Medical associations from around the world, including those from conflict-affected countries, came together to shape and adopt this landmark policy. The WMA remains deeply troubled by likely violations of its principles, wherever they occur, including in Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, Iran, Ukraine, Myanmar, Syria and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Ten years after
UN Security Council Resolution 2286, attacks on healthcare remain widespread. Hospitals are bombed, ambulances obstructed, and health professionals threatened, detained, tortured or killed while caring for patients.
“Physicians must be free to treat patients regardless of their role in the conflict, without fear of sanctions, intimidation or interference,” said Dr Jung Yul Park, WMA President. “Anyone who attacks physicians or other healthcare personnel while they provide impartial care violates international humanitarian law, and must be held to account.”
The WMA calls on all parties to conflict to:
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respect medical neutrality and protect health personnel, facilities and transport;
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never use health facilities or distinctive emblems for military purposes;
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implement and enforce international humanitarian law, including through national legislation and military training;
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investigate all attacks on healthcare and hold those responsible to account; and
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release health personnel arbitrarily detained for providing impartial care.
The WMA also urges the United Nations to appoint a Special Rapporteur on the protection of healthcare in armed conflict. Members of the WMA remain committed to speaking out against violations of medical neutrality, including those committed by their own governments.
