Whilst I applaud your efforts in trying to find innovative solutions for those in greatest need, might I advise you that the population of Darfur are largely Muslim. They use water to purify themselves from urine and other impurities when visiting the toilet and before each prayer (5 times a day).
Such people may be in great need but they have dignity. Proposing they live, pray and take shelter within an ‘urine based shelter’ will be an affront to their dignity.
Basic humanitarian principles dictates aid is given in a way that protects people’s dignity and not diminishes people’s dignity – often their dignity is all they have left.
You may want to go back to the drawing board or just check with the people you are trying to help whether this solution is culturally and religiously acceptable to them.
This is a Live Project at the University of Sheffield School of Architecture. Live Projects are strategic projects working with real people in real time. Our client is A4A, the Built Environment Charity. www.a-4-a.org
Hi,
I’m a journalist at BBC Radio Sheffield and I was interested in your urine group..could you email me at – and tell me more about the work
cheers
katie
Hi.
Whilst I applaud your efforts in trying to find innovative solutions for those in greatest need, might I advise you that the population of Darfur are largely Muslim. They use water to purify themselves from urine and other impurities when visiting the toilet and before each prayer (5 times a day).
Such people may be in great need but they have dignity. Proposing they live, pray and take shelter within an ‘urine based shelter’ will be an affront to their dignity.
Basic humanitarian principles dictates aid is given in a way that protects people’s dignity and not diminishes people’s dignity – often their dignity is all they have left.
You may want to go back to the drawing board or just check with the people you are trying to help whether this solution is culturally and religiously acceptable to them.
Best wishes