Qatar Affirms its commitment to International Efforts Addressing Humanitarian Crises Worldwide

Qatar Affirms its commitment to International Efforts Addressing Humanitarian Crises Worldwide

Geneva – Information Office – 11 December

The State of Qatar affirmed its keenness to take part in international efforts to address humanitarian crises around the world, in line with its commitment to its legal, ethical and humanitarian responsibilities to alleviate the suffering of all those affected.

  This came in a statement by the State of Qatar, delivered by the Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN Office in Geneva, HE Ambassador Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri at the 33rd International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent.

HE Al Mansouri said: "First of all, we thank all those who contributed in organizing and preparing for this important conference, and we express our hope for the success of efforts to avoid and alleviate human suffering, and to ensure protection and respect for human beings to achieve lasting peace between all peoples."

"We celebrate this year two important occasions: the 70th anniversary of the 1949 Geneva Conventions which set modern, international legal standards for humanitarian treatment during times of war, and the centenary of the establishment of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which has provided distinctive efforts in promoting human values, responding to and preparing for disasters and achieving integration Social and peace," Al Mansouri said.

He believed that, "despite the great role that these agreements and their protocols do in alleviating the scourge of wars and protecting those affected by armed conflicts, many obstacles and challenges remain in full compliance with these provisions, especially that these agreements still face many obstacles and challenges, especially in light of the widening and length of wars, and the emergence of new war technology in them."

"As a party to all four Geneva Conventions, the State of Qatar firmly believes in the need to comply with international humanitarian law, and we stress that this law and mechanisms remain the most appropriate framework for regulating the conduct of all parties to conflict and providing protection to affected persons." Al Mansouri stated.

HE also stressed that Qatar has taken advanced steps towards strengthening the dissemination of international humanitarian law within the relevant national institutions, by the establishment of the National Committee on International Humanitarian Law in 2012, which played a major role in introducing this law by organizing seminars and training courses on international humanitarian law, In addition to working with many partners with the aim of ensuring respect and implementation of international humanitarian law at the national, regional and international levels.

In order to enhance and develop cooperation with relevant international organizations, Qatar signed an MoU and partnership in April 2019 with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, to enhance cooperation between the two parties to achieve the goals of sustainable development, and in September 2019, it signed a joint declaration of Intentions with the International Committee of the Red Cross, to exchange experiences and knowledge in areas of mutual interest, to strengthen cooperation supporting people affected by armed conflict and violence, and to promote respect and compliance with international humanitarian law, Al Mansouri added.

Ambassador Al Mansouri expressed his aspiration for fruitful deliberations during the conference and the achievement of the desired goals in improving the lives of people affected by armed conflicts, disasters and other emergency situations.