Qatar Participates in 58th Session of Human Rights Council in Geneva
Geneva, February 24,2025
The State of Qatar participated in the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, currently underway in Geneva.
HE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad represented Qatar at the session.
Addressing the high-level segment, Her Excellency noted that the session is taking place amid escalating global challenges, driven by the persistence and unprecedented spread of armed conflicts, which continue to have severe repercussions on human rights worldwide.
She emphasized that these conflicts share a common thread, being the blatant violations of fundamental human rights principles and international humanitarian law.
Turning to the situation in Palestine, Her Excellency highlighted the ongoing tragedy of the Palestinian people, which has persisted for over seventy years. She noted that in the past 470 days of aggression on the Gaza Strip, the number of casualties has approached 170,000, including martyrs, wounded, and missing; most of whom are children and women.
Additionally, more than 90 percent of Gaza's infrastructure and essential services, including hospitals and schools, have been destroyed. She condemned the blockade, starvation policies, restrictions on humanitarian aid, and the forced displacement of approximately 2.3 million Palestinians.
Her Excellency underscored Qatar's relentless efforts, in partnership with the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States, which led to a ceasefire agreement last month. The agreement also facilitated the exchange of prisoners and hostages, ensured the large-scale and systematic delivery of humanitarian aid across Gaza, rehabilitated hospitals, health centers, and bakeries, and allowed for the entry of civil defense supplies and fuel, as well as the provision of shelter for displaced families.
She urged the international community to intensify efforts to facilitate humanitarian aid and support the United Nations in ensuring its safe and efficient delivery to Gaza.
As part of Qatar's continued commitment to alleviating the suffering of affected families, and under the directives of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, a dedicated aid route was established to supply fuel to the Gaza Strip, she added.
Her Excellency described the ceasefire agreement as a significant achievement and a crucial step in the right direction. However, she stressed that its sustainability depends on both parties fully adhering to their commitments, including the unconditional and unobstructed entry of humanitarian aid, reconstruction efforts, and creating conditions that enable the safe return of displaced Palestinians.
She also reiterated Qatar's categorical rejection of any calls for the forced displacement of Palestinians, warning that such actions would undermine peace efforts and further destabilize the region.
Her Excellency reaffirmed that a just and lasting peace can only be achieved through an end to the occupation, the restoration of Palestinian sovereignty, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
On Syria, Her Excellency congratulated the Syrian people on the success of their revolution and their liberation from a regime that, for decades, had committed grave crimes and human rights violations against its own citizens. She reaffirmed Qatar's unwavering stance in rejecting human rights abuses and supporting the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people.
She welcomed the steps taken by Syria's new government to restructure the state and enhance national unity, emphasizing the importance of consolidating civil peace, security, and stability, as well as building institutions based on the rule of law and justice.
Furthermore, Her Excellency reaffirmed Qatar's support for Syria's unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. She called for lifting sanctions on Syria, facilitating reconstruction, and ensuring the Syrian people's right to freedom, development, and a dignified life.
Addressing the situation in Sudan, Her Excellency reiterated Qatar's firm position in supporting Sudan's unity, sovereignty, and independence while rejecting any foreign interference in its internal affairs. She noted that Qatar's humanitarian assistance since the outbreak of the conflict remains ongoing, driven by its deep fraternal and humanitarian commitment to the Sudanese people.
Her Excellency said that strengthening and protecting human rights is a top priority for Qatar and is the cornerstone of its comprehensive reform policy.
She added that this focus stems from national references, the most important of which are the Qatar National Vision 2030 and Qatar's three National Development Strategies, including the Third National Development Strategy (2024–2030), the priorities of which are embodied in seven key outcomes to be achieved: Sustainable Economic Growth, Fiscal Sustainability, Future-ready Workforce, Cohesive Society, Quality of Life, Environmental Sustainability, and Government Excellence.
Her Excellency affirmed the State of Qatar's commitment to international cooperation, placing great emphasis on strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation and working with friendly countries, along with regional and international organizations.
She added that Qatar continues its policy to promote cooperation and understanding by hosting conferences and encouraging dialogue to find solutions to important international issues, pointing out that Doha will host several significant forums this year, including the Second World Summit for Social Development, the Web Summit Qatar 2025, and 11th Session of the Conference of the States Parties (CoSP11) to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), among others, which will work on strengthening peace and stability and addressing global challenges, thereby contributing to creating the appropriate conditions for people to enjoy human rights.
Her Excellency also noted that there is a political will and a supportive climate for strengthening and protecting human rights in the State of Qatar, in addition to its commitment to working with the council members to carry out its tasks more effectively.
She pointed out that through Qatar's new membership, starting this year, it will support the council's efforts in promoting global respect for all human rights values and principles equally, aiming to make the world a better place for humanity.