Health professionals in Australia deplore the reported bombing by Russia of a maternity hospital in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol.
Attacks on health care facilities and health workers are absolutely forbidden under international law and amount to war crimes.
Dr Sue Wareham, the President of the Medical Association for Prevention of War (MAPW), said:
“Our hearts go out to those affected by such a brutal attack. Maternity patients need the utmost protection, not savage assault. We stand in strong solidarity also with the hospital staff, and all health professional colleagues in Ukraine who are working under intolerable conditions and at great personal risk.”
This most recent attack raises even further the need for intense negotiations leading to a lasting ceasefire. Ongoing warfare will mean mounting civilian deaths and suffering and, almost certainly, further crimes against civilian infrastructure.
MAPW also draws attention to the need for consistency in condemning attacks on healthcare. Dr Wareham said:
“Tragically, no precedent has been set for those attacking health care facilities in wars – for example in Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen and Syria – being held accountable. This includes attacks conducted by Australia’s allies and those whom we supply militarily. Australia must loudly condemn all attacks on healthcare workers and facilities, regardless of which war it is or who the perpetrator is.”