Statement of Consensus: Urging Uninterrupted Insulin Access in Humanitarian Crises

 

 

 

 

As diabetes advocates and members of the Diabetes Community worldwide, we, the signatories, want to highlight a shared concern. In times of conflict, insulin is being restricted in aid, putting lives at risk.

Insulin serves as a vital lifeline for individuals living with Type 1 diabetes, and it's (equally) essential for many others managing different forms of diabetes that are insulin-dependent.  The recent restrictions on insulin during conflicts are alarming. Without it, the health of people with diabetes deteriorates rapidly, and the consequences can be deadly. Insulin represents survival and access to it safeguards the human rights to health and life.

 

Our Unified Stand:

This Statement of Consensus stands as a testament to our collective commitment to safeguarding the right to life, ensuring uninterrupted access to care, and providing essential protection for individuals living with diabetes, particularly in conflict zones.

We urgently call upon all involved parties to recognize the humanitarian impact of obstructing insulin access, prioritizing the health and survival of those reliant on this life-saving medication. 

It is imperative to understand that the absence of insulin equates to death for those in need. Therefore, any barrier hindering insulin access for a region or population must be addressed promptly.

 

Call for Collaboration:

We extend an invitation for collaborative efforts to enhance and fortify this statement. Together, our goal is to amplify our unified voice, ensuring that our advocacy for unrestricted insulin access resonates across the globe.

 Furthermore, this request regarding insulin also needs to be applied to all other life-saving medications for people living with NCDs (non-communicable diseases).

 

Human Rights Basics:

We stand on the principles of basic human rights:

• Right to Life (UDHR Article 3): Everyone deserves the right to life and security
• Right to Health (ICESCR Article 12): Recognizing the right to the best possible health
• Child’s Right to Health (CRC Article 24): Ensuring children enjoy the best health possible
• Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD Article 25): Affirming health rights without discrimination

International Human Rights Framework:

• International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR Article 6): Protecting the right to life
• Geneva Conventions (Common Article 3): Ensuring humane treatment during conflicts
• Fourth Geneva Convention (Article 56): Guaranteeing access to medical care for those in need
• UN Guidelines on Human Rights and Extreme Poverty: Acknowledging the impact of health on poverty.

 

• UDHR: Universal Declaration of Human Rights
• ICESCR: International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights
• CRC: Convention on the Rights of the Child
• CRPD: Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
• ICCPR: International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
• UN: United Nations
• Geneva Conventions: Conventions that establish standards for humane treatment during armed conflicts

 

 

Authors:

• Lucía Feito Allonca, Spain (Author)
• Amin Zayani, Germany (Author)
• Dawn Adams, Northern Ireland (Author)
• Caro Pudmensky, Germany (Author)
• Sebastián Haro, Uruguay (Author)
• Miroslava Calegari, Slovakia (Author)
• Katie Lamb, United Kingdom (assets)

 

Initial signatories:

Individuals

• Ana Alvarez, Spain
• Asra H Ahmed, Saudi Arabia
• David Burren, Australia
• Hubban Khan, Pakistan
• Jérôme Kazabukeye, Burundi
• Kalyanee Auroomoogum, Mauritius A
• Marianne Thoresen, Norway
• Martin Scivier, United Kingdom
• Nathalie Piat, France
• Zuhad Munawar Khan, Pakistan
• Johanah Co, Philippines
• Andrea Limbourg, France
• Sana Ajmal, Pakistan
• Leon Tribe, Australia
• Elena Frattolin, Italy
• Sana Ajmal, Pakistan
• Belinda Moore, Australia
• Anita Sabidi, Indonesia (asset)
• Tinotenda Dzikiti, Zimbabwe
• Banu Tutar, Türkiye

Organizations

Meethi Zindagi