Health emergency in Ukraine and refugee receiving and hosting countries, stemming from the Russian Federation’s aggression

Condemnatory

Yes

Analysis

• This year for the first time, the World Health Assembly condemned another country besides Israel - Russia - for its aggression in Ukraine. The language of the resolution is clear and direct. Russia had attempted to pass a competing resolution which would not have mentioned Russia's role in the conflict. However, Russia was unable to avoid the condemnation and its text was ultimately rejected.

Main Sponsors

Ukraine

Vote

Yes - 88, No - 12, Abstain - 53, Absent - 28

See Full Vote

Key Praise

None

Key Criticism

• "Expressing grave concerns over the continuing health emergency in Ukraine and refugee-receiving and -hosting countries, triggered by the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine…"
• "Further alarmed by the health impacts of the Russian Federation’s aggression, which have regional and wider-than-regional significance, including, inter alia: significant numbers of refugees fleeing Ukraine, the risks of radiological, biological and chemical events and hazards, and the exacerbation of an already significant global food security crisis."
• "Condemns in the strongest terms the Russian Federation’s military aggression against Ukraine, including attacks on health care facilities documented via the WHO Surveillance System for Attacks on Health Care."
• "Urges the Russian Federation to immediately cease any attacks on hospitals and other health care facilities."
• "Also urges the Russian Federation to fully respect and protect all medical personnel and humanitarian personnel exclusively engaged in medical duties, and their means of transport and equipment."
• "Further urges respect for and protection of the sick and wounded, including civilians, health and humanitarian aid workers, and health care systems consistent with the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, and with broader international humanitarian law."
• "Decides that continued action by the Russian Federation to the detriment of the health situation in Ukraine, at regional and global levels, would necessitate that the Health Assembly should consider the application of relevant articles of the WHO Constitution."