[*Note from HIFA moderator (NPW): The original message had three attachments but HIFA is a plain-text forum and does not carry attachments. I am therefore forwarding the press release below. The full policy paper is available here:
https://12dec1c3-e3f4-e784-7f3a-6e7903610962.filesusr.com/ugd/dd2ba4_f1c... ]
PRESS RELEASE
MCAI Calls for Urgent Reforms by the United Nations to Protect mothers, children and health workers affected by Armed Conflict
[Laide, Highland, Scotland IV22 2NL] — [24th July 2025]
A policy paper released today<https://12dec1c3-e3f4-e784-7f3a-6e7903610962.filesusr.com/ugd/dd2ba4_f1c... by Maternal and Childhealth Advocacy International (MCAI) is calling for urgent reform of the United Nations’ protection and peacekeeping systems to better safeguard civilians—especially women, children, and health workers—in conflict zones across the globe.
The paper, titled “Possible Reforms to Manage Armed Conflict: Towards a More Effective Protection and Security System within the United Nations,” outlines twelve practical actions to address structural barriers within the UN, including the paralysis of the Security Council and the limited accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
“In Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and other conflict zones, the failure of global systems to prevent mass civilian suffering is undeniable,” said [Dr. David Southall], a trustee of MCAI. “We need decisive reforms that put human rights, justice, and health protection at the center of international peace and security.”
The paper’s key recommendations include:
* Abolishing the veto power and permanent membership in the UN Security Council
* Combining the roles of the UN General Assembly and Security Council for peacekeeping decision-making
* Increased support for the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice, and Interpol to uphold international law
* Protection of healthcare systems and frontline health workers in conflict zones
* Greater representation and leadership from Global South countries
* Formal inclusion of civil society and local communities in UN peace operations
The paper emphasizes that without urgent structural reforms, the world risks repeating the same inaction that allowed mass atrocities in Rwanda, Syria, and Tigray.
A “Call to Action” section appeals to UN Member States, international partners, and peacebuilding networks to act collectively and decisively, stating: “History will not judge us by the institutions we preserve, but by the lives we protect and the justice we uphold.”
The full policy paper is available online here<https://12dec1c3-e3f4-e784-7f3a-6e7903610962.filesusr.com/ugd/dd2ba4_f1c... or can be obtained upon request by contacting
director@mcai.org.uk<mailto:director@mcai.org.uk> or calling Dr David Southall on +44 7710 674003<tel:+447710674003> or +44 7944 632011<tel:+447944632011>.
David Southall
Professor David Southall OBE, MD, FRCPCH
Consultant Obstetrician Liberia and Professor of Paediatrics UK
Honorary Medical Director Maternal and Childhealth Advocacy International (MCAI), 1 Columba Court, Laide IV22 2NL, UK
Mobile and WhatsApp numbers +44 (0) 7710 674003 and +44 (0)7944 632011
https://www.mcai.org.uk/
Registered as a SCIO (Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation) No. SC043467
Director, MCAI Liberia, Field Office, House 13, Phebe Hospital, Liberia Enterprise Number 051730402
HIFA profile: David Southall is a retired Professor of Paediatrics and Honorary Medical Director of the Maternal and Child Health Advocacy International (MCAI). www.mcai.org.uk David founded MCAI in 1995 and currently is directing a task-sharing programme in Liberia aimed at the training of midwives in advanced obstetrics (including abdominal surgery) and the training of nurses and midwives in advanced neonatal care. David’s main interests include: medical education, approaches to healthcare based on human rights, sustained improvements in the emergency hospital care of pregnant women and adolescent girls, babies and children in disadvantaged countries, preventing the life-threatening abuse of children, and advocacy against armed conflict and the arms trade and its effects on mothers and children. director AT mcai.org.uk