussi, a trois jeunes enfants à charge, est soutenue par des visites régulières du service et aidée

financièrement ; elle va bientôt travailler.

Le bilan 2010 de l’Office National des Anciens Combattants et Victimes de Guerre de France

pour les conjointes survivantes s’établit ainsi :

21040 interventions financières ponctuelles (nombre majoritaire de l’ensemble des aides), 5634

attributions d’aides différentielles ; il faut y ajouter 28 adoptions d’enfants de 1 à 20 ans, 913

interventions pour les pupilles : aides aux études, au 1er emploi, étrennes, aide à la majorité (environ

400 euros alloués).

Il est important de signaler que les Associations qui le peuvent complètent l’action des Pouvoirs

Publics d’une façon non négligeable. Elles aident leurs ressortissants en difficulté financière ou en

situation de handicap et veillent en particulier sur les conditions d’existence des conjointes survivantes.

Ces femmes sont représentées dans toute structure du monde combattant et leurs déléguées

participent activement dans un grand nombre des commissions de travail aux côtés des anciens

combattants et victimes de guerre, que ce soit pour la reconnaissance et les droits, la mémoire, la

solidarité ou la défense de la paix.

Pierrette SARRAZIN

Déléguée de France



…/…

ISRAEL REPORT SUBMITTED BY THE ZAHAL DISABLED VETERANS ORGANIZATION

*** ISRAËL

RAPPORT SOUMIS PAR L’ORGANISATION DES INVALIDES DU ZAHAL

This report will emphasis the achievements of our organization regarding the improving of the health

and support services for all the members of our organization.

After many years of negotiations between our organization and the Ministry of Defense, on many

issues concerned to our rights, an agreement was signed by both parties on June 16,

2011.

This new agreement cover more than hundred articles that were changed by the government during

the years which resulted a deterioration of the rights of our members. The Ministry of Defense by its

rehabilitation department agreed and understood that services must be improved and they have to

consider the special needs of the disables.

The main articles that were improved now are:

1. Service Charta between our organization and the government.

2. A satisfaction questionnaire to be filled by our members in order to improve the

rehabilitation department services.

3. Improve of the health services in many areas.

4. Improve of the rights of the PTSD injured members.

5. Improve of the services in the area of the therapist treatments, like hydrotherapy and

physiotherapy.

6. Improve of the services to the oldest members.

7. Improve of services and the rights of the Female veterans with Disabilities (“FDV”).

Regarding the female rights, there were some meetings between the FDV representatives and the

members of the labor and welfare subcommittee of the Israeli Parliament with the participation of the

Ministry of Defense representatives and they decided to investigate, together with the Ministry of

defense and the Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization – the unique issues of FDV's. The Ministry of

Defense initiated a survey that will be completed and results will be officially reported by the end of

2011.

Hereunder are some significant initial observations of the survey:

It is considered by FDVs as utopian to expect complete gender equality, as female’s main

tasks are still considered within the Israeli society as motherhood and of being spouses.

However, the rehabilitation paths by gender are considered different.

FDV are only 7% of the Disabled Veterans population. The Rehabilitation profile and

requirements for Females are distinct. There is a clear gender dependent difference on the

Rehabilitation process.

Disabled females are hampered in their daily chores, managing their household.

(Israel / Israël)

-2-

Absence of FDVs from home, for medical treatment such as daycare or hospitalizations

influences directly their children’s wellbeing and the maintenance of their household. A FDV

whose husband may be absent for a month, for Military Reserve service, while FDV remains

alone, sometimes for a whole month, with the task of managing her household and caring for

their kids. The FDV is expected to fulfill the “traditional” female tasks of getting pregnant,

childbirth and childcare – adding physical and mental burden to her disability.

FDVs are more prone to the consequences of middle age. FDV are discriminated both

economically and socially. A visible handicap, such as limping, attachment of artificial limbs,

visible scars, and mobilization by a wheelchair – all are considered more offensive on a

Female subject.

