HRC59 - JST - Protection of the right to health during armed conflicts
Human Rights Council – 59th Session
Interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on health
Joint Statement on protection of the right to health during armed conflicts delivered by Qatar on behalf of a cross-regional group of countries
19 June 2025
Mr. President,
I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of a cross-regional Group of 70 States, the full list of which will be uploaded on the extranet.
The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health is a fundamental right of every human being without discrimination of any kind. This right is guaranteed in both war and peace time.
During armed conflict, the principle of distinction obliges the warring parties never to attack civilian objects, including hospitals, health facilities, and civilian health and care workers.
Despite these legal obligations, the past three years have witnessed an alarming increase in the frequency, scale, and impact of attacks on health care in conflict zones, reaching the highest level ever recorded in 2024.
These attacks may constitute grave breaches to international humanitarian law and may constitute war crimes, and also amount to serious violations of the human rights of health workers and patients, negatively impacting the rights to life, health, and liberty.
Protecting the right to health during armed conflict is a critical humanitarian and legal issue. In this regard, we call on all parties to armed conflicts to fulfill their obligations under IHL, including refraining from targeting civilian health facilities and personnel during conflict.
We also call for the full, safe, and unimpeded access for health workers to needy people to provide health care in a safe and protected environment without interruption.
Attacks on health care should be treated as serious violations of international law and perpetrators should be prosecuted. Accurate and timely reporting of attacks on health care is crucial to ensure effective accountability, end impunity and prevent recurrence.
The right to health should also be integrated in peace negotiations and peacebuilding and should be mainstreamed in reconstruction and recovery strategies.
I thank you, Mr. President.