Request for the Support of Human Rights in Gaza in Accordance with

the American Psychological Association Ethical Principles

We, the undersigned, are a collective of psychologists, counselors, and active members of the professional community, are writing this request with deep concern regarding the ongoing events in Gaza, which have caused severe harm to human lives and freedom. In light of the ethical principles of psychology established by the American Psychological Association (APA), including the respect for human dignity and freedom, and the principle of non-maleficence, we call upon the APA to uphold these principles in practice.  

The APA, as one of the most authoritative bodies in psychology, has consistently emphasized the ethical principles that guide psychologists in serving society to the best of their ability. These principles serve as a framework for professional and ethical commitment. Given the present extensive and global humanitarian challenges, particularly in the Middle East and Gaza, it is imperative that we, as members of this profession, publicly and vocally defend our ethical values.  

The APA has established five key principles as the foundation of professional ethics:  

1. Respect for Human Dignity and Rights: This principle asserts that every individual, regardless of personal or social characteristics, deserves respect. Psychologists must honor the fundamental human truths and consider them in addressing social and cultural issues.  

2. Professional Competence and Responsibility: Psychologists are responsible for the well-being of individuals, groups, and communities, including mitigating psychological harm from crises and social conditions.  

3. Beneficence and Non-Maleficence: Psychologists must strive to advance mental health while avoiding harm. Where harm is unavoidable, efforts must be made to minimize it.  

4. Justice and Non-Discrimination: All individuals must have access to psychological services without discrimination based on race, religion, gender, or other characteristics. This principle underpins fairness and social justice.  

5. Respect for Societal Values: Psychologists must operate within societal values, respecting cultural and social contexts in their practice.  

The current situation in Gaza represents a devastating humanitarian crisis. Palestinian territories, particularly Gaza, have endured profound humanitarian disasters in recent years and wars, military attacks, and economic blockades have inflicted severe trauma on its people. Gaza’s population is trapped in the relentless massacre—sparing neither age nor location—engulfing children, the elderly, pregnant women, hospitals, and refugee camps. The loss of homes, livelihoods, and basic necessities has become the grim norm in this tragic reality.  

These conditions have exposed individuals to severe psychological harm. Studies indicate that war and violence deeply impact mental health, especially among children. Reports from the international organizations show alarmingly high rates of PTSD and anxiety in Gaza’s residents; with many in dire need of psychological support. Field research in Gaza reveals that  ninety-five percent of children under 12 exhibit clear trauma-related symptoms (Thabet et al., 2019). Prolonged exposure to collective violence can lead to long-term psychological consequences, including anxiety and depression in future generations (Murthy & Lakshminarayana, 2006).  

Yet, shortages in mental health resources and systemic barriers drastically limit access to care. The World Health Organization (2022) reports that only 10% of mental health needs are met in crisis zones like Gaza, underscoring the urgency of international intervention. As psychologists and mental health professionals, we are ethically bound to amplify these voices and defend their rights.  

Given APA’s ethical principles and Gaza’s catastrophic conditions, it is critical for the APA, as a professional and ethical body, to respond. The key imperatives include:  

1. Upholding Ethical Principles: Ignoring Gaza’s plight blatantly contradicts APA’s core tenets, particularly respect for human dignity and non-maleficence.  

2. Protecting Human Rights: Given the threat to fundamental rights, should the APA not take decisive global action to uphold them?

3. Raising Awareness: How has the APA fulfilled its role in spotlighting Gaza’s unparalleled humanitarian crisis? Has it mobilized psychologists and the public to address urgent needs?  

4. Supporting the Profession: Does the very identity of psychology not compel solidarity with those whose dignity and rights are violated?

5. Resource Allocation: What kind of tangible support has the APA provided for trauma care in Gaza?  

6. Call to Action: What concrete steps has the APA taken to address this emergency?  

We, as counselors and psychologists, urge the APA—as psychology’s leading authority—to:  

- Issue a formal statement demanding an end to violence, protection of human rights, and attention to Gaza’s health and mental health crises.  

- Organize awareness campaigns, including seminars for policymakers, to expose the dehumanizing violence and its global repercussions.  

- Launch support programs, engaging artists, media, and influencers to highlight atrocities eroding humanity’s future.  

- Establish an independent committee to document human rights violations and survivors’ testimonies.  

- Disseminate research on Gaza’s psychosocial conditions to inform global discourse.  

As a respected scientific body, the APA has a responsibility to drive social and humanitarian change. In Gaza’s critical hour, we demand that the APA:  

Break its silence. Uphold its ethics. Stand with humanity. 

We call upon you, as professionals, to respond to this appeal—to safeguard not only APA’s principles but also humanity itself.  

In solidarity, for justice and human rights,

Best Regards

Iranian Counseling Association 

 

 

 

References

Murthy, R. S., & Lakshminarayana, R. (2006). Mental health consequences of war: A brief review of research findings. World Psychiatry, 5(1), 25–30. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2051-5545.2006.tb00103.x

Thabet, A. A., Karim, K., & Vostanis, P. (2019). Trauma exposure in pre-school children in a war zone. British Journal of Psychiatry, 188(2), 154–158. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.188.2.154

World Health Organization. (2022). Mental health in emergencies: Key facts. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-in-emergencies