A female Veteran disability reduces the self-esteem of the person, along with feelings of

deprivation and social discrimination. It also adversely affects the FDV’s ability to form a

marital relationship. The FDV mother is experiencing shame affected on her children.

The most obvious discrimination factor is observed in the attitude of the Establishment,

Society and other Females, in their attitude towards disabilities. 80% of FDVs expressed their

feeling that the attitude towards Disabled Female is different than to Disabled Male.

Females are attempting to conceal their disabilities more than males. Self-image of FDV is

extremely low in comparison to Male Handicapped Veterans. The low regard towards the

FDVs amplifies the feelings of despair, disparity and deprivation.

Statistically, more than 50% of FDV are unmarried. Many FDVs link between their disability

and their marital status. About half of FDV are attempting to conceal their handicap. Most of

FDV observe stigmatization of their status within Israeli Society.

FDV who were victims of rape or sexual harassment deserve special attention that has not

been part of the Ministry of Defense Directives.

International Activities

Our organization continue its activities versus all the friends organizations in many countries over the

world.

In June 2011, we sent our representative to give a presentation at the Third Seminar on Military Disabilities to be held in Barcelona and hosted by the Association of Disabled Veterans of the Spanish Army (ACIME) on the subject of: “Strategic synergy: active cooperation and concerted two bodies (Armed Forces and Civil Society) to improve efficiency (in terms of army disabled veterans). International Sports Activities

Great emphasis is placed on achievement oriented sports and competitive sports activities. For years, the ZDVO has been actively involved in international competitions which serves not only as an important rehabilitative factor but enables its members to become goodwill ambassadors overseas, expanding the boundaries of its activities to new parts of the world.

This manifests itself annually in participation in European and World Championships as well as the Paralympics Games by athletes in as diverse fields as: wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, swimming, Olympic sailing, table tennis, archery, golf, badminton and Latin wheelchair dancing. We are preparing our teams to the Israel host this month the European championship of the wheelchair basketball where 12 countries took part.

Abraham Yanai

Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization



…/…

JORDAN REPORT SUBMITTED BY THE JORDANIAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ASSOCIATION FOR RETIRED

SERVICEMEN AND VETERANS (ESARSV) ***

JORDANIE RAPPORT SOUMIS PAR L’ASSOCIATION ECONOMIQUE ET SOCIALE JORDANIENNE POUR LES

RETRAITES ET ANCIENS COMBATTANTS

Services provided by ESARS,V TO military female retirees

1. (JAF) in Jordan was one of the first regional institutions and national Open broad prospects for women and help them to work side by side with their male counterparts by joining the army.

2. Services provided by the institution of the female retirees , which has about 6000 retired from

all rows:

a) Raise the morale of female military retirees through social networking. b) Organizing courses, conferences, seminars, lectures, scientific, cultural and health to keep up

with Global developments. c) The establishment of investment projects for the benefit of the financial retirees. d) Run of manpower of retired and benefit from their experiences. e) Participation in all events and national celebrations. f) Activating the role of Jordanian women especially retired female military. g) Contribute to the development community through the role of retired women in the work,

whether educational or humanitarian.

3. The Foundation has the support of retired military and their interests, social and economic has been set up 120 cooperative societies including 3 associations of women retirees.

Cooperative Associations of Retired Military Women Communication, giving, development

The association is a democratic organization administered by an elected or appointed people according to cooperative principles and cooperative schemes applicable in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

- Retired women cooperative associations number three (3) in Amman, Zarqa and Jerash. - Number of the associations' members is over two-hundred (200) retired women from all files

and ranks. - Number of retired women in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan from all files is around six

thousands (6000). - First association was established in Amman on 23/5/2005 headed by the honorary presidency

of Her Highness Princess Aisha bint Al Hussein the honorable. - These associations are associated with Economic & Social Association of Retired Service

men & Veterans (ESARSV). Motif: It is of His Majesty King Abdullah II visions, and aspirations of Her Highness Princess Aisha the Honorable, who is the honorary president of the association, so the retired woman could continue their living in local community, contribute by giving and development, without interruption, after they had contributed to the building and development of their parent military institutions. Therefore, the idea has materialized with a number of pioneers and who worked together to make this vision come true. Thus they established a cooperative women association to integrate the whole

(Jordan / Jordanie)

-2-

…/…

segments of retired military women from the armed forces, public security, civil defense, and public intelligence, make use of their expertise already learned in different fields in the service of this beloved homeland. Objectives:

1. Boost the morale of the retired woman, build viaducts of communication with parent foundation, and engage in all national festivities and activities.

