Joint Statement: Attacks on the National Specialized Children's Hospital "Ohmatdyt" in Kyiv on July 8th, 2024
09 July 2024 - The European Academy of Paediatrics and the European Confederation of Primary Care Paediatrics utterly condemn the rocket attacks on the National Specialized Children’s Hospital «Ohmatdyt» in Kyiv on July 8, 2024. These attacks violate international Humanitarian Law and specifically the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War (1), which clearly stipulates that health establishments and units, including hospitals, must not be attacked.
The targeted destruction of medical care facilities, particularly of children’s hospitals, is completely unacceptable and a clear crime act against humanity (2). Every attack on a children's hospital is an attack on all of us who care for children, striking at the very core of our shared humanity. We demand accountability for these atrocities in the international criminal court. There must be an immediate cessation of violence and full respect for the rights of all children, including the right to shelter, health, education and well-being. The international community must act to safeguard children and uphold international law. Pressure should be brought to bear not just on those states who repeatedly, deliberately target children but also on their allies via sanctions and other activities by the countries of Europe and the European Parliament.
The EAP encourages paediatricians and child health professionals of all nationalities to join forces against such inhumane acts. This is not merely an act of war but is a deliberate crime against humanity.
References:
- "Convention (IV) relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, Geneva, 12 August 1949". International Committee of the Red Cross.
- https://www.un.org/en/genocideprevention/crimes-against-humanity.shtml
European Academy of Paediatrics Paediatric Section of UEMS (European Union of Medical Specialties) Secretariat: Paragon GP
Avenue de la Couronne 20 - 1050, Bruxelles secretariat@eapaediatrics.euwww.eapaediatrics.eu