Global Physicians Demand Accountability for Attacks on Healthcare 

The World Medical Association (WMA) has adopted the Declaration of Rotterdam on the Protection of Medical Neutrality at its General Assembly. The new declaration reaffirms one of the founding ethical values of the medical profession, a principle that is particularly challenged in times of conflict.

The Declaration of Rotterdam defines medical neutrality as two duties combined. Physicians and other healthcare personnel must provide impartial care. States, de facto authorities and parties to a conflict must protect health personnel and healthcare. Medical ethics in times of armed conflict remain identical to those in times of peace, and healthcare is protected under international humanitarian law (IHL) whether or not it displays the distinctive emblems.

The policy recognises that attacks on healthcare are not limited to physical strikes but include cyberattacks and the use of artificial intelligence. They also include the arbitrary arrest, detention, torture or ill-treatment of health personnel. Physicians keep the right, and where ethically or legally required the responsibility, to document and report suspected IHL violations.

“The principles of medical ethics do not change in times of war,” said Dr. Jung Yul Park, President of the WMA. “Physicians must be free to treat patients regardless of their role in the conflict, without fear of sanctions, intimidation or interference.”

The WMA calls on parties to a conflict to ensure that all patients have unhindered and safe access to healthcare, and to immediately release, without condition, all healthcare personnel detained solely for providing care. It urges States to educate their militaries on the protections afforded to healthcare and to ensure that violations are independently investigated or referred to competent international mechanisms, such as the International Criminal Court.

The WMA also calls on the United Nations to name all member states and armed groups that attack or threaten healthcare in relevant UN reporting mechanisms. It further asks the UN to establish a Special Rapporteur on the protection of health in armed conflict and other situations of violence.

The Declaration, shaped by  WMA’s members, reaffirms a principle at the heart of the organisation since its founding: that NMAs speak out publicly against violations of medical neutrality, including those committed by their own State, and support colleagues who face reprisals for providing impartial care.

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