Permanent Mission of New Zealand to the United Nations: Media Advisory

UN Security Council: Healthcare in Armed Conflict

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On Tuesday 3 May at 10 am (New York time), the UN Security Council will vote on a draft resolution condemning attacks on medical personnel and hospitals.

New Zealand led the drafting of the Healthcare in Armed Conflict resolution along with four other elected members: Egypt, Japan, Spain and Uruguay.

The resolution aims to curb the worrying trend of hospitals and medical workers being targeted in a range of contemporary conflicts.

It addresses three problems:
• direct and indirect attacks on medical personnel and hospitals, transport and equipment
• attacks/intimidation/harassment of medical personnel for carrying out their medical duties in accordance with their professional ethics; and
• limited access to medical supplies and services.

The resolution sets up ongoing oversight by the Security Council by requesting regular reporting from the Secretary-General.

The Secretary-General, President of Médecins Sans Frontières Dr Joanne Liu and International Committee of the Red Cross President Peter Maurer are expected to brief the Council at the resolution’s adoption.

[ENDS]