A) Objectives of the pledge:
4th COMMONWEALTH RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT CONFERENCE ON
INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW
IHL and Our Response to Humanitarian Needs: A Commonwealth Perspective
20 to 23 July 2015
Canberra, Australia
Joint Pledge on Respecting and Protecting Health Care
in Armed Conflict or Other Emergencies
We, Governments and National Societies of the Commonwealth, undertake to improve the
security of delivery and access to health care by means of the following commitments:
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- Promoting the adoption, implementation and dissemination of appropriate domestic legislative and regulatory frameworks on the protection of health care and on the effective co-ordination of health care in armed conflict or other emergencies;
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- Promoting the development and integration of relevant practical measures, including
those designed to minimise harm to the wounded and sick, health care personnel,
facilities and medical transports during operations involving armed or security forces, including in their orders, procedures and training;
- Promoting the development and integration of relevant practical measures, including
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- Promoting, where relevant, the adoption of legislation regulating the protection and use of the distinctive emblems and taking measures to promote a broad understanding and appropriate use of these emblems;
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- Encouraging the consideration of other additional means of identification which may enhance the protection of health care services; and
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- Enhancing understanding of the rights and responsibilities of health care personnel and the principles underlying ethical principles of health care through the provision of appropriate training for health care personnel and where necessary, armed forces and security forces, the judiciary, civil servants, academia, the media and civil society
B) Action plan:
N/a
C) Indicators for measuring progress:
N/a
D) Resource implications:
N/a