Sudanese Doctors Call for Non-Involvement in Military Activities

Moatinoon
The Preparatory Committee of the Sudan Doctors’ Union has called for the complete non-involvement of doctors in intelligence and military activities, urging all parties to respect international laws protecting medical personnel and facilities and to ensure a safe environment for doctors to carry out their humanitarian duties.

The committee expressed deep concern over statements attributed to the army commander describing doctors as parties to the conflict and as sources of information, warning that such remarks pose a direct threat to healthcare workers.

It stressed that since the outbreak of war on April 15, doctors and medical staff across Sudan have continued to fulfill their humanitarian responsibilities under extremely harsh and complex conditions, treating both civilians and combatants despite severe shortages of resources, deteriorating security, and repeated attacks on health facilities.

The committee described the targeting of hospitals and their use as battlegrounds as a clear violation of international and national laws, noting that medical personnel have paid a heavy price during the conflict.

It reaffirmed its full commitment to international humanitarian law and medical ethics frameworks governing work during armed conflicts, including the Nuremberg Code (1947), the Geneva Declaration (1948), and the Geneva Conventions (1949), all of which obligate parties to protect medical staff, patients, and healthcare facilities.

The committee warned that any narrative undermining the neutrality of doctors or exposing them to harm could be interpreted as justification for further violations, emphasizing that portraying doctors as part of the conflict risks turning them into legitimate targets.

It also rejected any attempts to divert doctors from their core mission of saving lives and preserving the remaining healthcare system.

Meanwhile, the Sudan Doctors Network also voiced serious concern over the same statements, affirming that doctors are not part of the military conflict and that involving them in such narratives endangers their lives.

The network called on all parties to respect the neutrality of medical work and to provide necessary protection for healthcare workers, noting that they continue to operate under extremely difficult conditions with limited resources.

It concluded by expressing deep appreciation for medical personnel across Sudan, praising their sacrifices and humanitarian efforts, which it said will remain a source of pride and recognition.