EU Statement – UN Security Council Arria-formula meeting: Protecting Medical Care in Conflict Amid Evolving Threats

EU Statement - UN Security Council Arria-formula meeting: Protecting Medical Care in Conflict Amid Evolving Threats

5 May 2026, New York - Statement on behalf of the European Union and its Member States by H.E. Ambassador Hedda Samson, Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations, at the UN Security Council Arria-formula meeting: A Decade of Resolution 2286: Protecting Medical Care in Conflict Amid Evolving Threats

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Excellencies, Colleagues,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

The Candidate Countries North Macedonia, Montenegro*, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, and Georgia, and the EFTA country Iceland, member of the European Economic Area, as well as Andorra align themselves with this statement.

Thank you to Denmark, New Zealand and Spain for convening this important milestone discussion, and we thank the briefers for their insightful testimonies. Let me take this opportunity to commend MSF and ICRC for the incredible work of their staff on the ground, often under the most dangerous circumstances.

Ten years after the adoption of Resolution 2286, attacks on healthcare in conflict have reached record levels. In 2025, the World Health Organization's Surveillance System reported a total of 1,348 attacks on medical facilities, resulting in the deaths of 1,981 people. This is more than double the already shocking number of deaths in 2024.

From the devastation of hospitals in Gaza and Lebanon, to the systematic targeting of health infrastructure in Ukraine, to the collapse of an already fragile health system in Sudan, medical care and medical staff are continually being targeted, rather than protected. These are not isolated incidents. They reflect a pattern of normalization of attacks on health care in armed conflict that is unacceptable.

Hospitals, ambulances and medical personnel must not be attacked or obstructed during armed conflict and shall in all circumstances be respected and protected, in accordance with international humanitarian law.

Parties to an armed conflict are required to take positive measures to facilitate the functioning of medical establishments and protect them from harm. This includes non-interference with their work and ensuring that medical facilities receive adequate supplies and equipment.

The EU is also concerned by any misuse of medical centres to conduct military operations, in violation of IHL. It is unacceptable. This puts the safety and security of medical workers, facilities and the patients at risk and deprives people of essential care. It also often increases the cost of humanitarian actions, making delivery of care both dangerous and expensive.

Colleagues, the next decade after UNSC resolution 2286 must focus and deliver on increased respect for the law, for protection, and for sustained and meaningful documentation of violations that leads to justice and accountability. These actions are already our collective obligations under the Geneva Conventions, including the duty to prevent, investigate and prosecute serious violations. We call on all Member States to cooperate in ensuring accountability for these crimes, as well as respect the specific role of international Courts, including the International Criminal Court.

In 2023 the EU launched the Protect Aid Workers (PAW) programme that provides rapid legal, medical and material support to humanitarian workers who experience critical incidents. It currently supports over 500 aid workers and their dependents worldwide. Later this year, the EU and Ireland will organise in Brussels an International Conference on the Protection of Humanitarian Aid Workers.

The EU will continue its humanitarian diplomacy efforts for IHL compliance, including through dialogue with Parties to conflict, and through supporting efforts for monitoring and data collection of attacks on healthcare. We strongly support the Global Initiative to Galvanize Respect for IHL, including its fifth workstream, which is focused on achieving meaningful protection for hospitals in armed conflict. We invite all states to join this Initiative to uphold humanity in war.

Ten years ago, the Security Council strongly reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring protection for those risking their lives to save those caught up in conflict, and gave us a blueprint for preventing and addressing violations through training, legislation and collective action. It is now for us to stand up for the law, for the multilateral system, and for the medical mission.

Allow me to conclude with our deepest appreciation for the work of the thousands of medical personnel and health workers, dedicating their lives to saving others.

Thank you.

1. ^North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.