In a recent address, UN Special Rapporteur on the right to health, Tlaleng Mofokeng, issued a call to action for states to cease the targeting and killing of health and care workers. Speaking on the global stage, Mofokeng urged that health professionals held in detention be freed immediately. Her appeal extends to the harassment and torture faced by health workers worldwide, emphasizing the need to protect their rights as essential components of the right to health. Her statement is documented in a news article from JURIST.
The urgency of Mofokeng’s message is underscored by disturbing trends. Her report cites 1,637 attacks on healthcare facilities in 2024 as reported by the World Health Organization, leading to 937 deaths and 1,774 injuries. The impact of such violence not only endangers health workers but disrupts essential medical services during conflicts, as seen vividly in the Gaza Strip where sustained hostilities have led to significant medical infrastructure damage. Notably, Israeli forces have been implicated in targeting healthcare workers and facilities, with more than 310 health and care workers reportedly detained since October 2023.
Beyond the immediate threats, the systemic violations of health workers’ rights often accentuate disparities, impacting marginalized groups adversely. Mofokeng highlighted how these challenges can contribute to unsafe working environments, affecting the diversity and quality of care provided. Addressing these issues, especially within conflict zones described as “no human rights zones,” is critical to ensuring fair and equitable healthcare.
Of equal relevance are the provisions under the laws of armed conflict, which mandate the distinction between civilian and military objectives, prohibiting attacks against civilians and ensuring specific protections for health workers under both treaty and customary law. These legal frameworks stress the necessity for nations to navigate military advantages without disproportionate harm to civilian and healthcare infrastructures.
In essence, Mofokeng’s call to action is a clarion reminder of the international community’s obligation to safeguard health workers’ rights, reinforcing their pivotal role in facilitating health equity and protecting the sanctity of life within and beyond conflict zones.