RCGP statement on the London ambulance attack

Professor Victoria Tzortziou-Brown, Chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, said: “At times of conflict or unrest, it is always civilians - often some of the world’s most vulnerable people - who suffer the most. And healthcare workers, bravely trying to deliver care to these people in the most perilous of circumstances are too often the target of violence, or caught in the crossfire. 

“This is despite healthcare workers, facilities and infrastructure being explicitly protected by international humanitarian law, international human rights law and multiple UN resolutions. 

“The Royal College of General Practitioners’ charitable object is to foster and maintain the highest possible standards in general medical practice both in the UK and globally – and the delivery of high quality general medical care will always be deeply challenging at times of conflict and in conflict zones. 

“It is therefore our position that where international conflict or unrest occurs: international humanitarian and human rights law should be adhered to and respected by all parties involved in order to protect the most vulnerable and uphold human life and dignity healthcare workers and medical facilities in conflict zones, should be protected in accordance with international law the College stands with those working to deliver care to patients in conflict zones the College recognises that dialogue and negotiation are widely regarded as the most effective means of conflict resolution and should be prioritised, where possible. 

“The College understands that when conflict or unrest occurs it may have a profound effect on our members, whether they are directly involved, have links to the regions concerned, or simply bearing witness to events from afar. “The College urges the avoidance of violence wherever possible and condemns the targeting of civilians, healthcare workers and medical facilities which is prohibited under international law.”

Further information

RCGP press office: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editors

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 54,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.