By Destiny Obinna
The World Medical Association (WMA) has adopted the Declaration of Rotterdam on the Protection of Medical Neutrality at its General Assembly, reaffirming the ethical principles guiding medical practice during armed conflicts and other situations of violence.
The declaration emphasises that doctors and other healthcare professionals must provide impartial care to all patients, regardless of their roles in a conflict, and must not participate in military operations.
It also calls on states, authorities and parties to conflicts to protect healthcare workers, medical facilities and services from attacks, intimidation and interference.
According to the WMA, medical ethics remain the same in times of war and peace, while international humanitarian law protects healthcare personnel and facilities whether or not they display recognised protective emblems.
The declaration further recognises that threats to healthcare extend beyond physical attacks to include cyberattacks, the misuse of artificial intelligence, and the arbitrary arrest, detention, torture or ill-treatment of medical personnel.
WMA President, Dr. Jung Yul Park, stressed that the principles of medical ethics must remain unchanged during war, noting that physicians should be able to treat patients without fear of sanctions, intimidation or interference.
The association urged parties to conflicts to guarantee safe and unhindered access to healthcare for all patients and called for the immediate, unconditional release of healthcare workers detained solely for providing medical care.
It also called on states to educate military personnel on the protection of healthcare and ensure that alleged violations are independently investigated or referred to appropriate international mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court.
Furthermore, the WMA appealed to the United Nations to identify states and armed groups that attack or threaten healthcare in relevant reporting mechanisms and to establish a Special Rapporteur on the protection of health in armed conflict and other situations of violence.
The Declaration of Rotterdam, developed through the contributions of WMA members, also reinforces the responsibility of National Medical Associations to speak publicly against violations of medical neutrality, including those committed by their own governments, and to support colleagues facing reprisals for providing impartial care.
The adoption of the declaration underscores the medical profession’s commitment to preserving human dignity and ensuring that healthcare remains accessible to those who need it, even in the most challenging circumstances.
