ICN issues updated statement on health care in conflict, calling for peace and compliance with international humanitarian law

ICN publishes updated statement on health care in conflict in support of nurses who continue to meet the needs of victims of violence in combat zones around the world.

In recent years, the world has witnessed a disturbing increase in conflicts and wars, placing immense strain on health systems and exacerbating human suffering. Nurses have been at the forefront of these crises, responding to emergencies, supporting recovery efforts, and providing essential care to those affected by violence and displacement. Recognizing their indispensable role, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) has updated its policy statement on health care in conflict, Health care in conflict: the nursing perspective to reaffirm its commitment to supporting nurses and ensuring their safety.

ICN CEO Howard Catton said:

“Against a backdrop of increasing conflicts ICN has updated its policy statement Health care in conflict which reinforces and reiterates the call for the protection of nurses and other health care workers, demanding that governments and all parties in armed conflicts uphold International Humanitarian Laws.

‘Attacks on health facilities, personnel, and patients violate fundamental human rights and endanger the very foundation of health care systems.

‘ICN fully endorses the recommendations outlined in the Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition’s Violence Against Health Care in Conflict 2023 report, emphasizing the need for immediate action to safeguard health care workers and services. A just and sustainable peace must be pursued in Ukraine and elsewhere, ensuring that health care remains neutral and protected.”

‘ICN’s #NursesforPeace campaign was launched in response to the invasion of Ukraine, to enable nurses to show solidarity with colleagues in conflict and disaster zones, and to provide practical nurse to nurse, association to association support, which the campaign has now done in 11 countries. And today, on the third anniversary of the start of the conflict in Ukraine, we again call for a peace settlement which, in order to be lasting, must be fair and just.”

Mr Catton concluded:

“This anniversary is a stark reminder that war continues to devastate lives across the world, and that nurses bear a profound burden as they continue to serve their communities in the face of unimaginable hardships. As peacemakers, nurses play a critical role in healing wounds - both physical and societal - helping to rebuild trust and stability in war-torn areas. ICN underscores the importance of the World Health Organization’s Health for Peace initiative, which recognizes health care as a crucial element in conflict resolution and sustainable peace-building efforts.”

In her latest dispatch from Kyiv, Tetyana Chernyshenko, President of the Nursing Association of Ukraine, described the effects of three years of brutal attacks on her country.

“With this cruel war continuing, there are no safe places for nurses. In the worst areas, such as Donetsk region, Lugansk region, Kherson region and Zaporizhia region, there are no medical centres or pharmacies, but still our nurses are continuing to function in those areas. Many people have been killed, and many have rehabilitation needs after traumatic injuries, including amputations.

‘Despite the war, Ukraine continues to train new nurses and educate the nursing workforce to deal with the emergency care they need to deliver. We are so thankful, and so grateful to ICN for everything it is doing to develop and preserve the professional skill of Ukraine’s nurses.

‘Our current needs include ongoing education support and mental health support. We especially call on nurses around the world via ICN to help us improve the psychosocial state of our nurses, who have been deeply affected by the war and the trauma they see every day. We remain dedicated to providing our nurses with proper education they need to care for the people of Ukraine.

‘No matter how hard it is for everybody in our country right now, we know that the democratic world is going to win. We are dreaming of living in a peaceful Ukraine.” ICN’s Humanitarian Fund and #Nurses4Peace campaign remain vital platforms where nurses and others can contribute their support in meaningful and practical ways. [Click here for more information.]