Healthcare Under Attack: Why the Rules of War Are Failing to Protect the Medical Mission

The bombing of Médecins Sans Frontières’ (MSF) trauma hospital in Kunduz, Afghanistan, became the precursor of international attention to the protection of healthcare in war and contributed to the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2286, which reaffirmed the obligation of all parties to armed conflict to respect and protect medical facilities, patients and healthcare workers.

Ten years after, attacks on healthcare remain a growing feature of conflict, with devastating consequences for patients, healthcare workers and communities’ access to life-saving care. As conflicts become increasingly urbanised and technologically complex, humanitarian organisations such as MSF operate in environments where respect for the medical mission is under mounting strain.

MSF International President Dr Javid Abdelmoneim and a panel of humanitarian and legal experts will examine the impact of these attacks and the challenges they pose to the delivery of impartial medical care. Through operational insights, the discussion will explore how governments, international institutions and humanitarian organisations can strengthen accountability, uphold international humanitarian law and better protect healthcare in conflict settings.

After the panel discussion, a networking reception with drinks and light refreshments will take place at VIDA (35 avenue John F. Kennedy), hosted by Médecins Sans Frontières.