Germany criticizes the choice of the Assad regime as a member of the Executive Council of the World Health Organization
German Health Minister Jens Spahn considered that the Assad regime’s selection as a member of the Executive Council of the World Health Organization was unfortunate and “reflects the need to work with some governments for the benefit of their people, especially on health issues.”
This came during a press conference in Berlin on Tuesday, commenting on the selection of the Assad regime to occupy a position in the World Health Organization.
“I am not at all happy, because the Assad regime, which waged a devastating and deadly decade-long war against its opponents, was chosen to take a seat on the WHO Executive Board,” Shaban said.
He added, “International cooperation between sovereign states is necessary to coordinate and set standards together,” noting that “a similar situation may also arise in other international forums such as the United Nations Human Rights Council.”
Shabban pointed out that these matters are considered “political and realistic flaws,” explaining that when it comes to health issues and health care for the population, the question is always: “Who are we punishing here if we do not make cooperation possible?”Are we punishing the regime or the people?”
A number of Syrian civil society organizations had issued a joint statement about the World Health Organization’s decision to include a member of the Executive Council, following the organization’s decision to choose the Assad regime to occupy this position.
Source: agencies
