The Scars of the War

María Ximena Borrazás Cataldo

Violence against civilians has long been used as a weapon in times of conflict, leaving scars that endure long after the fighting ends. The Scars of War is a long-term documentary project by Maria Ximena Borrazás that brings this reality into focus. It reveals how human dignity is attacked and lives are shattered through acts of exploitation and coercion, regardless of country, ethnicity, skin colour, or religion.

The project draws on stories from Ethiopia, Ukraine, Syria, and other societies torn apart by armed struggle, where survivors continue to live with the lasting consequences of violations committed under the shadow of war. Through images and testimonies, it exposes crimes that often remain hidden, denied, or forgotten, showing both the vulnerability of those targeted and their remarkable resilience.

By presenting these accounts, Borrazás calls attention to the urgent need for stronger protection of civilians during conflict. Unless international laws are enforced with determination, such abuses will persist. The Scars of War is not only a record of suffering, but also an appeal for awareness, accountability, and long-term change.