10 The nurse initiating the actions requires knowledge of her own and others' human rights, moral courage, a well thought through plan of action and a commitment and determination to see that the necessary follow-up does occur. Personal risk is a factor that has to be considered and each person must use her/his best judgement in the situation. Rights of those in need of care (i) Health care is a right of all individuals. Everyone should have access to health care regardless of financial, political, geographic, racial or religious consideration. The nurse should seek to ensure such impartial treatment. (ii) Nurses must ensure that adequate treatment is provided - within available reasources and in accord with nursing ethics (ICN Code) to all those in need of care. (iii) A patient/prisoner has the right to refuse to eat or to refuse treatment. The nurse may need to verify that the patient/prisoner understands the implications of such action but she should not participate in the administration of food or medications to such patients. Rights and duties of nurses (i) When considering the rights and duties of nursing personnel it needs to be remembered that both action and lack of action can have a detrimental effect and the nursing personnel must be considered accountable on both counts. (ii) Nurses have a right to practise within the code of ethics and nursing legislation of the country in which they practise. Personal safety - freedom from abuse, threats or intimidation - are the rights of every nurse. (iii) National nurses' associations have a responsibility to participate in development of health and social legislation relative to patients' rights and all related topics. (iv) It is a duty to have informed consent of patients when research is done on them and when they receive treatments such as blood transfusions, anesthesia, grafts etc. Such informed consent is a patient's right and must be ensured. Amani Trust Knowledge, attitudes and experiences of nurses on human rights, their violations and medical ethics in Zimbabwe.