For example, local customs of adopting orphans and separated children by relatives, and particularly women family members, tend to be overlooked (and thus are not sufficiently supported) by Western and national aid programmes. In certain cases, encouraging and understanding the cultural context of mutual help can facilitate a less painful return to some sense of normalcy. For instance, in post-conflict Muslim states such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Tajikistan, external organizations and individuals offering assistance often fail to appreciate the complexity of the culture when engaging with traditional institutions and practice.