Event

Targeting medics on the battlefield: addressing the crisis through law and practice

This event hosted by UK think tank Chatham House clarifies international humanitarian law and identifies practical measures for its effective implementation.

At a time when international humanitarian law is under strain in so many armed conflicts around the world, the wounded and sick, and medical personnel and facilities often bear the brunt of hostilities.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the adoption of Security Council resolution 2286 (2016) on the protection of medical care in armed conflict. But in the decade since its adoption, hospitals have been targeted, damaged and misused. The wounded and sick have been unable to access medical care, and healthcare providers have been punished for providing assistance.

This event, which coincides with the publication of the ‘Medical care in armed conflict: addressing the crisis’ research paper by the International Law Programme at Chatham House, will explore:

• What challenges have arisen in recent conflicts relating to the provision of medical care in armed conflict?
• What measures can be adopted to ensure respect for the law, and mitigate adverse impact of military operations on medical care?
• What measures can states, organised armed groups, and other actors take to promote compliance with the rules of international humanitarian law?

Speakers

Event chaired by Elizabeth Wilmshurst.

Elizabeth Wilmshurst CMG KC – Distinguished Fellow, International Law Programme

Francoise Bouchet-Saulnier – Legal Director, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

Emanuela-Chiara Gillard – Associate Fellow, International Law Programme

Sigrid Redse Johansen – Director-General, Legal Department, Norwegian Ministry of Defence