February 2024
 

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Open letter calling for the safeguarding of healthcare facilities and personnel in areas of conflict, in accordance with international law

We, the undersigned healthcare professionals from across the globe, unite in expressing our grave concern and unwavering condemnation of the escalating violence targeting healthcare facilities and personnel in various regions worldwide. In areas of conflict, while health professionals may find themselves providing care to people affected on opposing sides, our commitment remains to our patients — those who are ill, wounded, and in dire need.

As advocates for universal health coverage irrespective of political affiliations or beliefs, we staunchly advocate for the complete respect of neutrality in health care provision. Safeguarding healthcare facilities and personnel from any harm is not just a moral imperative but a legal obligation enshrined in international humanitarian law (IHL). Adherence to IHL mandates the active protection of healthcare facilities and personnel, strictly prohibiting their targeting.

The Geneva Conventions serve as a cornerstone in offering protection to those affected by armed conflicts. These conventions prohibit the killing and ill-treatment of civilians, demand humane treatment for the wounded and sick, and underscore the respectful and protected handling of detainees. Furthermore, they require the preservation of civilian infrastructure, such as electricity and water networks, and ensure civilians' access to vital necessities, including health care. Any misuse of healthcare facilities and ambulances for military purposes is both prohibited and utterly unacceptable.

Placing healthcare facilities and personnel in the line of fire during conflicts is not only unacceptable but also unjustifiable. Hospitals, ambulances, and health workers must never be targeted. Let us remember that healthcare professionals dedicate themselves to treating the injured and unwell without bias and with absolute neutrality. We are bound by our codes of ethics to do so, despite risks to our personal safety. This fundamental humanitarian duty demands a minimum of respect, honesty, and peace. Hence we call upon all parties involved in conflicts to unconditionally uphold all aspects of humanitarian law.

Sincerely,

Dr Catherine Duggan
WHPA Chair and CEO of International Pharmaceutical Federation, signing for the five WHPA member organizations:

Resources related to violence in health settings

This call is issued in the context of WHPA members’ work in the Health Care in Danger (HCID) project. This is an initiative of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement aimed at addressing the issue of violence against patients, health workers, facilities and vehicles, and ensuring safe access to and delivery of health care in armed conflict and other emergencies.

It also ties in with WHPA work to prevent violence against health professionals in other emergency contexts, such as the Covid-19 pandemic.

• WHPA advocacy on the new WHO pandemic instrument

• WHPA-WHO report on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic