Over the previous six weeks, Russia has launched more than 100 strikes in Ukraine on healthcare institutions and transport vehicles, including ambulances, in violation of international humanitarian law, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The words, according to CNBC, came on the 42nd day of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has resulted in hundreds of civilian fatalities and injuries, including dozens of children.
Elena, 33, an MSF team member, cares for patients on a medical evacuation train on its way to the western Ukrainian city of Lviv on April 10, 2022. - Doctors Without Borders (MSF), in cooperation with the Ukrainian railways and the Ministry of Health, has just completed a new medical train referral of 48 patients, coming from hospitals close to the frontline in the war-affected east of the country. They include some elderly patients from long-term care facilities, but also a majority of wounded patients.
WHO Tells Russia To Stop Attacking Healthcare Facilities in Ukraine
WHO has verified 103 health infrastructure assaults in Ukraine, IFL Science reported. According to the health organization, 89 health institutions and 13 ambulances were affected.
Ghebreyesus is now pleading with the Russian Federation to stop its strikes on medical facilities and end the conflict.
Dr. Jarno Habicht, WHO's Ukraine Representative, noted that medical personnel is already putting their lives on the line to deliver vital health services during the epidemic. He went on to say that Russia should stop attacking them and the hospitals where they operate.
Healthcare Attacks Are Violation of International Humanitarian Law
According to Axios, despite evacuation orders in the nation, those too sick to leave Ukraine's hospitals have taken refuge under beds and mattresses in hospital basements.
The country's healthcare institutions are experiencing an inflow of new patients. The Washington Post reported in early March that there are worries that illnesses like COVID-19 are spreading as a result.
Ghebreyesus highlighted on Wednesday that the catastrophic situation in Ukraine is far from the only area where health personnel, institutions, patients, infrastructure, and supplies are under threat.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a press conference (via news release): "We are outraged that attacks on health care are continuing. Attacks on health care are a violation of international humanitarian law."
These attacks resulted in the deaths of 35 persons and the injuries of 53 others. It includes the eight polio vaccine workers slain in Afghanistan last month, on the same day that Russian soldiers invaded Ukraine for the first time.
According to Ghebreyesus, "peace is the only way forward." He also called the Russian Federation to end the war.
Is Russia Already 'Violating' Laws?
According to the WHO, 73 people died, and 51 were wounded due to the assaults. Russia's actions are already in violation of the Geneva Convention of 1864, which governs international humanitarian law.
This legislation makes any verbal or physical action that threatens or obstructs access, availability, or delivery of critical health services illegal.
Regardless of this, hospitals and other health institutions are routinely attacked anytime two or more countries are at odds.
It is evident in the current dispute between Russia and Ukraine. This link will take you to a page with more information on international humanitarian law.
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