Libya: Senior UN humanitarian official strongly condemns attacks on medical facilities

24 June 2016 – The acting United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Libya, Dr. Syed Jaffar Hussain expressed deep concerns at recent attacks in Benghazi that put medical facilities at risk and urged all parties to take all feasible precautions to prevent casualties among patients and medical personnel.

The ENT and Urological Center in Benghazi, the Benghazi Medical Center and Aljalaa Hospital all were hit by the recent attacks.

According to a statement issued by the UN Support Mission in Libya, Dr. Hussain strongly condemned the violence, attacks and threats against medical personnel and humanitarian personnel engaged in medical duties, their means of transport and equipment, as well as hospitals and other medical facilities.

Reiterating the primary responsibility to ensure respect for the principles and rules of international humanitarian law and in accordance with the UN Security Council resolution 2286, the acting humanitarian coordinator deplored the long-term consequences of such attacks for the civilian population and the health-care system the country.

“I am appalled by such attacks that further endanger the patients and medical personnel in the act of delivering medical and humanitarian assistance. I strongly urge all parties [to] fully comply with their obligations under international law, including international human rights law,” said Dr. Hussain.