Advancing protection of health workers in conflicts

Attacks and interference with health workers, patients, facilities and transports in situations of conflict or political violence is a major issue in the world, exemplified in recent years in Syria, Libya, Pakistan, DRC, Afghanistan, Burma, the West Bank and Gaza, Bahrain, and Colombia. In order to address the problem, there needs to be more intensive monitoring, reporting, prevention programs, and accountability. This presentation will review initiatives to increase the role of international institutions including WHO, the Human Rights Council, and the Security Council in the addressing the problem. The session will also review the process for development of an instrument for data collection that can be used by NGOs, ministries, and health professionals in tracking attacks on health services.