News, blog posts, and event announcements. Other websites are welcome to cross-post this material with attribution and a link to the original.
What's New
11/05/2014
So far in 2014, there have been 20 attacks on polio workers in Pakistan that have killed 32 people, according to data I collected using news reports; and the attacks are only escalating in lethality and violence. In 2013, there were 29 attacks against polio workers, killing 22 people; and in 2012, there were only nine attacks that resulted in the deaths of 10 people.
11/04/2014
The global community has increasingly recognized the imperative of fulfilling the right to health throughout the world. Yet one key area—the security of access to health care when it is threatened by violence—has been largely neglected. The Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition therefore welcomes a proposed resolution to the UN General Assembly drafted by the Global Health and Foreign Policy Group designed to respect and protect health care and health workers in all situations.
10/29/2014
Dr. Sohail has spent much of the Syrian conflict treating the injured free of charge. During one period of detention, government security officials told him that he must seek permission from them before treating anyone. The first time he was detained, Dr. Sohail was held for two weeks under the charge of treating injured demonstrators.
10/28/2014
The ICRC has observed an increased number of attacks on medical personnel in Afghanistan in the past few months. Civilians have been prevented from reaching health facilities during the fighting. "We are concerned by the effects the increased fighting in the summer had on civilians and medical services," said Anthony Dalziel, the ICRC's head of operations for South Asia. "In a volatile environment such as the one in Afghanistan, it is especially important that people providing or receiving medical attention be spared at all times."
10/20/2014
A doctor inside the besieged Syrian city of Kobani described desperate conditions on the ground, with hospitals being targeted by Islamic State militants and an acute lack of medical workers and supplies. Walat Omar, one of only a handful of doctors who have stayed in Kobani, said many civilians—mostly elderly—remain in the predominantly Kurdish city, which has been under a monthlong siege by the extremist group.
10/19/2014
The destruction of health services in Gaza is particularly alarming for women. The largest medical center suffered serious damage from attacks and medical workers fear that the closure of the hospital’s maternal health services for high-risk pregnancies will impact fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality rates.
10/15/2014
The war destroys lives not only through the bombs that rip through neighborhoods, but also through its destabilizing effect on the country’s health system and other essential infrastructure. Before the civil war started the spring of 2011, Syria was among the most impressive health success stories in the Arab world.
10/07/2014
Armed attacks on hospitals are occurring more often around the world, resulting in death, injury and destroyed facilities. What can be done to stop this disturbing trend? In human tradition, three types of institutions have been considered safe in times of violence and civil strife; that is, it is expected that they will be exempt from armed attack. These institutions are places of worship, schools and hospitals.
10/05/2014
SNHR documented the killing of nine medics as follows: Three doctors (including one doctor who was tortured to death. It was confirmed that doctors are subjected to a more brutal torture inside the Syrian regime detention centers.) Six medics (including two ladies and one medic who was tortured to death).
10/03/2014
Killings and acts of physical violence committed against civilians, the destruction of homes and businesses, attacks against rescue workers: the list of violations of international humanitarian law taking place on an almost daily basis is long. Just as it is imperative that emergency action be taken to save lives, it is essential that weapon bearers be convinced that they must obey the rules that protect civilians.