The targeting of health professionals and health facilities in conflict is an increasing concern for professionals in the front line, for their patients and for those concerned with human rights. But is this anything new? Is this an inevitable part of ugly war or can something be done to reduce this? This event considers the context and discusses the issues.
Presentations on the history of the problem, human rights law and the “rules of engagement” will introduce the programme. Scenes from “To Shoot an Elephant” will show the hazards faced by ambulance crews operating in Gaza and their bravery.
One specific area of discussion will be the impact on aid programmes. Many aid agencies are pushing the boundaries and have become less risk averse. Is this sustainable in the context of increasing targeting of personnel and facilities?
Panel members including representatives from Medicines Sans Frontiers, International Committee of the Red Cross, Amnesty International, Palestinian Medical Relief Committees and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs will share their experiences of the problems.
For a full programme, see here.
