Standards of Investigation Under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Investigations of Incidents of Historic Significance

In search of international remedies for the investigation of the Tu-154M airplane crash of April 10, 2010, in Smolensk, Russia, standards of effective investigation under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights are examined. Cases of airplane crashes and terrorist attacks are analyzed. Next, investigations of major international incidents of historic significance are examined. The case of UN Secretary General D. Hammarskjold killed in 1961 airplane crash is analyzed. Also, the investigation conducted by the International Commission of Inquiry for Lebanon on the assassination of Prime Minister Hariri is examined. Based on the above, recommendations are made for the most effective international investigation of the Smolensk crash.

Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response (EPRR)

As an organisation, locality or nation, there is a growing need to respond to a wide range of incidents and emergencies that could affect health and the care of patients. Responses to both domestic and international incidents have shown that collaboration, understanding and joint responses across organisations have improved the outcome of those affected by incidents which impact on health. Emergency response is something that is of increasing importance and has been tested on multiple occasions during recent events in the UK. Regarding health, the aim is to respond rapidly and efficiently, reducing potential morbidity and mortality to the lowest possible level in a given circumstance. This paper discusses what is meant by EPRR (Emergency, Preparedness, Resilience and Response), types of potential incidents, how we collectively prepare for responding and what has been learnt during recent events. It concludes with an outline of some selected current activity and highlights the likelihood of increased cross-sector working in EPRR.

Peer-support groups for cross-border victims of terrorism: Lessons learnt in the UK after the 9/11 and Paris attacks

When people become victims of terrorism in a country other than their own, they often face diverse legal, financial, cultural and political difficulties. This paper addresses peer support groups in their various forms (e.g. therapeutic support groups, victim association gatherings, online forums, etc.), as an effective way of helping people affected by cross-border terrorist attacks to deal with the complex problems they face, thus alleviating some of their suffering. It focuses on two major international incidents affecting British nationals: the attacks of 11 September 2001 and the Paris attacks of 13 November 2015. The author was an initiator of peer-support systems for the UK-based bereaved and survivors following both atrocities. Here, she draws on her experience to highlight the benefits and identify potential challenges of such peer-support groups in tackling some of the complex problems individuals affected by cross-border terrorist attacks encounter.