“Assaults on health-care personnel, facilities and vehicles in conflicts and violent upheavals leave millions around the world without care just when they need it most. This is the key finding of a new report presented by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).” The Report covers from 2008 to end of 2010, and 16 countries including Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Colombia and African states. New conflicts in countries as Libya have only confirmed this trend. Over 600 incidents were recorded in the above areas and within the timeframe. Health care workers and the ICRC are specifically accorded protection under the laws of war and a broad spectrum of UN resolutions, conferences and treaties. Such would also constitute grave violations of international humanitarian law. Prosecution by the International Criminal Court could be referred by the UN Security Council as well as be initiated on basis of jurisdiction and membership in the ICC. A response to the targeting of health care workers, particularly those traditionally also accorded protection as the ICRC, is most possible and thus probable through the ICC (and perhaps relevant ad-hoc tribunals and national courts applying universal jurisdiction). Prosecution of such cases in the past perhaps has not stood out as most offenders are also responsible for other grave violations of international humanitarian law, such as mass killings, sexual assault and genocide. This report reminds that it may be necessary to “remind of the basics” – the protection of health and humanitarian workers in any international and/or internal conflict. By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey










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