Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) and Physicians Across Continents (PAC Global) have issued an official statement expressing deep sorrow at the recent assault on Al Zerba town, southern Aleppo countryside, which caused severe damage but no casualties.
The Al Zerba primary healthcare centre was bombed during the hostilities.
“QRCS, as a member of the 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 clear violation of the international humanitarian law that undermines humanitarian efforts in Syria and contradicts all relevant international treaties and conventions,”
the statement said.
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 transportation. This protection is guaranteed by the Red Crescent emblem, which is to be respected.
Inaugurated in Al Zerba 18 months ago, the primary healthcare centre is operated by QRCS and PAC Global to serve the local community and internally displaced persons (IDPs), especially women and children, and those with chronic diseases, as well as provide natural childbirths, psychological support and laboratory and pharmacy services.
From July 2014 until October this year, the centre received some 46,000 patients.
Saleh bin Ali al-Mohannadi, QRCS secretary-general, condemned the raid against neutral medical facilities while working to help the vulnerable.
“In light of the insecure situation in the southern Aleppo countryside and repeated targeting of medical facilities, and to protect the lives of the staff, the centre was evacuated and the staff was aligned in mobile clinics to serve the IDPs in camps, schools and mosques,” he added.
According to the secretary-general, QRCS is running 15 medical facilities in different parts of Syria, employing more than 300 doctors, nurses, midwives, technicians and administrative staff.