Since our foundation in 1505, the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh has been committed to upholding the highest standards of patient care.
Many centuries before the Geneva Convention established the humanitarian concept of non-combatant medical personnel, Mary Queen of Scots recognised the essential role of protecting surgeons who were providing care to those caught up in conflict, through her letter of exemption to bear arms. This letter from 1567 is proudly displayed in our College archives as a reminder of the important role healthcare professionals play in the face of armed conflicts and other humanitarian disasters.
Sadly, the world today is more volatile than it has been since the end of the Cold War, with over 120 active global conflicts [1]. During this period, there is no doubt that healthcare workers have been directly targeted. Figures from the United Nations estimate that attacks against health facilities doubled between 2023 and 2024, and more than 900 health workers were killed last year [2].
On this UN International Day of Peace, The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh wishes to recognise the efforts of our Surgeons, Dentists and Faculty members who undertake humanitarian activities at such great personal risk.
We fully endorse and uphold the core principles of humanitarianism - namely humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence. We also call on leaders from across the world to adhere to international humanitarian law and allow healthcare workers to bring much needed care to people caught in the most desperate circumstances. We stand united with all organisations that share today’s call for peace.
References
- ICRC in 2024: Upholding humanity in conflict, International Committee of the Red Cross, 16 December 2024. Available online at https://www.icrc.org/en/article/icrc-2024-upholding-humanity-conflict#:~:text=Sandro%20Basili/ICRC,and%20their%20most%20basic%20rights. (accessed 4 September 2025).
- Health and aid workers targeted in conflicts around the world, UN agency says. United Nations Press release, 23 August 2025. Available online at https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/08/1165710 (accessed 4 September 2025).