The concept of “ethics” was introduced by Socrates, and defined as a philosophical discipline by Aristotle. Today this discipline tries to set up criteria for “good” and “bad” behavior/actions, and to evaluate the motives for these actions, and the consequences.
In all health care work, and particularly in work with persons exposed to injustice and human rights violations, a clear awareness of ethical codes, standards and principles is quite necessary. The knowledge and clarity about ethical and human rights principles will strengthen the involvement of health professionals in human rights violations, and fortify their actions to prevent such violations. It is in order to strengthen knowledge about these principles, that we include a thematic page on ethics.