The entitlement of the wounded and sick to receive medical care is a foundational principle of international humanitarian law (IHL). Medical facilities and personnel are granted legal protection that allows them to serve their functions. This specific protection is coupled with obligations and prohibitions that aim to limit its abuse. At a time of deepening global instability and multiple protracted conflicts, respect for IHL is more important than ever. But stark evidence of the impact of conflict on medical care has not equated with better protection on the ground. The research paper, “Addressing the Crisis of Medical Care in Armed Conflict” by Emanuela-Chiara Gillard responds to the need for clarification of the rules of IHL relevant to the provision of medical care in armed conflict. It addresses specific questions and challenges that have arisen in recent conflicts, and identifies concrete measures that can be taken by states, organised armed groups and other actors to promote compliance.
