After the discovery of Khalil Rasjed Dale’s beheaded and bullet-strewn body in Pakistan, the World Medical Association (WMA) denounced his appalling treatment. Dale worked in Pakistan as a health-program manager for the International Committee of the Red Cross. Chair of the WMA, Dr. Mukesh Haikerwal, commented:
“On behalf of our nine million physician members worldwide I can say that the WMA is shocked by Mr. Dale’s beheading as an action that does not bear description. Once again a dedicated, selfless health worker has paid an unacceptable price for pursuing his vocation of bringing relief from suffering, treating the sick and providing for the health care of those who entrusted that care to him. This monstrous crime is a crime against humanity and reinforces the need for governments and others around the world to combat the growing threat of violence against health workers. We must redouble our efforts through the ICRC campaign ‘Health Care in Danger’ to find solutions to confront this violence.”
Dr. Haikerwal pointed out that the UN Security Council had ruled that targeting of schools and hospitals would be treated as a violation of international humanitarian law.
He stated:
“This is no less a crime. The WMA will continue to work with the ICRC to remove this menace of violence from the health sector.”
Written By Petra Rattue