The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement) sees an urgent need to scale up collective response to the mental health and psychosocial needs of people affected by armed conflicts, natural disasters and other emergencies. The Movement is well positioned to support joint and cohesive efforts with States and other stakeholders to address critical gaps in mental health and psychosocial support services. The ICRC and the IFRC therefore find it timely to call for action and bring this issue before the 33rd International Conference in the form of a resolution.
The proposed resolution calls upon States and the components of the Movement to:
• Ensure early access to mental health and psychosocial support and strengthen local and community-based response
• Ensure comprehensive and integrated care and support for people with mental health and psychosocial needs
• Prevent mental health harm by ensuring the protection and dignity of people affected by armed conflicts, natural disasters and emergencies
• Build the capacity of the mental health and psychosocial workforce
• Protect the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of those responding to humanitarian needs
