Joint call by the President of the ICRC, the Director-General of WHO and the International President of MSF
World Health Organization
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Ten years after the unanimous adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2286, the situation regarding healthcare in armed conflicts has deteriorated. This resolution aimed to protect medical facilities and personnel, but its implementation has faced significant challenges. The current reality indicates a worsening trend rather than progress, highlighting a failure to uphold the principles outlined in the resolution.
- Key Issues and Deterioration: Attacks on healthcare facilities and personnel persist and are more frequent than a decade ago.
- Resolution 2286, intended to safeguard medical neutrality, has not been effectively enforced.
- The ongoing conflicts continue to disrupt essential medical services, leading to increased civilian suffering.
- Lack of accountability for violations against healthcare workers and facilities exacerbates the problem.
- Humanitarian access to affected populations remains severely restricted in many conflict zones.
- The resolution's principles of protecting the wounded and sick, as well as medical personnel, are being undermined.
- The international community's response has been insufficient to reverse the negative trajectory.
- The focus should be on ensuring compliance and strengthening mechanisms for protection.
