In a statement released on 30 June 2025, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the importance of ensuring access to healthcare during conflicts, highlighting the devastating consequences of such situations.
A high-level side event, “Ensuring the Right to Health in Conflict Situations,” was held on the margins of the 59th Session of the Human Rights Council at Palais des Nations in Geneva. The event, co-organized by Thailand, Brazil, Japan, Norway, and Spain, along with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and Save the Children, aimed to raise awareness about the need for pragmatic, rights-based approaches to healthcare during emergencies.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Paisan Rupanichkij, delivered opening remarks at the event, emphasizing the devastating direct and indirect long-term health consequences of conflicts, including injuries and loss of life, reduced life expectancy, rising maternal mortality, and worsening child nutrition. He stressed the need for respect of international humanitarian and human rights laws and international cooperation to ensure continued access to healthcare, particularly for vulnerable groups.
The side event featured distinguished speakers from various organizations, including Dr. Michael J. Ryan, Executive Director of the Health Emergencies Programme at the World Health Organization (WHO); H.E. Mr. Tormod Cappelen Endresen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Norway to the United Nations Office in Geneva; Ms. Claude Maon, Intersectional Legal Director at Médecins Sans Frontières; and Mr. Michel Anglade, Director and UN Representative at Save the Children, Geneva.
The event highlighted that more than one-quarter of the world’s population lives in conflict-affected areas where health systems are disrupted, medical personnel are targeted, and access to essential services is severely limited. Panelists emphasized the importance of respecting relevant international law and accountability for violations, including attacks on healthcare infrastructure and health personnel.
Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian efforts, including capacity-building, provision of medicine, and medical supplies along the Thailand-Myanmar border. The Ministry’s contribution to these efforts underscores its dedication to promoting human rights and dignity in conflict situations.
The significance of this event lies in its emphasis on the need for healthcare access during conflicts. As the world grapples with increasing humanitarian crises, it is essential that countries prioritize the protection of human rights and the delivery of essential services, particularly to vulnerable populations.
In conclusion, Thailand’s emphasis on ensuring healthcare access during conflicts serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting international law and promoting cooperation to address these complex issues. As the global community continues to navigate the challenges of conflict and humanitarian crises, it is crucial that we prioritize the protection of human rights and the delivery of essential services.
Image Credits
Images from the event can be found on the Ministry’s website.
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