WMA Appalled by Beheading of Red Cross Worker

The World Medical Association has denounced the appalling treatment of Khalil Rasjed Dale, whose beheaded, bullet-ridden body has been found in Pakistan where he worked as a health-programme manager for the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Dr. Mukesh Haikerwal, Chair of the WMA, said: ‘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 said the UN Security Council had ruled that the targeting of schools and hospitals would be treated as being a violation of international humanitarian law.

‘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.’