Statement by the Republic of Lithuania at the UN Security Council Arria-formula meeting “A Decade of Resolution 2286: Protecting Medical Care in Conflict Amid Evolving Threats”
Statement by the Republic of Lithuania at the UN Security Council Arria-formula meeting “A Decade of Resolution 2286: Protecting Medical Care in Conflict Amid Evolving Threats” on Tuesday, 5 May 2026.
Dear Colleagues,
Lithuania aligns itself with the statement of the European Union and thanks the organizers for convening this critical discussion.
First, ten years after the adoption of UN Security Council resolution 2286, its importance has not diminished - it has grown. The resolution clearly obliges all parties to armed conflict to respect and protect medical personnel, facilities and the wounded. Lithuania calls on all states, especially the parties to the conflict, to renew their commitment to the full implementation of Security Council resolution 2286 and the Secretary-General’s recommendations.
Second, the situation in Ukraine demonstrates the staggering violations that continue to occur. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, more than 2500 attacks on the health care system have been documented. According to the World Health Organization, these attacks have resulted in deaths of 230 patients and health workers and injured further 930. The documented patterns of Russia’s military attacks on civilian objects in Ukraine, including medical facilities and so-called double-tap strikes, constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes. This underscores the urgent need for accountability.
Third, increasingly attacks on medical facilities and personnel occur across the world, reflecting a broader erosion of international humanitarian law. We see this as most worrying trend. Lithuania supports initiatives such as the ICRC’s efforts to galvanize political commitment and strengthen the protection of hospitals in armed conflict. We also commend the important work of independent organizations, including The Physicians for Human Rights and Médecins Sans Frontières. We call for stronger measures to safeguard health care workers in all conflict zones, including the immediate release of detained doctors and medical personnel.
I thank you.
