In 3 years, the Syrian regime has destroyed nearly half of the hospitals and resulted in the death of more than 460 health professionals, denounces a report by the NGO Physicians for Human Rights.
Hospitals bombed, doctors killed. “The Syrian conflict is the worst demonstration of the destruction of the health system used as a weapon of war”. These words are those of Donna McKay, director of the American NGO Physicians for Human Rights. This organization has just published a damning report on the actions of the Assad regime.
Between March 2011 and March 2014, 150 attacks were perpetrated against Syrian medical structures or health professionals. Many sources and in particular videos leave no room for doubt. 90% of these attacks were committed by government forces, and they are responsible for the deaths of more than 460 health professionals, a third of whom are doctors, the others being nurses, stretcher bearers or pharmacists. as a doctor, we are seen as enemies because we treat everyone, regardless of political affiliation. We are taking big risks, ”testifies a doctor from Aleppo.
Half of hospitals destroyed
According to the PHR report, almost half of the hospitals were partially or totally destroyed and 93% of the ambulances were damaged or put out of service. For this NGO, these systematic attacks represent a violation of the Geneva Conventions and constitute a crime against humanity. “The systematic nature of these attacks reflects the government’s indifference to the health and lives of civilians, which has created a public health crisis that will haunt Syria for years to come,” said Erin Gallagher, director of investigations and PHR emergency. “Doctors and nurses who are committed to taking care of everyone, regardless of their political beliefs, are being killed trying to save lives under trying circumstances. “
The report is accompanied by an interactive map, which shows the location of the attacks, their chronology, the targets targeted and the weapons used. We learn that the bombing of hospitals began in early 2012, in Homs. Then the attacks multiplied and spread to other cities, in particular from July 2012.
“We cannot let this behavior become a new norm in a conflict,” insists Donna McKay. PHR calls for the application of UN Security Council resolution 2139 in order to send humanitarian convoys to besieged regions.
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