First, we would like to express our heartfelt support for all the health workers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, and for those working tirelessly in so many other areas of health care as well. Health-care workers and facilities and medical vehicles should never be a target of violence, and we urge governments, communities and weapon bearers to respect and protect health care at all times, and to contribute to creating a protective environment in which health care can be provided safely.
Unfortunately, the sad reality is that health workers have for a long time been subject to many shocking forms of violence. The recent displays of public support for COVID-19 responders are heart‑warming, but many responders are nevertheless experiencing harassment, stigmatization and physical violence. Some health-care professionals and the people they were caring for have even been killed. At least 208 reports of such incidents have emerged since the beginning of the pandemic, and each day brings new stories of intimidation and harm.
Violence against health care must not be tolerated. We stand firmly against it, and are working as a global community to build a world where health workers and patients are safe and respected. We call on everyone reading this message to join with us and protect health care from violence. And not only individuals: we call on all governments to act against misinformation and to ensure that health care is protected by domestic law, that all health-care professionals have a safe working environment, and that mental health support is offered not only to victims of violence, but also to those working under increased levels of stress.
Signatories:
Robert Mardini, Director General, International Committee of the Red Cross
Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General, International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Christina Wille, Director, Insecurity Insight
Major General Geert Laire Secretary-General, International Committee of Military Medicine
Annette Kennedy President, International Council of Nurses
Eric de Roodenbeke, C.E.O., International Hospital Federation
Tammy Yu, Liason Officer for Human Rights and Peace Issues, International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations
Philippe de Botton, President, Médecins du Monde
Donna McKay, Executive Director, Physicians for Human Rights
Leonard Rubenstein, Chair, Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition
Emma K. Stokes, President, World Confederation for Physical Therapy
David Gordon, President, World Federation of Medical Education
Frank Ulrich Montgomery, Chair of the Council, World Medical Association