Is Shooting Medics a War Crime?
The protection of medical personnel and facilities is a cornerstone of international humanitarian law, and the intentional targeting of these individuals and facilities is considered a war crime. In recent conflicts, including the Syrian Civil War, the Yemeni Civil War, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, there have been numerous reports of medical personnel being targeted and killed, sparking questions about the legality and morality of such actions.
What is International Humanitarian Law?
International humanitarian law, also known as the law of war, is a set of rules that aim to regulate the conduct of warfare and protect civilians and non-combatants from the effects of armed conflict. The Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols of 1977 and 2005 form the basis of international humanitarian law, and are binding on all countries that have ratified them.
Protection of Medical Personnel and Facilities
Article 24 of the First Geneva Convention states that "the lives and persons of members of the medical personnel of the armed forces, including those of the medical corps, of the hospital service, and of the ambulance service, shall be treated as protected persons." Similarly, Article 15 of the Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions states that "medical personnel" includes "medical officers, nurses, and other personnel in the medical services who are assigned to the armed forces."
Is Shooting Medics a War Crime?
Yes, shooting medics is a war crime. The intentional targeting of medical personnel and facilities is a violation of international humanitarian law and is considered a grave breach of the Geneva Conventions. Article 50 of the Geneva Conventions states that "grave breaches" include "wilful killing, torture or inhuman treatment, including biological experiments, wilfully causing great suffering or serious injury to body or health, and extensive destruction of property, not justified by military necessity and carried out unlawfully and wantonly."
Examples of Medics Being Targeted
Unfortunately, there have been numerous reports of medical personnel being targeted and killed in recent conflicts. For example:
- Syrian Civil War: Reports have emerged of Syrian government forces and affiliated militias targeting medical personnel and facilities in rebel-held areas. The Syrian American Medical Society has reported that over 500 medical personnel have been killed or injured since 2011.
- Yemeni Civil War: The Saudi-led coalition and Houthi rebels have been accused of targeting medical facilities and personnel in Yemen. The World Health Organization has reported that over 100 medical facilities have been damaged or destroyed in Yemen since 2015.
- Russian invasion of Ukraine: Reports have emerged of Russian forces targeting medical personnel and facilities in Ukraine. The Ukrainian Ministry of Health has reported that over 100 medical personnel have been killed or injured since 2014.
Consequences of Targeting Medics
The targeting of medical personnel and facilities has severe consequences for both the individuals involved and the broader humanitarian community. Medical personnel are killed or injured, leaving their patients and families without access to essential medical care. Facilities are damaged or destroyed, leaving communities without access to basic medical services. Trust is eroded, making it increasingly difficult to deliver aid and assistance to those in need.
What Can Be Done?
To prevent the targeting of medical personnel and facilities, it is essential to:
- Strengthen international humanitarian law: Governments and armed groups must be held accountable for violations of international humanitarian law.
- Provide protection to medical personnel: Medical personnel must be recognized as protected persons under international humanitarian law, and their safety and security must be ensured.
- Promote transparency and accountability: Investigations must be conducted into allegations of targeting medical personnel and facilities, and those responsible must be held accountable.
Conclusion
The targeting of medical personnel and facilities is a war crime that has severe consequences for both individuals and communities. International humanitarian law is clear: medical personnel and facilities are protected from attack, and their targeting is a grave breach of the Geneva Conventions. It is essential that governments and armed groups take steps to prevent the targeting of medics and hold those responsible accountable.
