PHM condemns attacks on civilians in Palestine/Gujarat
Geneva, 17th May 2002
People's Health Movement condemns ongoing attack on civilians in Palestine and the violence in Gujarat:
The delegates of the People's Health Movement (PHM) from Asia, Africa, Americas, Australia and Europe who are attending a PHM caucus at Geneva
(to coincide with the World Health Assembly -13th -17th May 2002) strongly condemn the state-sponsored massacres of civilians in the
occupied territories of Palestine.
The PHM condemns the violence perpetuated against civilians, particularly children and women. This should be considered a crime
against humanity. The health community has been targeted systematically for attack and their humanitarian work obstructed. This constitutes a
grave violation of fundamental humanitarian principles and conventions. PHM also condemns the random suicide attacks carried out against
Israeli civilians and other acts of violence.
In Palestine health services and the basic infrastructure have been destroyed and will take years to rebuild. The PHM calls upon the health
community in particular, and the people of the world in general to speak out against such aggression against civilians, to assist in
initiatives to rebuild the shattered lives of victims of these recent events.
PHM demands the release of the Israeli and Palestinian peace activists who are under detention. PHM extends their solidarity to the ongoing
peace efforts by peace activists in Palestine and Israel.
The delegates of the People's Health Movement also strongly condemn the state-sponsored massacres of civilians in the western Indian state of
Gujarat. PHM expresses their concern over the fragile and inhumane conditions in which the victims of the violence are staying and demands
immediate humanitarian assistance and comprehensive rehabilitation.
