Health and Human Rights in Conflict and Emergencies

Abstract

This chapter explores the relationship between international humanitarian law and human rights law in safeguarding health and protecting rights in conflict and emergencies, examining the evolving role of aid workers as protectors of health-related rights. Complex Humanitarian Emergencies (CHEs)—from mass displacements, to disease outbreaks, to violent conflicts—create an environment for human rights violations and a challenge for human rights promotion. Humanitarian aid, operating within an interconnecting framework across two bodies of law, has the distinctive ability to mitigate violations, prevent harm, and realize rights. Yet the breakdown in social norms and government systems in conflicts and emergencies creates chaos that requires humanitarian responders to engage in lifesaving service provision and community resiliency support. This role, carrying both power and privilege, requires systems of accountability to ensure health and human rights.