Statement on Protection and Safety of Health Care Workers
December 6, 2023
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) stands behind
International Humanitarian Law (IHL), which defines the protection
and safety that must be afforded to all health workers and their
patients in times of conflict. These include:
-
Rapid and unimpeded passage of medical and humanitarian aid
during armed conflicts
-
Freedom of movement for medical and humanitarian workers in
conflict areas
-
The protection of civilians, including medical and
humanitarian workers
Upholding humanitarian standards during armed conflict is a
longstanding practice, not restricted to one custom, religion,
nation, people, or time. To abandon this principle is to abandon the
medical and health care workers who pledged with their very lives to
care for the wounded and the sick without consideration for
themselves or their loved ones.
We implore all nations and groups engaged in conflict today and in
the future to adhere to International Humanitarian Law. We ask their
leaders to protect the individuals whose primary responsibilities
are to render aid and healing to all without prejudice and to ensure
medical facilities are kept operational, supplies safeguarded, and
transportation of the injured unimpeded.
Guided by our commitment to community and integrity, CHEST will continue
to advocate for unimpeded access to health care for all people at all
times and ask that our members use their voices to do the same.