LOC20:14
17:14 GMT
NEW YORK, May 3 (KUNA) -- UN Security Council (UNSC) unanimously adopted today a resolution demanding respect and protection of all medical and humanitarian personnel exclusively engaged in medical duties, their means of transport and equipment, as well as hospitals and other medical facilities.
Unanimously, the 15-member body, led by Egypt this month, adopted resolution 2286 strongly condemning the acts of violence, attacks and threats against the wounded and sick.
The resolution came shortly after the latest airstrikes obliterated Al-Quds Hospital in Syria's Aleppo that blew apart at least 50 men, women and children.
The Council demanded in its resolution that all parties to armed conflicts facilitate safe and unimpeded passage for medical personnel and humanitarian personnel exclusively engaged in medical duties, their equipment, transport and supplies, including surgical items, to all people in need, consistent with international humanitarian law.
Speaking before the Security Council, the International President of Medecins Sans Frontiers (MSF) Dr. Joanne Liu said there were almost 300 airstrikes in Aleppo over the last 10 days.
"Medical personnel are threatened. Patients are shot in their beds," she added.
On his part, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross Peter Maurer told the Council that it is "a painful paradox" that in times of greatest need, the availability of healthcare is at its lowest.
Commending the Council for passing resolution 2286, Maurer said this resolution marks a momentous step in the international community's efforts to draw attention to a problem that we otherwise risk getting used to through the sheer frequency of its occurrence.
Taking part in the Security Council meeting, the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said that no Government should stand by and watch the erosion of safeguards for the protection of civilians in conflict.
"The international community must never become numb to flagrant abuses," he added.
With the adoption of the resolution, Ban appealed to Member States to work with greater intensity to find political solutions to end bloodshed and suffering.
On their way to the meeting, Britain and France representatives told reporters they will call for an "urgent" Security Council meeting on Aleppo. (end)
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