Dear Neil on behalf of HIFA and CHIFA,
Attached is a paper that was released today on our website, along with the press release you see below.
We hope you might find it possible for you to consider publishing a link to our attached paper to help spread it to a wider and invested audience.
On behalf of MCAI’s trustees I am available as spokesperson for this article and can be contacted at any time to discuss possible ways forward.
With kindest regards,
David Southall
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
CHIFA profile: David Southall is a retired Professor of Paediatrics and Honorary Medical Director of the Maternal and Child Health Advocacy International, MCAI, in the UK.
(www.mcai.org.uk) He is also on the board of the International Child Health Group. director AT mcai.org.uk