LONDON, July 7 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:
Thank you, Mr President,
Ten years ago, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2286, a landmark commitment to protect the wounded and sick, and the medical and humanitarian personnel caring for them during armed conflict. Yet in 2025, the number of medical personnel and patients killed in conflict zones reached record levels.This is appalling.
The UK calls on all parties to armed conflict to comply fully with international humanitarian law. Weare proud to co-chair a workstream of the Global Initiative on International Humanitarian Law.
We thank the delegation of Qatar for its constructive engagement on draft resolution L.26 and sincerely appreciate efforts made to address several of our comments during negotiations.
Weshare theobjectiveofprotectingmedical personnel andmedicalfacilitiesin armed conflictand ofcalling forinternational law toberespected.However,we wish to clarify our positionon elements of the text.
Whileinternationalhumanitarian law and international human rights law areoften referred to ascomplementary,theyremaindistinct legal frameworks withdifferent sources,scopeand obligations. Preserving that distinction is essential tomaintaininglegal clarity and the coherent application of international law.
We note that international humanitarian law provides specific protections for the wounded and sick, medical personnel and medical facilities, rather thanestablishinga freestanding right to healthcare.Parts of the resolution could be read asseekingtoextendormodifyexisting legal obligations beyond their established scope.
Wereaffirm oursteadfastcommitment to protecting medical personnel,medicalfacilities,andcivilians includinghumanitarian personnelinarmed conflict. We also reaffirm our steadfast commitmenttothe progressive realisationof theenjoymentof the right tothe highest attainable standard of health.
Thank you.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
