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Christian Werner Photo & Videojournalist

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Conflicts & Tradegies

This collection captures the profound impact of war, displacement, and societal upheaval on individuals and communities, highlighting urgent humanitarian issues such as child labor and social injustice that stem from the worst faces of capitalism; each photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by those affected by these crises, demanding immediate attention and action.

Afghanistan; Shah Mazar: A significant number of suicide bombers from the Taliban village of Shah Mazar have been integrated into the Taliban special forces unit "Badri 313." Izanullah, 26, has been involved with the Taliban since he was six years old, placing bombs and IEDs by the roadside before becoming a fighter. In this moment, he is seen praying for a martyr alongside Mohammadullah and other young Taliban members. This highlights the recruitment of youth into militant activities within the region. The presence of such individuals underscores the ongoing cycle of violence and radicalization in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan; Shah Mazar: A significant number of suicide bombers from the Taliban village of Shah Mazar have been integrated into the Taliban special forces unit "Badri 313." Izanullah, 26, has been involved with the Taliban since he was six years old, placing bombs and IEDs by the roadside before becoming a fighter. In this moment, he is seen praying for a martyr alongside Mohammadullah and other young Taliban members. This highlights the recruitment of youth into militant activities within the region. The presence of such individuals underscores the ongoing cycle of violence and radicalization in Afghanistan.

Iraq, Karakosh - In Karakosh, Iraq, the Christian town has only recently been liberated from the terror regime of the Islamic State. The population remains hesitant to return, with activity primarily occurring in the mornings when the court for terrorism cases is open. This court is responsible for prosecuting captured IS fighters taken from Mosul. The National Security Organization (NSS) transports these prisoners in black trucks, where they wait in the courtyard of a former residence until they are interrogated.

Iraq, Karakosh - In Karakosh, Iraq, the Christian town has only recently been liberated from the terror regime of the Islamic State. The population remains hesitant to return, with activity primarily occurring in the mornings when the court for terrorism cases is open. This court is responsible for prosecuting captured IS fighters taken from Mosul. The National Security Organization (NSS) transports these prisoners in black trucks, where they wait in the courtyard of a former residence until they are interrogated.

Syria, Homs, January 2017: - Large parts of Homs are completely destroyed. Some residents return and attempt to rebuild their homes. Three-quarters of the city consists of ruins, and taxis drive through the wreckage.

Syria, Homs, January 2017: - Large parts of Homs are completely destroyed. Some residents return and attempt to rebuild their homes. Three-quarters of the city consists of ruins, and taxis drive through the wreckage.

In the Malable Camp on the outskirts of Mogadishu, Somalia, hundreds of internally displaced persons (IDPs) have sought refuge after being driven from their homes by drought. Among them is a young girl, who represents the resilience and vulnerability of children in such dire circumstances. The camp, characterized by makeshift shelters and a lack of basic resources, reflects the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. In the background, a soldier stands guard, highlighting the security challenges faced by IDPs in Somalia. This juxtaposition of innocence and military presence underscores the complexities of life in displacement camps, where safety and survival are daily struggles.

In the Malable Camp on the outskirts of Mogadishu, Somalia, hundreds of internally displaced persons (IDPs) have sought refuge after being driven from their homes by drought. Among them is a young girl, who represents the resilience and vulnerability of children in such dire circumstances. The camp, characterized by makeshift shelters and a lack of basic resources, reflects the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. In the background, a soldier stands guard, highlighting the security challenges faced by IDPs in Somalia. This juxtaposition of innocence and military presence underscores the complexities of life in displacement camps, where safety and survival are daily struggles.

Streets of Blood: The Gang Wars of El Salvador

Streets of Blood: The Gang Wars of El Salvador

Iraq, persecution of Yazidis by the terrorist group Islamic State, here: Sharya, Yazidi refugees live in unfinished houses, tents or on the streets, each of them has lost family members due to IS and many of them have been abducted. The living situation is catastrophic. Winter will set in in 2 weeks. There are no blankets or warm clothing. Here the refugees are housed in a shell of a school. Around 1000 people live in a very small space.

Iraq, persecution of Yazidis by the terrorist group Islamic State, here: Sharya, Yazidi refugees live in unfinished houses, tents or on the streets, each of them has lost family members due to IS and many of them have been abducted. The living situation is catastrophic. Winter will set in in 2 weeks. There are no blankets or warm clothing. Here the refugees are housed in a shell of a school. Around 1000 people live in a very small space.

On February 21, 2018, a portrait of Yae Yang with his daughter was taken in Xang, Laos. This image captures the warmth of their relationship against the backdrop of a country still healing from the scars of war. Laos has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its history as the Kingdom of Lan Xang. The legacy of conflict, particularly from the extensive bombing during the Vietnam War, continues to affect many families in the region. Yae and his daughter symbolize the resilience and hope of Laotian families as they navigate life in a recovering nation.

On February 21, 2018, a portrait of Yae Yang with his daughter was taken in Xang, Laos. This image captures the warmth of their relationship against the backdrop of a country still healing from the scars of war. Laos has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its history as the Kingdom of Lan Xang. The legacy of conflict, particularly from the extensive bombing during the Vietnam War, continues to affect many families in the region. Yae and his daughter symbolize the resilience and hope of Laotian families as they navigate life in a recovering nation.

