Preventing Pandemics: Protection of Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones


Preventing Pandemics

Topic B: Protection of Humanitarian Workers in Conflict Zones

In recent months, attacks and clashes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have inhibited the work of healthcare providers thus risking the containment of deadly diseases such as Ebola. The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) are a rebel group present in the DRC known to attack civilians and health workers. In October of 2018, two Red Cross volunteers were severally injured and two medical agents were killed. Medical workers in the DRC's conflict zones are often accompanied by UN Peacekeepers or the Congolese army for security however these attacks have halted the workers who were treating a deadly outbreak of Ebola. This is troubling as the further spread of Ebola could take place due to the lack of health workers to treat the infected and provide vaccinations to those who are most at risk. Thus the failure to protect humanitarian workers can spell disaster for the containment of deadly diseases, risking a global pandemic.

How can the international community create frameworks to respond to possible global crises due to the lack of protection of humanitarian workers?

The AP article on this issue can be found here.

Comments

  1. Swiss ConfederationFebruary 13, 2019 at 10:16 PM

    Fellow Delegates,

    The Swiss Confederation has a multitude of aid agencies working in numerous countries around the world, ranging from Sierra Leone, Somalia, and of course the Democratic Republic of the Congo as seen in this article. The majority of the aid agencies work under the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (or the SHA) to provide help in 11 different sectors, such as construction and medical help. The Red Cross, originated in Switzerland, is an internationally recognized organization that has been serving humanity since World War I. Of course, there are instances where humanitarian workers are attacked when working in other countries. However, the vast majority of aid workers from the Swiss Confederation show indomitable tenacity to their tasks and generally come back home unscathed.
    The topic of protecting humanitarian workers, especially in conflict zones, is a topic that has only gained fortitude in the last few years. This can be seen by the timeline of proposed solutions to the problem. In 2017, the United Nations adopted Resolution A/72/L.22 which calls upon all governments and states that are in crisis to ensure that they cooperate with workers, so civilians may be protected. This resolution, among others, calls for action but does not offer a tangible solution to the problem. We, as the Swiss Confederation, believe that the most important way that we can create change is through reforms in existing framework as well as the establishment of new and effective policy.
    Firstly, we would like to propose that there be an international symbol that represents a humanitarian worker. With a multitude of signs for the infinite number of aid agencies, a refugee in a war-torn area may not know if the person coming towards him offers help or ultimately their demise. By choosing a sign that is identifiable, even from a distance, we can already eliminate part of the problem. The delegation of Switzerland would also like to set a formal definition to what a humanitarian worker is. We would like to outline that definition as “any persons that provide aid, in the form of food, water, education, shelter, or other necessities that may improve the lives of those in need and work for either governmental agencies or private sectors in other countries or their own homeland.” The Swiss Confederation would also like to encourage all governments to set aside part of their money for the protection of humanitarian workers. This has been shown to make an impact in countries such as our own. Governments can be incentivized to provide money with economic incentives, as well as a return on their Foreign Direct Investment. Although there must be further solutions than simply altering the framework, adjusting the framework is an important first step to solving the crisis at hand. Of course, we, as a part of the international community, are willing to take guidelines, critique, or advice you may have to add. We are thrilled to engage in an experience of lively debate at this session of BMUN. Thank you!

    -The Swiss Confederation

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownFebruary 18, 2019 at 4:27 PM

    To The members of UNHRC,

    The 1994 Convention on the Safety of U.N. and Associated Personnel is currently the only existing international framework that focuses on the protection of humanitarian personnel. Therefore, Venezuela believes that a global forum must be held to create an international framework that distinguishes the varying requirements and consequences based on each nation and its capabilities. Venezuela recommends humanitarian aid organizations to mandate its medical professionals to take preventative measures through the usage of medical tools such as vaccinations or prescribed medications.
    To address medical professionals impeded from assisting in situations that are labeled “too vulnerable” or “dangerous,” Venezuela advises providing alternative methods of assistance such as medical packages or health stations. Alternative methods of medical assistance would involve distributing medical tools created for self use. The Vaccine Skin Patch is an alternative to needle or syringe immunization which normally requires assistance from medical personnel. This skin patch is a painless bandage sized strip containing 100 microneedles that dissolve with the vaccination treatment. Distributing self-administered vaccines would reduce the need for aid personnel to assist in regions prone to attacks in the first place. Through these innovative and collaborative approaches, Venezuela hopes to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the international community’s response during global crises to better protect humanitarian workers.

    Thank you,
    Venezuela

    ReplyDelete

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