Chinese envoy calls for protection of medical personnel, facilities in armed conflict

A Chinese envoy called on Wednesday the international community to take actions to protect medical personnel and facilities in armed conflict.

Wu Haitao, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, made the remarks at a Security Council meeting on healthcare for civilians in armed conflict.

Wu said emphasis should be given to promoting political process to resolve regional hotspot issues, while stressing that "only by ending conflict, will it be possible to eliminate once and for all security threats to medical personnel and medical facilities."

"It is incumbent to the governments concerned and the parties to the conflict to protect medical personnel and facilities in armed conflict," said Wu.

"The governments concerned bear a primary responsibility for protecting civilians within their borders and therefore they should strengthen their measures to protect medical personnel and facilities," he added.

Wu also noted that when it comes to protection of medical personnel and facilities, the United Nations should comprehensively assess the humanitarian risks and challenges, and provide timely information on the ground to medical personnel and humanitarian agencies.

The Security Council meeting was held during a time that attacks against medical personnel and hospitals happened from time to time in countries like Yemen and Syria.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon have been calling on member states to do all they can to promote respect for medical care in armed conflict.

Ban also recommended that member states and parties to conflict must take precautions to safeguard medical facilities and personnel when they plan and conduct military operations. Endit