Legal Framework

Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions — Article 12

Provides absolute protection for medical units, which must be respected and protected at all times and may not be attacked. This applies to both fixed and mobile medical establishments.

Related incidents

1 incident

Attacks on Iranian Healthcare Facilities: WHO Verifies 18 Strikes on Hospitals and Medical Infrastructure

A sustained pattern of strikes on Iranian hospitals, ambulances, and medical infrastructure has killed healthcare workers and forced the evacuation of six hospitals. The WHO has verified 18 attacks on …

  • WHO has verified 18 attacks on healthcare facilities in Iran since the war began on February 28, 2026, with at least 8 medical workers …
  • Six hospitals have been evacuated, 29 clinical facilities damaged, and 10 rendered inactive. Patients required evacuation from seven …