August 19 – World Humanitarian Day: Honoring Medics and Their Risks in Conflict Zones

Today, August 19, the International Federation of Red Cross, Red Crescent, UN, and numerous non-governmental organizations mark World Humanitarian Day – a day to honor and recognize the work of humanitarian workers. World Day was established in 2009 by the UN General Assembly.

Special attention on this day is given to medics – one of the most vulnerable groups in conflict zones. Today wars are fought not only on battlefields, but also among civilians, on streets and in cities, where women and children are often victims. In these conditions, medical personnel are crucial, but increasingly become targets of violence. According to a study by the International Committee of the Red Cross in 2012, over 90% of injured medics are local people in their own country. In one quarter of incidents, there are fatalities or injuries.

The risks for medics are numerous – ambulances become targets of shooting or detention, hospitals and health personnel are attacked, and provisions are stolen. In conflict conditions, attackers even organize secondary explosions to harm medics providing help to victims of the first explosion.

Examples of such attacks are events in Pakistan, Syria and Somalia, where hospitals, doctors and volunteers are subjected to extreme trials, and victims – and their relatives – lose access to life-saving help. The consequences of attacks are enormous – thousands of people are left without medical care, thousands of examinations and vaccinations are missed, and the effects are lasting in countries with limited resources.

Violence against medics and health facilities is not only morally condemnable, but also illegal under international law. States and warring parties bear responsibility – strict compliance with laws and accountability for violations are needed. Only with greater awareness and public dialogue can a culture of respect and protection for medical workers be created.

Since October 2013, the International Committee of the Red Cross, with the support of the European Commission, has been conducting a continuous awareness campaign about the risks faced by medics and their patients in conflict zones. The goal is for more people to realize the severity of the problem and react against the consequences – thus more lives can be saved and suffering avoided.