The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) has launched a new petition calling on the Australian Government to take stronger action to protect healthcare workers in war zones, where they are increasingly under attack. The petition is the latest step in the ANMF's Nurses and Midwives for Peace campaign to stand in solidarity with nurses, midwives, and other healthcare professionals working in conflict zones - because healthcare must never be a target.
In war-torn regions across the world, healthcare facilities are being deliberately targeted. Hospitals have been bombed, ambulances destroyed, and health workers killed or detained. This is not only a violation of international humanitarian law but also an assault on humanity itself, depriving entire populations access to essential care.
It's why the ANMF and our members are standing as a voice for global peace and calling for urgent action from governments and international bodies to protect healthcare workers, their patients and health facilities, in conflict zones. The campaign's first phase featured a letter of solidarity, signed by over 700 Australian nurses and midwives, with their messages of support delivered to nurses in Gaza in partnership with the Australian Red Cross.
Launched today at the ANMF's 17th Biennial National Conference on the Gold Coast, the petition calls on the Australian Government to:
1. Publicly condemn all attacks on health facilities and health workers in conflict zones;
2. Demand accountability for perpetrators under international law;
3. Support stronger enforcement of the Geneva Conventions and international humanitarian law, and
4. Advocate for humanitarian access and safe conditions for those delivering and receiving care.
ANMF Federal Secretary Annie Butler said: "Around the world, healthcare is literally under fire. Nurses, midwives and healthcare workers are risking their lives to deliver care in conflict zones and they're being targeted for it. Clearly, these are illegal attacks that breach the Geneva Conventions and threaten the core values of healthcare: neutrality, humanity and protection of the sick and wounded. In every conflict, health workers, their patients and health infrastructure and facilities must be off limits.
"By taking a stand, the ANMF and our members are putting pressure on the Australian Government and Governments around the world to uphold international humanitarian law and affirm the sanctity of healthcare everywhere and pursue accountability for perpetrators."