A young Christian was attacked along with several others in a village near Bambari. Muslim Séléka rebels burned the village and killed many inhabitants. The young man survived the attacks.

A young Christian was attacked along with several others in a village near Bambari. Muslim Séléka rebels burned the village and killed many inhabitants. The young man survived the attacks.

Iraq, Fallujah, April 18, 2012, Ammar Youssef Afthan carrying his sick daughter, she swallowed contaminated dust a short time later her stomach rotted. It was completely removed in the hospital. The girl also suffers from neurological damage.

Iraq, Fallujah, April 18, 2012, Ammar Youssef Afthan carrying his sick daughter, she swallowed contaminated dust a short time later her stomach rotted. It was completely removed in the hospital. The girl also suffers from neurological damage.

On September 1, 2016, during MOAS rescue operations near the Libyan coast, a rubber boat filled with African migrants began to leak water, leading to panic among the passengers. This incident underscores the perilous conditions faced by migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea. In a chaotic night of operations, MOAS and Italian Red Cross vessels rescued hundreds of migrants but also reported multiple fatalities, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region as desperate individuals seek safety in Europe.

On September 1, 2016, during MOAS rescue operations near the Libyan coast, a rubber boat filled with African migrants began to leak water, leading to panic among the passengers. This incident underscores the perilous conditions faced by migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea. In a chaotic night of operations, MOAS and Italian Red Cross vessels rescued hundreds of migrants but also reported multiple fatalities, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region as desperate individuals seek safety in Europe.

In Jharkhand, India, the mica mining industry is deeply intertwined with severe human rights violations, particularly the widespread use of child labor. According to Indian law, children under the age of 14 are prohibited from working, especially in hazardous jobs such as mining. However, the reality on the ground is starkly different. Many children are found working in perilous conditions, often forced to abandon their education to support their families. On February 16, 2017, it was reported that when one approaches a mica mine, people often flee in all directions, highlighting the dangerous and illegal nature of these operations. The fear of detection by authorities or rival miners drives this frantic escape. Despite the legal framework aimed at protecting children, enforcement remains weak, and illegal mining activities continue to thrive due to high demand for mica from various industries. The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act of 1986 prohibits the employment of children in hazardous occupations, and this was further strengthened by amendments in 2016. However, illegal mining persists largely because of poverty and lack of educational opportunities for families in these regions. Advocacy groups continue to push for stronger regulations and corporate accountability to eradicate child labor in mica mining and ensure that children can access education instead of being forced into labor.

In Jharkhand, India, the mica mining industry is deeply intertwined with severe human rights violations, particularly the widespread use of child labor. According to Indian law, children under the age of 14 are prohibited from working, especially in hazardous jobs such as mining. However, the reality on the ground is starkly different. Many children are found working in perilous conditions, often forced to abandon their education to support their families. On February 16, 2017, it was reported that when one approaches a mica mine, people often flee in all directions, highlighting the dangerous and illegal nature of these operations. The fear of detection by authorities or rival miners drives this frantic escape. Despite the legal framework aimed at protecting children, enforcement remains weak, and illegal mining activities continue to thrive due to high demand for mica from various industries. The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act of 1986 prohibits the employment of children in hazardous occupations, and this was further strengthened by amendments in 2016. However, illegal mining persists largely because of poverty and lack of educational opportunities for families in these regions. Advocacy groups continue to push for stronger regulations and corporate accountability to eradicate child labor in mica mining and ensure that children can access education instead of being forced into labor.

Kosovo, Prishtina - Children Oncology ward in Pristina. The ward is crowded with cancer cases like the oncology ward for grown ups. 19.08.2014

Kosovo, Prishtina - Children Oncology ward in Pristina. The ward is crowded with cancer cases like the oncology ward for grown ups. 19.08.2014

Black Death

Black Death

On April 17, 2013, in Singaraja, Bali, a 26-year-old woman named Komang was found living in a hut where she had been chained by her family for eight years. They claimed that she could not cope with her divorce, leading to her erratic behavior, which included wandering naked through the village. This decision to restrain her was made after her mental health deteriorated. Komang was bathed every two months by her mother. This situation reflects a broader issue in Bali where mentally ill individuals are often subjected to confinement and abuse. Psychiatrist Luh Ketut Suryani has been working to rescue such individuals and raise awareness about the mistreatment of people with mental health issues in the region. The practice of "pasung," or physical restraint, remains prevalent despite being illegal since 1977, with many families resorting to chaining their relatives due to cultural beliefs surrounding mental illness.

On April 17, 2013, in Singaraja, Bali, a 26-year-old woman named Komang was found living in a hut where she had been chained by her family for eight years. They claimed that she could not cope with her divorce, leading to her erratic behavior, which included wandering naked through the village. This decision to restrain her was made after her mental health deteriorated. Komang was bathed every two months by her mother. This situation reflects a broader issue in Bali where mentally ill individuals are often subjected to confinement and abuse. Psychiatrist Luh Ketut Suryani has been working to rescue such individuals and raise awareness about the mistreatment of people with mental health issues in the region. The practice of "pasung," or physical restraint, remains prevalent despite being illegal since 1977, with many families resorting to chaining their relatives due to cultural beliefs surrounding mental illness.

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