Resolution 2 – Addressing mental health and psychosocial needs of people affected by armed conflicts, natural disasters and other emergencies
Summary
The resolution seeks to address the mental health and psychosocial needs of people affected by armed conflicts, natural disasters and other emergencies. Such crises can take an immense toll on the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of affected individuals, families and communities. Mental health and psychosocial needs increase extensively because of these situations, and people with pre-existing mental health concerns often face challenges. Limited access to quality services, limited human resources for mental health and psychosocial support and the lack of protection of affected people, in combination with the pervasive stigma around mental health, contribute to the growing gap between need and response.
The 33rd International Conference adopted the resolution “Addressing mental health and psychosocial needs of people affected by armed conflicts, natural disasters and other emergencies” which calls for the following action:
The 33rd International Conference adopted the resolution “Addressing mental health and psychosocial needs of people affected by armed conflicts, natural disasters and other emergencies” which calls for the following action:
- Ensure early access to mental health and psychosocial support and strengthen local and community-based response
- Ensure comprehensive and integrated care and support for people with mental health and psychosocial needs
- Prevent mental health harm by ensuring the protection and dignity of people affected by armed conflicts, natural disasters and emergencies
- Build the capacity of the mental health and psychosocial workforce
- Protect the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of those responding to humanitarian need
Adopted resolution at the 33rd International Conference
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Resolution 2 – Addressing mental health and psychosocial needs of people affected by armed conflicts, natural disasters and other emergencies
- Adopted resolution (33IC/19/R2)
- Background document (33IC/19/12.2)
Reporting on resolution
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Related documents
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Documents
- A roadmap for implementing International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement commitments on addressing mental health and psychosocial needs, 2020–2023
- Statutory meetings blog article: Mental health and psychosocial consequences of emergencies – A call for global action
- Report on the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support spotlight session at the 33rd International Conference (included in the Commission II Shifting Vulnerabilities report)
- International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement Policy on Addressing Mental Health and Psychosocial Needs (adopted at the 2019 Council of Delegates of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement) Publication / video
- Video: The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement’s mental health and psychosocial support framework
- “The greatest need was to be listened to”: The importance of mental health and psychosocial support during COVID-19.
- To view all documents and dissemination materials relating to the 33rd International Conference commitments, please visit the IFRC Psychosocial Centre’s Resource Room
- To view other documents / videos / publications on mental health and psychosocial support, please visit the IFRC Psychosocial Centre’s Resource Library.
Related pledges
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