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Q&A;: Should medical staff in Syria be concerned about treating members of terrorist organizations?

How do counterterrorism laws affect the work of medical staff in Syria? Should medical staff be concerned about treating people who may be part of terrorist organizations?

Administrator for local medical NGO active in Syria, Turkey

Exchange Hub 2: Navigating principled humanitarian action and compliance with counter-terrorism laws and policies

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This note is informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should always seek advice from an appropriately qualified legal professional on any specific legal enquiry.

Answers

Sophie Delaunay's picture
Sophie Delaunay
17 February 2015

As a medical organization we do abide by the principles of medical ethics, providing medical care with full impartiality. This means that we treat anyone in need, regardless of his/her affiliation. From an operational standpoint, counterterrorism is not the main barrier to providing medical care in Syria. Insecurity is today the main obstacle faced by humanitarian organizations and medical staff trying to deliver aid in Syria, especially in a context where health facilities have been regularly attacked.

About the author
Sophie Delaunay is executive director of Doctors Without Borders/ Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in the United States.