MEDICAL SIEGE

The right of free access to healthcare for the residents of Camp Liberty is also violated by the Iraq government. This grave violation of both medical and basic human rights principles has resulted in the rapid deterioration of the health conditions in the camp and even in death of some. In a letter delivered to the Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, the World Medical Association wrote, “According to testimonies and reports from human rights organizations the basic rights of the 2700 residents – such as access to physicians and medicine, the confidentiality of physician-patient relationship or the right of patients to have interpreter and accompanying nurses when needed – are frequently violated”. “Furthermore, numerous reported cases relate to situations where hospitalization of patients and purchase of medicine have been prevented. Other examples include cancellation of medical appointments, delayed transfers of patients to hospital, or denial of permission to travel outside the Camp to receive treatment.”