The challenges of delivering healthcare and telling the story in a war zone

Thu 21 March

Cambridge Union Society

In war healthcare and the media are protected entities under international humanitarian law. But the emblems they wear, be it the Red Cross or Crescent or the word PRESS, are increasingly making them a target, with the current situation in the Middle East and Ukraine highlighting the risks.

This event starts with a screening of the 2003 documentary, Article 17- Doctors in Palestine (distributed by British Council, Cannes Film Festival and Raindance Film Festival), depicting the challenges faced by healthcare workers and journalists working in conflict zones, made by filmmaker Dr Saleyha Ahsan.

It will be followed by a discussion focusing on what can be done about the rising risks for reporters and medics with a panel of conflict-experienced practitioners and researchers: Dr Jim Campbell (WHO), Lindsey Hilsum (Channel 4 News), Toby Cadman (The Guernica Group), Rob Williams (War Child Alliance) and Dr Saleyha Ahsan (International Health Systems Group, Cambridge).

A welcome and introduction will be delivered by Professor Joanna Page, Director of Centre of Research in the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (CRASSH).

Cost: Free