Ethical Issues Conducting Research During War and Violent Conflict: A Review

Abstract

Global health engagement increasingly occurs in the context of war and violent conflict. Many health-related decisions are made which should be guided by evidence. Health research is needed to provide evidence, yet conducting research in conflict settings raises multiple ethical issues. However, the ethical issues involved in conducting research during war and violent conflict have received insufficient attention. The literature suggests that these ethical issues, while similar to those of research conducted in humanitarian crises, are also distinct. This article provides a review of the ethical issues faced by researchers in conflict zones with a goal to inform future research into such issues. The review was organized around an established 8-principle ethics framework for research in low-income settings. We conclude with a number of recommendations and call for additional attention by bioethicists to this important area to protect participants and support researchers in conflict settings, whether coming from military or nonmilitary organizations.