Which principle states that medical personnel should not be attacked?

The principle that medical personnel should not be attacked is critically rooted in the established norms of international humanitarian law, specifically in the context of armed conflicts. This principle highlights the importance of safeguarding those who provide medical care, ensuring they can operate without the threat of violence or intimidation.

Medical personnel, such as doctors and nurses, play a vital role in ensuring the health and safety of individuals during conflicts. Their protection is essential for maintaining medical services and upholding human dignity even in wartime situations. Recognizing the need for protected status encourages respect for humanitarian efforts and reflects a commitment to ethical standards in warfare.

This principle is also reinforced by various international agreements, such as the Geneva Conventions, which emphasize the responsibility to respect and protect medical units and personnel. By adhering to this principle, armed forces can ensure that even in the chaos of war, the care for the wounded and sick remains a priority.

The other principles listed focus on different aspects of warfare ethics, such as the treatment of prisoners of war and the conduct of combat, which, while important, do not address specifically the protection of medical personnel.