Posted on: Wed 04-05-2016

The International Council of Nurses has signed a joint statement by members of the Health Care in Danger initiative, calling on the United Nations Security Council to adopt a resolution to protect healthcare workers.

The statement urged Security Council member states to reaffirm international humanitarian law and adopt specific measures for the protection of healthcare. It also called for governments to review and, where necessary, introduce domestic legislation to prevent violence against patients, healthcare personnel, facilities, and medical vehicles. “It is critically important that we protect healthcare workers in order that they may exercise their duty to care for all, in times of peace as in times of conflict or unrest, said Dr Frances Hughes, ICN’s Chief Executive Officer.

“We need to ensure attacks are well tracked and documented; that those who attack or prevent healthcare are held accountable and brought to justice; and that the existing humanitarian laws are upheld. This UN Security Council resolution demonstrates to the world that this serious humanitarian problem needs to be addressed at the highest level.” The Health Care in Danger initiative, with the support of experts and professionals from different backgrounds, including those working on the frontline, governments, the armed forces, humanitarian agencies, international professional associations and health-care services, as well as the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, has formulated a substantive body of recommendations and identified practical measures that, if implemented by all those concerned, would increase the protection of health-care services in armed conflict or other emergencies.

In addition to supporting the Health Care in Danger initiative, ICN is a founding member of the Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition, which promotes respect for international humanitarian and human rights laws that relate to the safety and security of health facilities, health workers, ambulances and patients ensuring they are safe and secure during periods of armed conflict or civil violence. ICN’s position statement on Abuse and violence against nursing personnel states that, “ICN strongly condemns all forms of abuse and violence against nursing personnel, ranging from passive aggression to homicide and including sexual harassment.

” We are also a member of the steering committee and scientific committee of the International Conference on Violence in the Health Sector. The 5 th International Conference on Violence in the Health Sector will be held in Dublin, Ireland on 26-28 October 2016 on the theme, Broadening our view – responding together.

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