International Health Protection Initiative On The Protection Of Healthcare During Armed Conflict

EDM number 597 in 2017-19, proposed by Stephen Gethins on 27/11/2017.
Categorised under the topics of Health services, Health staff and professions, International law, Military operations and United Nations.

That this House notes the International Health Protection Initiative's (IHPI) work in advocating for a new UN system for the protection of healthcare during armed conflict; understands that IHPI works to ensure that the UN upholds the Geneva Conventions and International Humanitarian Law, especially regarding the safe-guarding of health facilities, medical equipment, transport for healthcare and health-workers; observes that IHPI calls for the creation of a specially formed global health protection system, funded and established within the UN but independent of the veto accorded to the permanent members of the UN Security Council; recognises the need for the international community to unite to provide a solidified system of strong and deployable healthcare; regrets that damage to healthcare facilities is common during conflict and that there were 74 attacks on 34 health facilities in Syria and Yemen alone; further understands that this continued violence signals the limitations of UN Resolution 2286 which demands that all parties to armed conflicts fully comply with their obligations under international law and international humanitarian law to ensure the respect and protection of all medical personnel and humanitarian personnel engaged in medical duties, their means of transport and equipment, as well as hospitals and other medical facilities; and urges the Government to support the IHPI's call in this area.

This motion has been signed by a total of 23 MPs.