Family Doctors for Global Justice: Advocating for Equity and Human Rights Worldwide
Welcome to the Caucus: Family Doctors for Global Justice
Welcome to the Caucus of Family Doctors for Global Justice. We are a network of family doctors, particularly young family doctors, united by a commitment to address critical global justice issues that impact health and well-being across the world. We believe that as healthcare professionals rooted in our communities and guided by ethical principles, we have a responsibility to advocate for a more just and equitable world.
Our Mission: Justice is a Health Issue
Our mission is to leverage the unique perspective and trusted position of family medicine to advocate for human rights, equity, and justice globally. We aim to address systemic issues that undermine health, drawing on principles such as respect for universal human rights and promoting equity. We strive to ensure that our professional bodies, like WONCA, uphold these values consistently in the face of global crises.
End the Double Standard: Consistent Advocacy for Palestine
Currently, a primary focus of our Caucus is urging the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) to demonstrate consistent and principled action regarding global humanitarian crises. We are deeply concerned by the disparity in the response to the unfolding catastrophe in Palestine compared to actions taken in response to other crises, such as the situation in Ukraine.
- The Crisis: The humanitarian situation in Palestine, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank, is severe, with a devastating impact on healthcare infrastructure and personnel. Actions on the ground have been described using terms like “apartheid,” “illegal occupation,” and even “genocide” and “war crimes” by various commentators and sources. The period of 2022-2024 has seen the highest number of attacks against health personnel globally, making their protection in places like Palestine critically urgent.
- The Disparity: While WONCA has responded to the crisis in Ukraine with clear calls for solidarity, urging members to take action and support, promoting specific ways to help, and naming key humanitarian relief organisations like the International Committee of the Red Cross, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and UNFPA, its public stance and calls to action specifically regarding Palestine are perceived as lacking this same level of specificity and urgency. This perceived difference leads to accusations of a “double standard”.
- Our Stance: We believe this inconsistency undermines WONCA’s credibility and moral authority and contradicts the ethical principles binding doctors, which include the duty to alleviate suffering and provide care impartially. Based on medical ethics, integrity, and equality, advocating for an equitable and robust response to Palestine is an ethical imperative.
Take Action for Palestine: Your Voice Matters
Learn more about the historical context, understand the current crisis, and find out how you can urge WONCA leadership to uphold its stated principles and advocate for consistent action on Palestine.
- Learn More About the Palestine Crisis
- Understand WONCA’s Response “WONCA: Principles & Responses” | “The Double Standard”
- Urge WONCA Leadership to “Take Action”
- Explore Resources
Join the Caucus: Be a Family Doctor for Global Justice
Are you a family doctor committed to advocating for justice and equity worldwide? Join our growing network. We provide a platform for collective action, education, and support to address pressing global issues.
Explore Other Initiatives: Our Work for Global Justice
The crisis in Palestine is a critical current focus, but the Caucus is committed to addressing global justice issues broadly. Stay tuned for information on other campaigns and areas of focus as our organisation grows.
Stay Connected
Follow us on social media (to be set up soon) to receive updates on our campaigns and initiatives.
