Qatar- QRCS condemns attack on healthcare centre in Syria

Date

11/24/2015 9:49:26 PM

(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Al Zerba primary healthcare centre (file pix)

DOHA: Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) and Physicians Across Continents (PAC Global) have issued a joint statement condemning the assault against Al Zerba Town southern Aleppo countryside on Sunday that hit Al Zerba primary healthcare centre among other facilities.

“QRCS as a member of International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement inspired by the principles of humanity impartiality neutrality independence voluntary service unity and universality believes that this action is a violation of the international humanitarian law undermines humanitarian efforts in Syria and contradicts relevant international treaties and conventions” said the statement.

Inaugurated 18 months ago the centre is operated by QRCS and PAC Global to serve the local community and internally displaced persons (IDPs) especially women and children. From July until October this year the centre received 46000 patients an average of 3200 per month.

QRCS cited Article 3 of the Four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Second Additional Protocol which stipulate that “the wounded and sick shall be collected and cared for.”

The customary international humanitarian law also criminalises attacks on hospitals medical units and transports. This protection is guaranteed by Red Crescent emblem which is to be respected.

Saleh bin Ali Al Mohannadi Secretary-General QRCS condemned the raid against neutral medical facilities while working to help the vulnerable.

“In light of the insecure situation in southern Aleppo countryside and repeated targeting of medical facilities and to protect the lives of its staff the centre was evacuated and employees were aligned in mobile clinics to serve the IDPs in camps schools and mosques” he added.

He said QRCS is running 15 medical facilities in various areas of Syria employing more than 300 doctors nurses midwives technicians and administrative staff.

“We have sent alerts to the cluster of medical and relief service providers in Syria against such attacks on facilities or staff” he added.

The Peninsula

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