Safeguarding the Provision of Health Care: Operational Practices and Relevant International Humanitarian Law concerning Armed Groups

Safe access to health care is essential for both civilians and combatants in conflict situations. But for this to happen, health-care personnel have to be respected and protected by all parties to a conflict and be able to perform their humanitarian duty without fearing for their safety. This publication is a practical tool that provides armed groups and other interested audiences with information on relevant IHL obligations and practical measures that armed groups can adopt to safeguard the provision of health care. It is the result of a two-year consultation process, carried out by the ICRC as part of the Health Care in Danger project, with more than 30 armed groups engaged in non-international armed conflicts around the world.