WMA Council adopts Resolution on Escalating Global Armed Conflict and Violence and Restoring Peace

The WMA expresses its grave concern regarding current international developments characterised by the escalation of multiple violent and protracted armed conflicts, and other situations of violence either ongoing or potential, in affected regions, including the Middle East, Asia, Eastern Europe, the Americas, the Caribbean and Africa, with profound and persistent humanitarian consequences for civilian populations.

The reported systematic breaches of international law and the growing climate of impunity that undermines global peace, security, and protection of health personnel and civilian populations are alarming.

The resolution condemns attacks, threats, restrictions, and any form of violence against health personnel and facilities, as well as violations of medical neutrality and calls for adherence to international humanitarian and human rights law as essential tools for protecting human life and limiting suffering. All actors involved in conflict are urged to fully cooperate with international courts to strengthen accountability and end impunity.

Dialogue, diplomacy and multilateral cooperation constitute the only legitimate, responsible, and sustainable means for the resolution of conflicts.

The WMA urges countries with greater political, economic or military power to exercise their influence and actions in strict adherence to international law, acting with restraint and with due consideration for the effects that their decisions may have on countries, people and populations in situations of vulnerability.

The WMA also calls on United Nations agencies and their member states to call on actors to urgently de-escalate armed conflict and violence and to cease attacks on health personnel, healthcare and civilian infrastructure.

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