IHL and Our Response to Humanitarian Needs: A Commonwealth Perspective: Joint Pledge on Respecting and Protecting Health Care in Armed Conflict or Other Emergencies

4th COMMONWEALTH RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT CONFERENCE ON
INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW

IHL and Our Response to Humanitarian Needs: A Commonwealth Perspective
20 to 23 July 2015
Canberra, Australia

Joint Pledge on Respecting and Protecting Health Care
in Armed Conflict or Other Emergencies

We, Governments and National Societies of the Commonwealth, undertake to improve the
security of delivery and access to health care by means of the following commitments:

1. Promoting the adoption,  implementation and dissemination of  appropriate  domestic legislative and regulatory frameworks on the protection of health care and on the effective co-ordination of health care in armed conflict or other emergencies;
2. Promoting the  development and integration of relevant practical measures, including
   those designed to minimise harm to the wounded and sick, health care personnel,
   facilities and medical  transports during operations involving armed or security forces, including in their orders, procedures and training;
3. Promoting, where relevant, the adoption of legislation regulating the  protection and use of the distinctive emblems and taking measures to promote a broad understanding and appropriate use of these emblems;
4. Encouraging the  consideration of  other additional means of identification which  may enhance the protection of health care services; and
5. Enhancing understanding of the rights and responsibilities of health care personnel and the principles underlying  ethical principles of health care through the provision  of appropriate training for health care personnel and where necessary, armed forces and security forces, the judiciary, civil servants, academia, the media and civil society

Action plan