Director‑General of the World Health Organization (WHO)
President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
Representatives of the United Nations
As the President of Yazd Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, and the senior official in healthcare system at the UNESCO’s World Heritage City of Yazd with a history of over six thousand years, I consider it essential to convey the deep concerns of the medical and academic community for targeting the healthcare centers, hospitals, research institutions, and pharmaceutical facilities during the current US-Israeli war against Iran.
Any attack on medical facilities, health professionals, and vital medical infrastructure implies a clear violation of internationally recognized principles, such as the Geneva conventions, international humanitarian principles, and obligations relating to the protection of civilians and patients. Such actions directly jeopardize the health, lives, and security of defenseless civilians.
Throughout its distinguished and civilization‑building history, the Iranian nation has never initiated aggression or violence against other nations, and has consistently upheld the principles of respect for human life, health, dignity, and humanity.
We expect your organizations to:
– conduct urgent and transparent investigations into documented cases of damage or threats against healthcare facilities.
– strengthen international preventive measures to protect health centers, hospitals, pharmaceutical research centers, emergency and relief facilities, and health professionals.
– publish an official report detailing field assessments and the humanitarian consequences of such incidents.
It is expected that the international community will act with heightened sensitivity in safeguarding the health of the vulnerable populations including the patients, children, women, the elderly, the injured, and all healthcare workers who, devoid of any political or military affiliation, serve solely in the name of humanity.
We highly appreciate your considerations.
Sincerely,
Mahmoud Nourishadkam
President, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences
Yazd, Iran