Nora Sveaass

Bio: Nora Sveaass is an academic researcher from University of Oslo. The author has contributed to research in topics: Human rights & Torture. The author has an hindex of 12, co-authored 26 publications receiving 442 citations.

Gross human rights violations and reparation under international law: approaching rehabilitation as a form of reparation

Abstract: The strengthening of international criminal law through an increased focus on the right to reparation and rehabilitation for victims of crimes against humanity represents an important challenge to health professionals, particularly to those in the field of trauma research and treatment. A brief outline of some developments in the field of international law and justice for victims of gross human rights violations is presented, with a focus on the right to reparation including the means for rehabilitation. The fulfillment of this right is a complex endeavor which raises many questions. The road to justice and reparation for those whose rights have been brutally violated is long and burdensome. The active presence of trauma-informed health professionals in this process is a priority. Some of the issues raised within the context of states’ obligations to provide and ensure redress and rehabilitation to those subjected to torture and gross human rights violations are discussed, and in particular how rehabilitation can be understood and responded to by health professionals. Keywords: Gross human rights violations; redress; rehabilitation; torture; reparation (Published: 8 May 2013) For the abstract or full text in other languages, please see Supplementary files in the column to the right (under Article Tools). Citation: European Journal of Psychotraumatology 2013, 4 : 17191 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/ejpt.v4i0.17191

Refugee families in therapy: from referrals to therapeutic conversations

Abstract: Refugee families referred for therapy present a wide array of problems and expectations, not always in accordance with what therapy may offer. Major differences between referring professionals, families and therapists regarding problem definitions and solutions may complicate collaboration. Interventions that may overcome these barriers and move initial interviews into a therapeutic context are described. Three patterns regarding referral process, problem presentation and expectations (here called referral contexts) are outlined: ‘the relational’, where families ask for psychological and interpersonal assistance, ‘the unfocused’, where families are referred to therapy without expressing any wish for it, and ‘the fixed solution’, where families seek support for solutions that are not of a therapeutic nature. The interventions described form part of a negotiation where motives and interest for therapy are explored and agreements regarding further therapy are outlined.

Engaging refugee families in therapy: exploring the benefits of including referring professionals in first family interviews.

Abstract: The possible benefits of including referring professionals in the first family interviews are being explored as a way to engage refugee families in therapy. Families in exile confront a number of problems related both to premigration traumatic exposures and to present adaptation processes. Refugee clients and the referring professionals in the larger system frequently see the problems and their solutions quite differently. This situation may often result in unclear working alliances in a context of therapy. We will describe first family interviews in which referring professionals are interviewed about their reasons for referrals, and where the families are invited to discuss these considerations. The conversations permit families, referrers, and therapists to reflect upon differences in positions and perspectives. Their experiences suggest that agreements or contracts based on these joint interviews are less ambiguous and more clearly formulated than contracts based on interviews with families alone. Finally, these experiences are discussed as a potentially valuable approach in a cross-cultural context.

Therapy with refugee families: what is a Good' conversation?

Abstract: This article addresses the question of what is a “good” conversation by analyzing “poor” conversations During a project on family therapy with refugee families, we often experienced what we labeled as “poor” conversations We present examples of a variety of such conversations, which we then analyze with reference to therapeutic maps and central concerns of the therapists We describe four patterns of therapist/client relationships that emerged from this analysis The main focus of our discussion is to clarify when “poor” conversations may be an important part of the therapeutic process, and when and how they should be avoided We believe that the issues we raise are central to therapeutic work in general and not just to therapy with refugee families

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Abstract: It made it possible to improve people's lives. Now it prevents all forms of discrimination in the world. It helps to improve our world.

Review of Child and Adolescent Refugee Mental Health

Abstract: Objective To review stressful experiences and stress reactions among child and adolescent refugees, as well as interventions and ethical considerations in research and clinical work, within the framework of the chronological experiences of child refugees; namely, the phases of preflight, flight, and resettlement. Highlighted are special refugee populations such as unaccompanied minors, asylum seekers, and former child soldiers. Pertinent medical findings are summarized. Method The authors reviewed articles from 1990 to 2003 addressing the topics above. Literature was gathered from databases including PsycINFO, Medline, and SocioFile . Pertinent earlier papers and those from other disciplines cited in database-identified articles were also included. Results Child and adolescent refugees suffer from significant conflict-related exposures. Reactions to stress may be mediated by coping strategies, belief systems, and social relations. Conclusions More research is needed on interventions, specifically on efficacy and cultural relevance. Interventions that have an impact on multiple ecological levels need further development and evaluation.

Long-term mental health of war-refugees: a systematic literature review

Abstract: There are several million war-refugees worldwide, majority of whom stay in the recipient countries for years. However, little is known about their long-term mental health. This review aimed to assess prevalence of mental disorders and to identify their correlates among long-settled war-refugees. We conducted a systematic review of studies that assessed current prevalence and/or factors associated with depression and anxiety disorders in adult war-refugees 5 years or longer after displacement. We searched Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and PILOTS from their inception to October 2014, searched reference lists, and contacted experts. Because of a high heterogeneity between studies, overall estimates of mental disorders were not discussed. Instead, prevalence rates were reviewed narratively and possible sources of heterogeneity between studies were investigated both by subgroup analysis and narratively. A descriptive analysis examined pre-migration and post-migration factors associated with mental disorders in this population. The review identified 29 studies on long-term mental health with a total of 16,010 war-affected refugees. There was significant between-study heterogeneity in prevalence rates of depression (range 2.3–80 %), PTSD (4.4–86 %), and unspecified anxiety disorder (20.3–88 %), although prevalence estimates were typically in the range of 20 % and above. Both clinical and methodological factors contributed substantially to the observed heterogeneity. Studies of higher methodological quality generally reported lower prevalence rates. Prevalence rates were also related to both which country the refugees came from and in which country they resettled. Refugees from former Yugoslavia and Cambodia tended to report the highest rates of mental disorders, as well as refugees residing in the USA. Descriptive synthesis suggested that greater exposure to pre-migration traumatic experiences and post-migration stress were the most consistent factors associated with all three disorders, whilst a poor post-migration socio-economic status was particularly associated with depression. There is a need for more methodologically consistent and rigorous research on the mental health of long-settled war refugees. Existing evidence suggests that mental disorders tend to be highly prevalent in war refugees many years after resettlement. This increased risk may not only be a consequence of exposure to wartime trauma but may also be influenced by post-migration socio-economic factors.