Documents Emphasize Data Collection on Violence against Health

11/05/2012

The World Medical Association revised its Regulations in Times of Armed Conflict and Other Situations of Violence, endorsing collection of data and including a code of conduct for physicians in conflicts. 

In May 2012 at the World Health Assembly, member states of the World Health Organization passed a resolution requiring the WHO to lead international data collection of attacks on health workers, facilities, transports, and patients.

The revised World Medical Association regulations include a passage noting:

“The WMA supports the collection and dissemination of data related to assaults on physicians, other health care personnel and medical facilities, by an international body. Such data are important to understand the nature of such attacks and to set up mechanisms to prevent them. Assaults against medical personnel must be investigated and those responsible must be brought to justice.”

Also see a recent publication from the International Committee of the Red Cross, Health Care in Danger: The Responsibilities of Health-care Personnel Working in Armed Conflicts and Other Emergencies. This guidance document includes a section titled Gathering Data and Witnessing Violations of International Law.