Thursday, August 7, 2014

Conflict in the Ukraine and the Laws of War

The conflict in the Ukraine began with Russia annexing Crimea. Ever since there has been fighting between pro and anti Russian groups. Recently, Human Rights Watch reported that insurgent groups have not only used ambulances to transport uninjured fighters, but have also destroyed medical equipment and supplies, threatened medical staff, and endangered civilian patients.  All these actions are clear violations of the laws of war set forth by Article 19 in the first Geneva Convention. The Article states that, "Fixed establishments and mobile medical units of the medical service may in no circumstances be attacked...should they fall into the hands of the adverse party, their personnel shall be free to pursue their duties." By disregarding the Geneva Convention, insurgent fighters are endangering the human rights of civilians and other vulnerable parties.

For more information read this article by Human Rights Watch: http://www.hrw.org/news/2014/08/05/ukraine-insurgents-disrupt-medical-services

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