2. Educate the retired woman healthily, socially and culturally, and keep abreast with international developments

3. Establish investment enterprises utilizing the expertise of retired women that would pay off material benefit to the members therein thru the employment of labor force of retired women, and from the proceeds of these enterprises.

4. Help the members thru personal and collective loans in improving their status. 5. Create and provide the money necessary to carry out the objectives and purposes of the

association, cooperate with their counterparts of other women societies. 6. Develop the spirit of cooperation among the members and those dealing with them. 7. Help the needy families of the retired military women and others.

Achievements

1. We have been honored by several meetings with His Majesty the King Abdullah II and Her Majesty the Queen Rania Al Abdullah, and the Honorary President Her highness Princess Aisha bint Al Hussein, and a number of premiers, ministers, chief of staff, public security and civil defense directors, heads of other associations to introduce women associations and for the sake of material and moral support, and we actually won it.

2. The Association of retired women in Amman held a conference entitled (Women of We are Jordan), where many woman problems, especially the retired, had been addressed and appropriate solutions put forth.

3. Association's members rendered a multiple visits to disabled centers where gifts and lunches were given out.

4. We visited the children's hospital at Al Hussein Medical City and gifts were given out to attendant children.

5. Distribute charity packages to needy families twice a year and in all areas of the Kingdom. 6. A number of Bazaars were held out of the retired women works. 7. The Association gave a number of recreational, cultural and festivals activities in all national

events. 8. Put up a number of minor courses and lectures, and a large number of lecturers were

invited. 9. Special markets for the retired women were opened in Fuheis and Zarqa towns where these

markets operated with the help of the retiree women themselves. 10. Shared the activities of many women societies in the Kingdom and their celebrations. 11. The association carried a number of domestic trips for the retired women to present the

important areas in the Kingdom. 12. Her Highness Princess Aisha bint Al Hussein donated a plot estimated at 3 Donums in the

area of Abu Nseir, waiting for financial backing to utilize it in the establishment of productive projects.

Aspirations

1. Set up investment projects and headquarters for the association on the plot donated by Her Highness Princess Aisha the Honorable, and among those proposed projects are: - Establish a center for the rehabilitation of disabled - Child nursery or elderly home - Building of a wedding hall

2. Establish a nursing academy in collaboration with ESARSV. 3. Establish a computer training center

(Jordan / Jordanie)

-3-

…/…

4. Make a productive kitchen 5. Hold teaching courses for retired women and others according to specialties. 6. Hold an international conference for the retired woman with foreign participation. 7. Send a number of retired women abroad to learn about similar societies and make use of

their experiences. 8. Increase material support from all state institutions.

Chief of control committees

Brigadier General Ellen Saleem Shaini

Web site: www.mrws.jo.org

Economic & Social Association of Retired Servicemen & Veterans brief

Esars,v

1. The work of the organizations security and the protection of a number of public and private institutions in the various governorates of the kingdom1/1/1994 under the agreements and working in this area more than six thousand and five hundred retired military, and the number is increasing.

2. The foundation has dispatched a number of officers and noncommissioned officers from different professions to a number of Arab countries to work in.

3. The foundation rehabilitate a bout (12000) retired in the field of information technology and

the foundation has worked to set some of them in the ministries and government departments and the absolute majority of private companies and the field is open to all practice computer Skills free of charge.

4. The foundation works to train students in public schools military training and education and

national and by programs of the ministry of education and in the various governorates of the kingdom.

5. The foundation recruit of more than 1000 retired in the specialties of the armed forces army, general security and civil defense though cooperation agreements signed with the operation of military equipment mentioned above.

