The Israeli government’s restrictions on medical supplies entering Gaza have led to preventable suffering and death, according to a new study published today by Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) and the Global Human Rights Clinic (GHRC) at the University of Chicago Law School.   “Throughout this war, Israel’s limits on life-saving medical supplies – such as […]

At every point in their effort to provide care in Gaza, volunteer health care professionals face systematic practices and policies that directly impact their ability to prevent suffering and loss.

What does international law say about access to medical supplies in conflict zones? What is the obligation of parties to a conflict to ensure access to health care supplies? Medical supplies are never to be used strategically in warfare. In times of conflict, all parties to the conflict must both “allow and facilitate rapid and […]

A physician specializing in child health in developing countries, Dr. Ronald Waldman began his career with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Smallpox Eradication Program in Bangladesh. He subsequently worked at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for more than 20 years where, among other assignments, he directed technical support activities for the […]

In May 2025, Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) sent a team of forensic experts to Mosul in northern Iraq to conduct a workshop on survivor-centered justice for judges from towns that experienced crimes firsthand committed by the self-declared Islamic State (IS or ISIL). Mosul, located in the Nineveh Governorate in northern Iraq, served as the […]

On the legality of the arrest warrant against Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian Chemical Weapons case (question of personal immunity)  This document shares detailed information about the upcoming hearing before the French Cour de cassation, during which a panel of judges will hear arguments about whether former President of Syria Bashar al-Assad should be legally immune […]

On July 4, 2025, the French Cour de cassation will hold a landmark hearing to determine the legality of the arrest warrant issued for former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. This hearing represents a pivotal moment in the global fight against impunity for crimes under international law, including chemical weapons attacks constituting war crimes and crimes […]

In response to the U.S. government-facilitated agreement signed today by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda, which aims to bring peace to the conflict-affected region of eastern DRC, the following statement is attributable to Sam Zarifi, JD, executive director at Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), which has worked in […]

Salim S. Abdool Karim, MD, PhD, FRS, director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) and PHR Advisory Council member, reflects on the wide-ranging consequences of cuts to U.S. aid by the Trump administration. As an expert in clinical diseases epidemiology, Dr. Abdool Karim warns of both the unmistakable […]

Externally Funded Legal Fellow Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), which shared in the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997, is a U.S.-based international advocacy organization working at the intersection of medicine, science, and law. With a global network of thousands of medical, scientific, and legal experts, PHR uses the power of medical and scientific evidence to […]

On June 19, the international community marks the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict – a day to honor the strength of survivors and recommit to the pursuit of justice and healing. This year’s theme, “The Intergenerational Impact of Sexual Violence” calls global attention to the profound and enduring harm inflicted […]

In response to increased U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) apprehensions of immigrants in the United States, the following statement is attributable to Katherine Peeler, MD, medical advisor at Physicians for Human Rights (PHR):  “Immigrants in the United States are facing increasing risks to their health and human rights following the announcement in late May […]

Annual Celebration of Health and Human Rights Heroes Thursday, October 30, 2025 | New York, NY The Physicians for Human Rights Annual Celebration honors the work of health professionals working on the front lines to defend human rights. The annual event supports PHR’s work advocating for persecuted health workers and health facilities under attack, preventing […]

This Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) research brief presents key insights from interviews with ten medical and public health experts who support projects across Ethiopia, including in Addis Ababa and Tigray, and data on the impact of the funding cuts across Ethiopia. This brief has a specific focus on Tigray where impacts of regional tensions […]

An abrupt freeze on United States foreign aid is catalyzing a preventable health catastrophe in Ethiopia, Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) said today in a new research brief. PHR calls on the Trump administration to reverse global health aid cuts and on other governments to help provide sustainable funding to address the health crisis in Ethiopia. […]

Read about the impact of Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) in the United States and around the world in our 2024 Annual Report.

Junior Accountant (Accounting Associate)  Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), which shared in the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997, is a U.S.-based international advocacy organization working at the intersection of medicine, science, and law. With a global network of thousands of medical, scientific, and legal experts, PHR uses the power of medical and scientific evidence to […]

In response to the Trump administration rescinding guidance around the federal rule EMTALA (Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act), which requires hospitals to stabilize patients experiencing medical emergencies, including patients with pregnancy complications, the following quote is attributable to Payal Shah, JD, Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) director of research, legal, and advocacy:  “From Idaho […]

Project Evaluation Consultant Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), which shared in the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997, is a U.S.-based international advocacy organization working at the intersection of medicine, science, and law. With a global network of thousands of medical, scientific, and legal experts, PHR uses the power of medical and scientific evidence to document […]

As international justice experts rush to offer Syrians their TJ expertise and services, the Syrians may do well to grasp the opportunity to draw relevant lessons from such experiences around the world—and more importantly from neighboring Iraq—while recognizing key differences between the two situations.

Les efforts annoncés par l’administration Trump pour faciliter un accord de paix entre le Rwanda et la République démocratique du Congo (RDC), doivent privilégier la responsabilité et la justice pour les survivant-e-s et les victimes de ce conflit de longue date, a déclaré aujourd’hui Physicians for Human Rights (PHR).  Une première « déclaration de principes […]

The Trump administration’s reported efforts to facilitate a peace accord between Rwanda and Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) must prioritize accountability and justice for survivors and victims of the long-running conflict, Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) said today.   An initial “declaration of principles” between DRC and Rwanda published by the U.S. State Department is […]

The following quote is attributable to Houssam al-Nahhas, MD, MPH, health and human rights researcher for Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) and a Syrian physician:  “The new Syrian government’s establishment of a National Transitional Justice Commission and a National Commission for the Missing represents key steps forward for survivors and families of the victims of […]

*This press release is cross-posted from the Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition (SHCC), of which PHR is a Steering Committee Member. GENEVA – In 2024, attacks on health care in conflict reached the highest level ever recorded since the Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition (SHCC) began reporting over a decade ago. The SHCC’s new report – Epidemic of Violence […]

PHR urges members of Congress to exercise Congress’ power to determine the FY26 federal budget and to protect, restore, and fully fund global health aid.