THE VIOLATION OF MEDICAL NEUTRALITY AND HUMANITARIAN LAW IN THE SYRIAN CONFLICT

Abstract

Medical neutrality violations together with breaks in international humanitarian law (IHL) during the Syrian war have severely impacted health care facilities while generating adverse consequences for civilians' welfare. The evaluation investigates such violations through the deliberate attacks against medical personnel and facilities by Syrian government forces together with opposition groups along with extremist organizations during the ongoing war. The research shows the destruction of medical facilities and loss of healthcare personnel along with a public health crisis that results from these violations in Syria. The ongoing violent conflicts in Syria limit medical neutrality protection because various political and military complications mix with state-funded organizations and rebel entities. These humanitarian violations have been aggravated because international organizations like the United Nations and the International Criminal Court have been unable to resolve them.  The study uses interviews alongside quantitative data collection methods to identify main causes of medical neutrality violations and observe international actors' reactions by speaking with healthcare staff and aid workers as well as legal professionals. This paper investigates the obstacles connected to IHL enforcement before presenting measures to enhance protective measures for medical professionals and medical installations located in conflict zones.

Keywords: Syrian Conflict, Medical Neutrality, International Humanitarian Law, Healthcare Infrastructure, Violations, Humanitarian Crisis, Enforcement Challenges