6. Establish A center for dogs training protection and police works.

7. The foundation funding private car for retired personal in installments for a period of 60 months.

8. The foundation works to sell all types of retired personal electrical and furniture on the

installment to be retired as an associate of this institution.

9. The foundation send a Muslim pilgrimage and Christians as well, every year a 50 retired personal. And sending 150 retired each year to perform “Umrah”.

10. The foundation operates a number of agricultural projects, the most important farm dairy cow

and poultry farm and manages the foundation also citrus farm and bee - keeping to produce honey and farm fish.

11. The foundation operates a number of service projects a namely including taxi passenger and

cargo from the queen alia International airport.

12. The foundation has established 120 cooperative societies including 3 associations of women retires and the number of members of these associations are about 11000 retired.

http://www.mrws.jo.org/

(Jordan / Jordanie)

-4-

13. The foundation works to study the establishment of a sugar factory and a transportation

company and a Construction company landscape these projects will in evolve a number of retired shares according to his desire.

14. There is a construction company building roads and bridges projects have different.

15. Company for hajj and Umrah travel and tourism (Alwaselah) , a worker from the beginning of

2011.

16. Water and juice factories.



…/…

PALESTINE REPORT SUBMITTED BY THE ASSOCIATION OF PALESTINIAN REVOLUTION EX-WARRIORS

(APRE) ***

PALESTINE RAPPORT SOUMIS PAR L’ASSOCIATION DES ANCIENS COMBATTANTS DE LA REVOLUTION

PALESTINIENNE

This is to inform you of about the activities of the Palestinian Veterans Association

Provide aid to families of veterans in Gaza Strip in finding shelter after destruction of their

homes during the Israeli invasion.

1. Help the wounded veterans by treating them abroad (outside the occupied Palestinian

territory).

2. Assist veteran’s families by providing prosthetic limbs to 35 children that have lost

body parts in the Israeli invasion.

3. Provide financial assistance for the children of veterans to cover tuition fees in

universities both in the occupied Palestinian territory and abroad.

4. Cover the expenses of 100 veterans travelling to Saudi Arabia to perform pilgrimage.

5. Support veterans’ children by providing technical training opportunities in local

institutes.

6. Help veterans’ children find job opportunities in national organizations.

7. Participate in the annual World Day of Peace march.

8. Assist veterans’ families who have detainees by providing in kind contributions as

available.

Our organization would like to thank the European Commission member states for:

1. The financial support offered to the Palestinian National Authority.

2. Training the Palestinian security forces.

3. Building the Institutions of the future Palestinian state according to European

standards.

4. Providing international observers in the City of Hebron.

5. Raising the level of representation of Palestinian diplomatic, with a greater ambition

of a full recognition of the Palestinian state.

6. We also request the support of the European Commission and the United States in

securing President Obama’s pledge that the Palestinian state become an internationally

recognized United Nations member by September 2011 and end the Arabic Israeli

conflict achieving peace and security in the region.

Problems and Challenges faced by the veterans include:

- Israeli occupation.

- Lack of a hospital for the service of the veterans.

- No social, cultural and sports clubs.

- No support of the treatment of chronic diseases.

- No vocational training centres for children of veterans.

(Palestine)

-2-

- Difficult communication links between the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

- The 300 detainees imprisoned before the Oslo Agreement in 1992 have not been

released.

- The remains of veterans have been kept in Israeli custody for more than 30 years

preventing their families from performing proper funeral and burial ceremonies

according to Islamic Law.

General Abdallah Dawoud



UNITED KINGDOM REPORT SUBMITTED BY THE BRITISH MEMBERS COUNCIL (BMC)

*** ROYAUME-UNI

RAPPORT SOUMIS PAR LE CONSEIL DES MEMBRES BRITANNIQUES

BRITISH MEMBERS COUNCIL

THE WORLD VETERANS’ FEDERATION

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- Honorary President: Brigadier Ian Townsend CBE CCMI Chairman: Mr Robert Leader DL Vice Chairman: Mr David T. Knowles CBE Secretary and Treasuer: Lieutenant Colonel Joe F. Falzon BEM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------

Member Organisations

The Royal British Legion The Royal British Legion Women’s Section

The War Widows Association of Great Britain The British Limbless Ex-Servicemen's Association

St Dunstan’s The Royal British Legion Scotland The Royal Air Forces Association

Committees

The Medical Advisory Committee

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------

MEETING OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON WOMEN Oslo (Norway), 16 and 17 November 2011

REPORT BY THE BRITISH MEMBERS COUNCIL

The British Members Council (BMC) values its membership of the World Veterans Federation (WVF) and we remain a strong supporter of its aims and ideals. This was reiterated by Mr Robert Leader DL on assuming his appointment as the new Chairman of the BMC, vice Brig Ian Townsend, in October 2010.

The new BMC Chairman has instigated a review of the future wider membership, funding and composition of the Council and its sub-Committee – the Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) – to better position the international dimension of the BMC and the MAC within the mix of the United Kingdom veteran organisations, charities and support groups.

Since the last Meeting of the Standing Committee on Women (SCOW) in Paris in November 2008, the BMC, through its senior committee members, member organisations and sub committee, continued to host and provide secretarial support to The Veterans’ Health and Welfare Co-Operation International Steering Group (VHWCISG) until such time as the Final Report was presented by the Secretary to the Steering Group, Lt. Col. Jeremy Hinton, to the 26

th WVF General Assembly held in Copenhagen

(Denmark) in October 2009.

(United Kingdom / Royaume-Uni)

-2-

Meetings/Seminars attended Overseas The 26

th WVF General Assembly – (Denmark) – October 2009.

The 7

th International Conference on Legislation Concerning Veterans and Victims of War – (Paris) -

November 2010. The WVF 60

th Anniversary celebrations – (Paris) – November 2010.

The 22

nd Meeting of the Standing Committee on European Affairs (SCEA) – (Kiev) – May 2011

Honours/Awards The BMC was delighted that Brigadier Ian Townsend, former Chairman of the BMC and SCEA, was appointed as a WVF Honorary Vice President at the 27

th WVF General Assembly in Copenhagen

(Denmark) in October 2009. The BMC was also pleased to unanimously agree to appoint Brigadier Ian Townsend as an Honorary President to the BMC. Mrs Rosalind Campbell, Chair of the War Widows Association of Great Britain, a BMC founder member organisation, was appointed as a Member of the Order of the British Empire, in the 2010 Queen’s Birthday Honours List. Lieutenant Colonel Joe Falzon BEM, Secretary and Treasurer to the BMC, was re-appointed as a member of the WVF Finance Committee at the 27

th WVF General Assembly in Copenhagen

(Denmark) in October 2009.

Summary of Current Initiatives The Resolutions adopted by the 27

th WVF General Assembly held in Copenhagen (Denmark) in

October 2009 were submitted to Mr Kevan Jones, the then Under Secretary of State for Defence and Minister for Veterans. A very polite note of acknowledgement was received. At their last meeting in October 2011, the BMC was delighted to welcome The Royal British Legion Women’s Section (TRBLWS) as a potential new member organisation. The meeting was attended by Mrs Wendy Bromwich JP, the newly elected National Chairman of TRBLWS. The BMC, through its member organisations and sub-committee, has contributed and collaborated purposefully in pursuit of a number of initiatives and programmes advanced by the United Kingdom Government for the good and benefit of the ex-Service community. A summary of these initiatives is attached. The BMC wishes the SCOW much success and takes this opportunity to thank the President, the Executive Director and Secretariat staff of the WVF for all their assistance they have given to the BMC over these past three years.

SUMMARY OF RECENT INITIATIVES

The Military Covenant

The Royal British Legion’s vigorous and robust campaign to ensure that the UK Government abides by its pledge on the Armed Forces Covenant reached an historic breakthrough in June 2011 thanks to Prime Minister David Cameron's decision to include the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant into law, these being that no person should be disadvantaged in terms of their access to health, welfare and social services, and that in some cases special treatment can be justified, these cases being those whose illnesses or injuries are caused by their Service in the Armed Forces and the families of those who are killed while serving.


