Qatar has reaffirmed its commitment to continuing mediation efforts, de-escalation, and humanitarian diplomacy, calling for enhanced protection of health facilities and their staff, and ensuring civilians' right to access medical care during armed conflicts.
Protecting the Right to Health
The Qatari News Agency (QNA) quoted Abdulaziz Mohammed Al-Mansouri, Second Secretary of Qatar’s Permanent Mission to the UN Office in Geneva, in a statement during the 2026 Social Forum of the Human Rights Council held in Geneva: "The right to enjoy the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health is a fundamental right that must be guaranteed without discrimination in peace and conflict."
Al-Mansouri warned of escalating attacks on the health sector, despite clear provisions of international humanitarian law that guarantee the protection of medical facilities and their staff. He noted that these assaults deprive civilians of essential care, undermine health systems and infrastructure, and disproportionately affect women, children, displaced persons, and people with disabilities.
International Resolution Initiated by Qatar
Al-Mansouri pointed out that the Human Rights Council unanimously adopted a resolution titled "Protection of Healthcare in Armed Conflicts" during its 62nd session, held between June 15 and July 10. Qatar initiated the drafting, led the negotiations, and presented the resolution, which was sponsored by 62 countries from various geographic groups.
Al-Mansouri explained that this international consensus underscores the need for concrete measures to protect healthcare and put an end to attacks on medical facilities and staff, in line with international obligations, particularly UN Security Council Resolution 2286 of 2016.
Calls for Accountability and Enhanced International Cooperation
Al-Mansouri stressed the necessity for all parties to armed conflicts to comply with international humanitarian law, ensuring the protection of hospitals, medical transport, and health workers, and guaranteeing their safe and unhindered access to those in need, as well as the continuity of essential health services.
He also called for strengthening mechanisms to monitor, document, and report attacks, ensuring accountability and prosecuting perpetrators, while integrating the right to health into peace negotiations and recovery and reconstruction plans.
Al-Mansouri emphasized the importance of international partnership to provide sustainable funding, rehabilitate damaged health facilities, support sector workers, and enhance communities' capacity to face crises. He considered accurate documentation of attacks a fundamental step in determining responsibilities and preventing the recurrence of violations.
International humanitarian law constitutes the legal framework governing the protection of civilians, medical facilities, and health workers during armed conflicts. UN Security Council Resolution 2286 of 2016 condemns attacks against the wounded, sick, health workers, medical facilities, and medical transport, and calls for respect and protection of medical services under all circumstances.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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