Human rights, public health, and war are closely interrelated. In many ways, war -- and the preparation for war -- represent the most series set of abrogations of human rights. These abrogations include the following: (1) direct injuries to noncombatant civilians, including fatal and disabling injuries; (2) damage to the societal infrastructure of public health, including systems to provide food, water, shelter, electricity, and medical and public health services; (3) conscious and "accidental" targeting of women, children, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups during war; (4) making people refugees or internally displaced persons during and after war; (5) diversion of resources from social to military activities during war and preparation for war; (6) damage to the environment during war and preparation for war; and (7) fomenting a culture in which violence becomes the primary means of settling disputes. Health professionals can play important roles in documenting and reporting human rights violations related to war and preparation for war, and in preventing these human rights violations.
Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, attendees will be able to: 1. Describe the relationship between human rights and war. 2. Identify opportunities to participate in eliminating the abrogations of human rights related to war.
Keywords: Human Rights,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.