Report from the World Health Organization, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and UN Children’s Fund
We strongly condemn attacks on health and any other civilian facilities in Syria and are deeply concerned by the serious implications for patients, health personnel and provision of critical medical supplies.
This brutal conflict continues to result in substantial damage to health facilities across the country. Over 60 percent of public hospitals have been damaged or are out of service, while a similar proportion of ambulances have been stolen or badly damaged. At a time when hospitals are overwhelmed with patients, it is vital that these facilities be protected and medical staff be allowed to provide urgent medical, surgical and obstetric care to patients without any risk.
Health facilities must be respected and protected in all circumstances - they should not be used for military purposes. Attacks against health facilities can be considered a war crime under international law. All parties must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians, health facilities and health professionals during conflict and to permit the supply of vital humanitarian aid, such as medicines, vaccines and medical equipment to reach the most needy communities. It is of the interest of both parties in the conflict and of all Syrian people to preserve the neutrality and the functionality of health infrastructure.
The full statement continues at http://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/un-humanitarian-chiefs-strongly-condemn-attacks-medical-personnel-and on ReliefWeb’s website.