-3-

For the first time, Armed Forces personnel and their families will see the principles of fair treatment on the statute book. Fairness for our Armed Forces can now be put to parliamentary scrutiny. By putting the Armed Forces Covenant principles in the heart of the new Armed Forces Bill, all those in Service, veterans and their families will benefit for generations to come.

Armed Forces Health Website Launched

The Royal British Legion and Combat Stress’s Armed Forces Health Partnership website is up and running at www.armedforceshealthpartnership.org.uk. The website provides a resource for Service charities, the UK health service, local government and veterans, with a specific focus on Armed Forces healthcare.

Research

As reported at the 22nd

Meeting of SCEA held in Kiew in May 2011, The Royal British Legion undertook a wide-ranging research project on the ex-Service community in Britain, and the hardships they may face. The reports below are available for downloading from The Royal British Legion website:

Health, welfare and social needs of the Armed Forces community: a qualitative survey.

Legion welfare in the 2010s: a decade of change.

Please use the following link:

http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/campaigning/research-information/legion-research

The First Personnel Recovery Centre.

Help for Heroes, The Royal British Legion and other service charities are working in partnership with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to deliver the multi-million pound Defence Recovery Capability (DRC) – a comprehensive pathway to help wounded, injured and sick Service personnel launch back into the next phase of their lives.

A key part of this will be providing support to the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Marines by delivering Personnel Recovery Centres (PRCs) in Edinburgh, Colchester, Catterick, Tidworth and Plymouth.

These will mean that the wounded will benefit from new skills, qualifications and work experience to guarantee that their future, whether in the Armed Forces or in civilian life, is secure.

The PRCs will provide comfortable living and learning accommodation for those on the road to recovery, giving those injured in the line of duty the very best training and opportunities to face a fulfilling future.

St Dunstan’s open their New £12m Rehabilitation and Training Centre in Llandudno.

The Centre, which opened in September 2011, will enable St Dunstan’s to continue in its work to support ex-Service men and women who have served in the Armed Forces and lost their sight due to war, age, accident or illness. It will also be a centre of excellence providing world class rehabilitation and training to War Blind Service personnel injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. The extension will contain 10 high dependency nursing beds, along with a rehabilitation gym, sports room and training unit.

Medical Advisory Committee (MAC)

The MAC continues to discuss and making progress with the following strands of work:

http://www.armedforceshealthpartnership.org.uk/


-4-

The work of the MAC Hearing Working Group, now focusing on compensation levels for hearing loss, hearing disability and the prevention of hearing loss within the UK Armed Forces.

The MAC Mental Health Working Group is formulating advice to UK grant giving organisations on clinical governance and novel treatments for conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and recommendations for the compensation of mental health disorders.

The UK health service has formulated a new Health Transition Protocol to ensure a seamless transition for the most severely injured Service personnel to full time and continuing care. This Protocol sets out the responsibilities and procedures for planning the transition of health and social care for injured Service leavers to local public providers. It aims to ensure that a care package provided by heatlh and local care service deliverers is in place from the moment an injured Service leaver is discharged.

Big White Wall – Mental Health services A new, free, support service has been launched for veterans, serving personnel and their families, funded by the UK Government. . Award-winning website, www.bigwhitewall.com, is a pioneering online wellbeing service, staffed by professional counsellors, that has already helped many other people. The Department of Health and Ministry of Defence have committed £250,000 to fund a one-year pilot of the Big White Wall specifically for serving personnel, veterans and their families. This is supported by a commitment of £100,000 from Help for Heroes for the first year, with additional funding after this. Serving personnel, veterans and their families can access the 24/7 service for free. Amongst other services, Big White Wall users can chat anonymously to others who may have gone through similar experiences, with a team of specially trained counsellors always online to offer support.

http://www.bigwhitewall.com/my-account/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=/

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