This is how to ensure safety of medical workers in armed conflicts

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Inês Arnaud Dias, a 23 year-old medical student from Portugal, studying at the University of Lisbon. She is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

Throughout history, humanity has been defined by cycles of conflict, revolution, and war, and the present is no exception. To mitigate harm when violence erupts, frameworks like International Law (IL) and International Humanitarian Law (IHL) have been established. If history analysis tells us that conflict is inevitable, then it becomes imperative to work toward minimizing harm when it occurs. IHL mandates that civilians cannot be targeted, military actions must consider potential civilian losses, and that everyone is entitled to medical care, regardless of their identity or perceived actions. In conflict zones worldwide, healthcare professionals risk their lives daily to provide essential care to those in need. As these regions grow more volatile, safeguarding healthcare workers is critical: not only for their own safety but also for the vulnerable communities relying on them.

International law protects the Red Cross, Red Crescent, and Red Crystal symbols as identifiers for medical personnel, intended to shield them from attack. Unfortunately, in many conflict zones, these protections are ignored, leaving medical professionals to devise ways to protect themselves and their patients.

In such environments, two distinct roles emerge: Duty Bearers, actors responsible for upholding human rights, including healthcare professionals, and Weapon Bearers, those who carry arms, capable of both causing and preventing harm. This latter group can either support or obstruct humanitarian efforts, making their engagement essential to preserving the neutrality of medical teams.

Ensuring healthcare access in conflict zones requires specific skills and coordination among all stakeholders:

• Collaboration is key: Effective healthcare delivery demands coordinated efforts among military, humanitarian, and healthcare sectors to ensure safe operations in volatile areas.
• Clear communication and negotiation skills are vital: Duty Bearers must be equipped to engage with armed groups, securing both the safety of healthcare workers and the well-being of those they serve.
• Adaptability and flexibility are essential: In rapidly changing environments, Duty Bearers must stay agile, responding to situational shifts while upholding humanitarian principles.

These skills are particularly crucial in managing high-stress situations, from checkpoint negotiations to responding to bombing threats. Emergency response plans, secure shelters for healthcare staff and patients, and well-rehearsed protocols are all critical measures to safeguard lives.

In sum, the safety of healthcare professionals in conflict zones rests on collaborative, communicative, and adaptable practices. By emphasizing these principles, the international community can better support those who risk everything to save lives in some of the world’s most dangerous places.

About the author

Inês Arnaud Dias is a 23 year-old medical student from Portugal, studying at the University of Lisbon. Takes part in Local Community activities that combine her two main passions: Theater and Human Rights. She is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA) through the Associação Nacional de Estudantes de Medicina (ANEM).