Canada co-sponsors UN Security Council resolution on protection of medical missions in armed conflict situations

News Release

May 2, 2016 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, today issued the following statement on the protection of medical missions in situations of armed conflict:

“Canada is alarmed that violence directed against humanitarian personnel has been on the rise, and particularly that medical facilities have been deliberately targeted in many cases. All humanitarian workers, including those engaged in medical duties, are protected under international humanitarian law. Canada commends the efforts of humanitarian workers and medical personnel who each and every day put their lives on the line to deliver life-saving assistance to those most in need.

“In addition to the deplorable immediate deaths and injuries, attacks on medical personnel and facilities have devastating long-term consequences for civilians and national health care systems in affected countries.

“Canada strongly condemns the targeting of health facilities and personnel in the Syrian conflict. We call on all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and provide humanitarian workers with safe, full and unhindered access to those in need.

“Canada will be co-sponsoring the upcoming Security Council resolution on the protection of medical missions and encourages other states to join this initiative as well.

“The resolution will assist the international community in re-energizing efforts to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law and accountability and will make new progress with respect to increased reporting to the Security Council.

“The resolution reaffirms not only that medical personnel must be respected and protected, but also that the wounded and sick must be able to receive the medical care and attention required without acts or threats of violence. This is vital for the delivery of health care in situations of armed conflict and for preventing future attacks on humanitarian personnel and health facilities.”

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Hon. Stéphane Dion Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau Global Affairs Canada Government and Politics