Bogotá, February 11, 2013 Medical Mission

The Medical Mission must understand that it is in the service of the state and not of the illegal armed groups ": Vice President Angelino Garzon Bogotá, February 11, 2013 Under the Colombian internal armed conflict are different types of offenses against the Medical Mission, such as attacks on hospitals, medical personnel threats, theft of items hospital, forced attention, confidentiality violations, and driving ban or misuse of ambulances. Although the ideal is that the wounded and sick are respected and protected in all circumstances and receive medical care, the reality is different. No guarantee can be given medical care if involved risk their lives rather than have guarantees. In 2012 there were 30 offenses and 18 victims, and from January to February 11, 2013 include seven offenses and five victims, worrying figures violations of International Humanitarian Law by illegal armed groups. Therefore, it should be noted that the work has been advancing the Presidential Human Rights and IHL, Vice Presidency, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, the Ministry of Labour, representatives of the ICRC, the Colombian Red Cross, and experts the subject, which submitted a draft decree that aims to formalize the national so "permanent Mesa Working for Respect Medical Mission", and so specialized manner to protect medical staff practicing this humanitarian work in conflict areas . In 2013 there are several municipalities where violations have occurred Medical Mission group, these are: Nariño, Valle del Cauca, Norte de Santander, Caldas, Córdoba Nariño, Huila, Norte de Santander. While it is important to recognize the work being advanced seven of the departments with the highest number of violations of the Medical Mission, where regional work tables for the prevention and protection of infringements and violations, rules are essential under the principles of International Humanitarian Law . In this case, the Vice President said, "The medical mission must understand that it is in the service of the state and not of the illegal armed groups", and called to generate spaces where they can make recommendations to local authorities on respect for the Medical Mission, and have a joint action plan with the ICRC and the Colombian Red Cross. The international body, meanwhile, Colombia recognized as a pioneer in the regulation of practice for the protection of medical personnel in armed conflict. Also, the Vice President invited members of the Medical Mission and the ICRC to have the vice presidency as a support for the realization of their actions and the organization of seminars that explains the role and importance of the entity as guarantor of human rights and IHL. Finally, he told the Vice Minister of Health, Fernando Ruiz, the need to join forces and ensure effective health services to children and young people, as with education and food would avoid forced recruitment and could "leave behind this absurd war," he said.

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