The Turbulent Decade: Confronting the Refugee Crises of the 1990s

Sadako Ogata recounts her experiences, and the lessons she learned, as UN high commissioner for refugees during the 1990s. A tireless advocate for the victims of war, Ogata tells the on-the-ground story of four crises in which she directed relief: Iraq, the Balkans, the African Great Lakes region, and Afghanistan. She explores issues of refugee protection and humanitarian assistance; coordination between humanitarian organizations, NATO, and other militaries; and the global political and strategic climate in which these crises occurred. With an eye to the future, she asks the world community to assess the limits of humanitarian action and to work toward real political solutions when conflicts arise.No one is in a better position to tell this essential post-Cold War story than Ogata, who personally traveled to crisis spots, often placing herself in harm's way, to lead the world in confronting the tragedy of the displaced. 9 maps, 16 pages of illustrations.

Sadako Ogata was United Nations high commissioner for refugees from 1990 to 2000 and is currently president of the Japan International Cooperation Agency.