WORLD
Advocates Philippines
WHO Adopts Resolution Addressing Humanitarian Crisis In Gaza
Photo credit: WHO
The World Health Organization's Executive Board unanimously adopted a resolution yesterday, marking the first consensus within the UN system since October 7 on addressing the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.
The resolution emphasizes the universal priority of health and underscores the pivotal role of healthcare and humanitarianism in fostering peace, even in the most challenging circumstances.
The resolution calls for the "immediate, sustained, and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief, including the access of medical personnel." It urges all parties to fulfill their international law obligations and reaffirms the necessity for compliance with international humanitarian law related to the protection of civilians and medical personnel in armed conflict.
Commending WHO and health cluster partners for their unwavering commitment in the field, the resolution recognizes their efforts in delivering crucial supplies. Just yesterday, amidst extreme challenges, WHO and partners successfully transported patients and provided supplies for up to 1500 individuals.
Throughout the day, Member States expressed condolences for the loss of civilian lives, health workers, and UN employees, including the WHO colleague Dima Alhaj.
In his closing remarks, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that while the resolution serves as a starting point, it does not resolve the crisis entirely.
He stressed the importance of a ceasefire for lasting peace, stating, "Without a ceasefire, there is no peace. And without peace, there is no health." Dr. Tedros urged Member States, especially those with significant influence, to urgently collaborate and bring an end to the conflict.
The resolution emphasizes the universal priority of health and underscores the pivotal role of healthcare and humanitarianism in fostering peace, even in the most challenging circumstances.
The resolution calls for the "immediate, sustained, and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief, including the access of medical personnel." It urges all parties to fulfill their international law obligations and reaffirms the necessity for compliance with international humanitarian law related to the protection of civilians and medical personnel in armed conflict.
Commending WHO and health cluster partners for their unwavering commitment in the field, the resolution recognizes their efforts in delivering crucial supplies. Just yesterday, amidst extreme challenges, WHO and partners successfully transported patients and provided supplies for up to 1500 individuals.
Throughout the day, Member States expressed condolences for the loss of civilian lives, health workers, and UN employees, including the WHO colleague Dima Alhaj.
In his closing remarks, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that while the resolution serves as a starting point, it does not resolve the crisis entirely.
He stressed the importance of a ceasefire for lasting peace, stating, "Without a ceasefire, there is no peace. And without peace, there is no health." Dr. Tedros urged Member States, especially those with significant influence, to urgently collaborate and bring an end to the conflict.
Dec 11, 2023
