Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition

Curfews and other restrictions on civilian movement imposed by the Government of Turkey have blocked ambulance transport and prevented wounded and sick civilians from obtaining emergency health and rescue services. As a result, people in need of urgent medical attention have sometimes been trapped in buildings, and many have died.

World Humanitarian Day is a time to honor those who face danger in order to help others. Heath workers, of course, are humanitarians. They not only risk contracting infectious disease and illness when providing care but they continue to be threatened and harmed just for doing their jobs. The coalition urges the global community not to overlook the need to protect health workers on this World Humanitarian Day or during the upcoming World Humanitarian Summit.