Following UN Security Council 1371 (2001), the UN and its member states have developed what can be described as an international counterterrorism regime composed of laws, standards, rules, policies, and practices. However, there is growing evidence that the design and implementation of counterterrorism measures can adversely impact the provision of medical care and the conduct of principled humanitarian action in armed conflict. Whether inadvertently or not, these measures have impeded—and at times prevented—the provision of essential and lifesaving aid. This runs counter to international humanitarian law obligations to provide and grant access to medical assistance and impartial humanitarian aid, which need to be taken into account in the design and implementation of counterterrorism laws and policies. 

This event aims to enhance awareness of how counterterrorism measures and their implementation may adversely impact the delivery of impartial humanitarian assistance in armed conflict zones, in particular looking at the current UN counterterrorism framework. It will also mark the launch of IPI’s new report, “Safeguarding Medical Care and Humanitarian Action in the UN Counterterrorism Framework” and disseminate key findings from the research. Finally, it will discuss recommendations and explore ways forward to mitigate tensions between counterterrorism and humanitarian imperatives.