Caring for the frontlines in armed conflict: mental health for victims, legal advocates, journalists and first responders

A webinar presented by the IBA Human Rights Law Committee

This panel will address the urgent and multifaceted issue of trauma and the critical need for comprehensive mental health services for individuals affected by the devastating realities of armed conflict. While survivors bear the most profound psychological and emotional burdens, requiring extensive support not only to facilitate their recovery but also as they play a vital role in providing testimony, evidence and eyewitness accounts of atrocities, it is equally important to recognise the significant impact on professionals engaged in documenting and responding to these crises. Lawyers, investigators, journalists and first responders, particularly medical practitioners, are frequently exposed to secondary trauma and face considerable risks to their mental wellbeing.

The discussion will convene a diverse group of experts and practitioners to examine these challenges from multiple perspectives. Panellists will explore existing gaps in training and service provision, highlight effective practices and propose potential strategies to strengthen mental health support systems in conflict and post-conflict settings. The session aims to foster a deeper understanding of the complex dimensions of trauma while identifying practical avenues for advancing holistic, sustainable and culturally sensitive mental health interventions.

As we are limited to 1,000 registrants, we request that you please only register for this event if you will be attending.