On January 19, two MSF staff were injured by rocket fire at Masisi General Referral Hospital in North Kivu, DRC, amidst escalating conflict. MSF condemned the attacks, emphasizing the need for protective measures for healthcare facilities. This incident marks the second attack in just four days, raising concerns for the safety of patients and displaced persons in the area.
On January 19th, two Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) staff members sustained minor injuries when a rocket struck the garage adjacent to Masisi General Referral Hospital in North Kivu, DRC. Another rocket hit a latrine close to the facility on the same day, and both the hospital and MSF staff base were affected by gunfire. MSF has denounced these actions as a violation of health and humanitarian facility protections under international law.
The Masisi General Referral Hospital in North Kivu has faced significant threats amid ongoing conflicts between the M23/AFC and Congolese army forces. MSF has been operating in the region since 2007, providing essential health services while striving to protect the vulnerable civilian population, including thousands displaced by the conflict.
The recent incidents highlight the urgent need for greater protection of healthcare facilities within conflict zones. MSF calls for robust measures to ensure the safety of both humanitarian personnel and the civilians seeking refuge in these centers. Such events underline the necessity for combatants to adhere to international humanitarian standards and protect vulnerable populations during armed conflicts.
Original Source: www.msf.org
