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

Adopted by the 232nd WMA Council session, Belgrade, Serbia, April 2026 

PREAMBLE

 The WMA reaffirms its ‘Statement in Times of Armed Conflict and Other Situations of Violence’ and expresses its grave concern regarding current international developments characterised by the escalation of multiple violent and protracted armed conflicts, foreign policy actions, civil unrest 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.

It further notes with alarm the reported systematic breaches of international law and the growing climate of impunity that undermines global peace, security, and protections afforded to health personnel and civilian populations.

Defending life, protecting those who provide care, and promoting peace are ethical imperatives inherent to the medical profession.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The World Medical Association:

1. Condemns the impact of escalating armed conflicts, foreign policy actions, and other situations of violence on civilian populations in affected regions. This includes the loss of human life, physical and psychological injuries, forced displacement, and the degradation of the conditions necessary for a life of dignity.
2. Condemns attacks, threats, restrictions and any form of violence against health personnel and facilities, as well as violations of medical neutrality.
3. Calls for adherence to international humanitarian and human rights law as essential tools for protecting human life and limiting suffering and urges actors to fully cooperate with international courts to strengthen accountability and end impunity.
4. Calls for dialogue, diplomacy and multilateral cooperation that constitute the only legitimate, responsible and sustainable means for the resolution of conflicts. Therefore, 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 greater vulnerability.
5. 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.