Introduction

Since the Since the Second World War, and especially in the last thirty years, many parts of the world have experienced a great increase of gross violations of human rights. These violations are widespread and sophisticated in form. Paradoxically, there is still insufficient awareness among the public and health professionals of the profound long-term effects on health as a result of these violations, which may extend beyond the individual and effect whole societies. Early recognition of these problems and adequate health care may prevent significant health problems developing in individuals, among their families and later generations. Timely recognition is possible only if health professionals are familiar with the reactions, the background to symptoms and reactions and methods of adequate intervention, both at individual and community level.

Origin of the Society

The International Society for Health and Human Rights is a membership organisation for health workers engaged in work with survivors of human rights violations. The aim of the Society is to contribute to the promotion and improvement of aid to persons who have experienced gross violations of human rights, and to contribute to the world-wide eradication of gross violations of human rights, with emphasis on increasing knowledge and exchanging information about treatment methods, medical and psychological care and psychosocial interventions, campaign for the recognition of the consequences of gross violations of human rights for health and society, adhere to existing international legal instruments concerned with health and human rights, encourage their implementation and improvement and support colleagues involved in the care of persons who have experienced gross violations of human rights.

The Society was formally established in 1993. It arose out of an informal but highly committed network of dedicated health professionals who had been meeting and sharing their knowledge and experiences over a period of some ten years. Six international conferences have been held: France (1987), Costa Rica (1989), Chile (1991), the Philippines (1994) and South Africa (1998) and Croatia this year. Our next conference will be held in Palestine in 2004.

Current Activities

For overview over current activities, see Policy Plan