Session: Human Rights Issues in Response to Complex Humanitarian Emergencies

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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

4199.0: Tuesday, November 07, 2006: 2:30 PM-4:00 PM

Oral

Human Rights Issues in Response to Complex Humanitarian Emergencies

Humans have the right to health care at the time and place they need it as emphasized by the international conventions and treaties. The inextricable link between health and human rights is evident in complex humanitarian emergencies and presents opportunities and challenges for health professionals to contribute toward the realization of human rights in these situations. For example, this right becomes more visible than ever where large communities face massive and sudden destructions that result in population displacement and are typically characterized by high rates of diseases, fatalities, injuries and other human sufferings. A common human rights concern in public health is the inadequacy of services that is accentuated during complex humanitarian emergencies and the lack of basic needs such as shelter, food, water and sanitation, and medical care are visible. Although there have been significant advances in the response and management of complex humanitarian emergencies in the last decade each situation still generates greater pressure for improving the quality and timeliness of response. This session is presenting models of responses to complex humanitarian emergencies in different parts of the world as organized by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and is focused on lessons to be learned from each case study. Presentations include an overview on human rights in complex humanitarian emergencies and disasters and case studies of emergency responses from Chad, Darfur, Macedonia and Indonesia and shows how epidemiological studies can be used as tools for guiding health interventions during humanitarian crises.

Learning Objectives: Participants through the presentations and discussions will: - Understand the nature and impact of complex humanitarian emergencies on populations - Realize the need for prompt and timely response to complex humanitarian emergencies through preparedeness, coordination, cooperation and proper management of releif efforts. - Learn the essentials for proper and effective management of complex humanitarian emergencies at the local, national and international levels

Panelist(s):

Leisel Talley, MPH
Mark Anderson, MD, MPH
Muireann Brennan, MD, MPH

Organizer(s):

Samir N. Banoob, MD, PhD

Presider(s):

Samir N. Banoob, MD, PhD

2:30 PM

Assessing the nutritional status of children in Darfur: challenges and successes