On 24 June 2025, Mr. Paisan Rupanichkij, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, delivered opening remarks at a high-level side event titled “Ensuring the Right to Health in Conflict Situations,” held on the margins of the 59th Session of the Human Rights Council at Palais des Nations in Geneva. H.E. Mr. Atsuyuki Oike, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations Office in Geneva also delivered opening remarks, while H.E. Ms. Usana Berananda, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations Office in Geneva, was a moderator.


The Deputy Permanent Secretary emphasized the devastating direct and indirect long-term health consequences of conflicts, including injuries and loss of life, and reduced life expectancy, rising maternal mortality, and worsening child nutrition respectively. He stressed the need for pragmatic, rights-based approaches to ensure continued access to healthcare, particularly for vulnerable groups, during emergencies. He also called for the respect of international humanitarian and human rights laws and international cooperation and reaffirmed Thailand’s contribution to humanitarian efforts, including in implementing the policy framework to assist vulnerable populations along the Thailand-Myanmar border through capacity-building, provision of medicine, and medical supplies.


The side event was co-organized by Thailand, Brazil, Japan, Norway, and Spain, along with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and Save the Children. Distinguished speakers included Dr. Michael J. Ryan, Executive Director of the Health Emergencies Programme at the World Health Organization (WHO); H.E. Mr. Tormod Cappelen Endresen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Norway to the United Nations Office in Geneva; Ms. Claude Maon, Intersectional Legal Director at Médecins Sans Frontières; and Mr. Michel Anglade, Director and UN Representative at Save the Children, Geneva.

Many panelists highlighted that today, more than one-quarter of the world’s population lives in conflict-affected areas where health systems are disrupted, medical personnel are targeted, and access to essential services is severely limited. They also emphasized the importance of respect to relevant international law and accountability for violations including the attacks on healthcare infrastructure and health personnel.