© AFP PHOTO / Karim Sahib - Iraq. A doctor surveys the rubble left in the Adnan Khairallah Hospital in Baghdad after it was hit by a missile

The WMA was created to promote the highest possible standards of medical ethics, medical education and human rights. In recent years there has been a worrying trend of physicians being tortured or victimized by dictatorial regimes or terrorist groups. During wars and armed conflicts, hospitals and other medical facilities are often attacked and misused. Patients and medical personnel are killed or wounded. Such attacks are a violation of the Geneva Conventions (1949), Additional Protocols to the Geneva Conventions (1977) and WMA regulations in times of war (2006).

The WMA has been active in condemning documented attacks on medical personnel and facilities in armed conflicts and other situations of violence. Physicians and other health care personnel must be considered as neutral and must not be prevented from fulfilling their duties.

The WMA is committed to defending physicians and patients against human rights abuses worldwide. The WMA denounces cases of abuse, and works with other health, humanitarian and human rights organizations, when appropriate, creating alliances to combine strengths and advocate for the highest possible standards of human rights for all people.

WMA Current Policy & Actions:

• SAVE THE DATE: Symposium "Health Care in Danger - The security and delivery of effective and impartial health care in armed conflict and other situations of violence" Monday 23rd of April 2012, London - organised by the International Committee of the Red Cross, the British Red Cross Society, the British Medical Association and the World Medical Association  -  The event is part of the ICRC's "Health Care in Danger" 4 years project in which WMA is partner. It will examine how to improve security and delivery of effective and impartial health care in armed conflict and other situations of violence. It will provide the health community and other important stakeholders the opportunity for greater engagement in this global humanitarian issue. Download announcement for more information and registration

• Syrian Government urged to Stop Targeting Physicians, 26 October 2011

• Physicians must be considered as Neutral in Armed Conflicts and Civil Unrest, 15 October 2011

• WMA Statement on the Protection and Integrity of Medical Personnel in Armed Conflicts and Other Situations of Violence, October 2011, Montevideo.

• WMA appeals to King of Bahrain over Trial of Health Professionals, 16 September 2011

• WMA welcomes New Campaign to Protect Healthcare in Conflict Zones, 12 August 2011

• Doctors and Nurses Leaders call for Fair Trial in Bahrain, 9 June 2011

• Joint letter to Dr Margaret Chan regarding assaults on health personnel and facilities in times of conflict or civil disturbance, 12 May 2011

• Briefing at the occasion of the 2011 World Health Assembly on the protection of health workers, facilities and transports during periods of conflict (17 May 2011)

• Attacks on Medical Personnel Causing Increasing Concern, 17 March 2011

• WMA appeals for release of Sudanese doctors, 21 June 2010

For more information on the current actions undertaken by the WMA in support of physicians in distress, please contact Clarisse Delorme at WMA secretariat.

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