Statement by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) on the Recent Attacks in Ukraine

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean joins the UNSG in unequivocally condemning the missile attacks launched by the Russian Federation on residential and civilian infrastructure throughout Ukraine on July 8, 2024. These attacks struck, among many civilian targets, several cities, including Kyiv, Kryvyi Rih, Dnipro, and Pokrovsk, resulting in the tragic loss of civilian lives, including children, and injuring over 150 individuals.

Of particular concern are the strikes on the Okhmatdyt National Children’s Specialized Hospital in Kyiv, the largest pediatric facility in Ukraine, and another medical facility in the capital’s Dniprovsky district.

As denounced by WHO, targeting medical facilities constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law, including Article 18 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which mandates the protection of civilian hospitals during times of war, and the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2286, which condemns attacks on medical facilities and personnel in conflict zones, calling for the protection of civilian lives and infrastructure. 

The perpetrators of these attacks, along with their entire chain of command, must be brought to international justice.

PAM extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian people during this difficult time.

The Assembly reaffirms its steadfast support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, democratically elected government and parliament, and territorial integrity.

ART. 18 Fourth Geneva Convention https://ihl-databases.icrc.org/en/ihl-treaties/gciv-1949/article-18 

S/RES/2286 (2016) https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/atf/cf/%7B65BFCF9B-6D27-4E9C-8CD3-CF6E4FF96FF9%7D/s_res_2286.pdf //