As the #UNSC meets to discuss #COVID19 we explain the importance of International humanitarian law ( #IHL) in helping combat the spread of the #coronavirus.

International humanitarian law gives parties to the conflict, 3rd States and international humanitarian organizations ground rules to guide dialogue on humanitarian access and activities, including when a pandemic erupts in times of armed conflict #COVID19 https://twitter.com/ICRC_Africa/status/1247434133984497665

Measures taken by States to tackle the #COVID19 pandemic do not exist in a legal void and must be consistent with all applicable rules of international law, including #IHL.

Impartial humanitarian organizations must seek and obtain consent from the authorities to deliver their activities, including in the context of #COVID19.

But consent is not discretionary and arguments based on the necessity to counter the spread of #COVID19 are not valid grounds under #IHL to deny consent to humanitarian activities undertaken by impartial humanitarian organizations such as the @ICRC.

. @ICRC is asking States to:

1) Provide safeguards for vulnerable people in the face of exceptional public health measures, and arrangements for humanitarian action, so we can keep serving the people who most need our assistance.

2) Scale up support for countries with weakened health systems and limited capacity to respond. With a truly global response, the very worst can be avoided.

3) Stay flexible in financial support and limit earmarking as much as possible.