Geneva: The State of Qatar expressed its deep concern over, and condemnation of the continued exposure of children to all violations committed in the context of armed conflict, which threaten their physical and psychological integrity and normal development. It stressed the importance of respecting, protecting, and promoting their rights in all situations of peace and war alike.
According to Qatar News Agency, this came in a statement delivered on Thursday by Abdulrahman Saud Abdullah Naqdan, Second Secretary at the International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during his participation in an interactive dialogue with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, within the framework of the fifty-eighth session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Naqdan stressed that it is important that all parties to armed conflicts comply with their obligations to spare children the scourge of war and prevent their involvement in armed conflicts or their targeting in any way. He affirmed that the State of Qatar, within the framework of its international and regional strategic partnerships, has paid great attention to protecting children affected by armed conflicts and has worked to implement numerous initiatives in vital areas, such as education, health, and the provision of clean drinking water, as well as providing various humanitarian aid that mitigates the impact of wars and their repercussions on children.
He also noted the attention given by the State of Qatar to unaccompanied children and the provision of comprehensive care to protect them from the negative effects of conflict. He also pointed to Qatar's contribution to reuniting a number of children affected by the conflict with their families, and its commitment to strengthening the role played by the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict by hosting the Office's Analysis and Communications Center in Doha and providing it with essential resources.
Naqdan thanked the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict for her report and commended her efforts in carrying out her mandate.