Qatar's Permanent Representative in Geneva Participates in Launch of First Progress Report of Global Initiative on International Humanitarian Law
Geneva, October 16, 2025
HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Dr. Hind Abdul Rahman Al Muftah, participated on Thursday in the launch meeting of the first progress report of Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law, held in Geneva.
In her remarks delivered on behalf of the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the People's Republic of Bangladesh, the Republic of Colombia, and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia - as co-chairs of the initiative's third track on IHL and Peace - Her Excellency affirmed that this track serves as a vital complement to the efforts made under the other work streams.
She noted that participants examined how respect for international humanitarian law can foster conditions conducive to dialogue, build trust between parties, and contribute to de-escalation and reconciliation - not as abstract ideals, but as practical tools for advancing sustainable peace.
Her Excellency explained that the joint efforts undertaken over the past 10 months were guided by a firm conviction that every conflict carries within it the seeds of peace. War, she emphasized, is not a sustainable option, and its devastating consequences - in lost lives and shattered families - remind us that the laws of war must also serve as a foundation for building peace.
She noted that the outcomes of this track converged on a shared understanding that respect for international humanitarian law can and should be leveraged at every stage of conflict and peace processes: before conflict erupts, through adherence to obligations in peacetime; during conflict, by protecting civilians and safeguarding human dignity; and after conflict, through reconciliation, accountability, and the consolidation of lasting peace.
HE Dr. Al Muftah also underscored that humanitarian issues can serve as an entry point for building confidence in early stages of dialogue. Addressing the fate of missing persons, ensuring humanitarian access, and protecting detainees and civilians should begin from the outset of talks, as these steps often open the first channels of communication between parties and help reduce tensions.
Her Excellency further emphasized the importance of inclusivity to ensure the effective participation of women, civil society, and local organizations in peace processes, stressing that mediators need practical tools to translate principles into tangible commitments within peace agreements.
HE Dr. Al Muftah concluded by affirming that respect for international humanitarian law goes beyond regulating conduct during war; it serves as a genuine pathway to peace. She reaffirmed Qatar's full commitment to continuing this dialogue through cooperation, inclusivity, and sustained engagement across regions and sectors.