In a resolute statement at the 55th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Qatar underscored the paramount importance of safeguarding children, regardless of the circumstances they find themselves in, be it times of peace or amidst the turmoil of armed conflict. Eid Mubarak Al Sulaiti, representing Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, vehemently condemned the continued exposure of children to grave risks in the midst of armed conflicts, which not only endanger their physical well-being but also inflict profound psychological scars, hindering their normal development.
Al Sulaiti emphasized Qatar’s unwavering commitment to protecting children affected by armed conflict, highlighting the nation’s proactive stance within both regional and international spheres. Notably, Qatar’s “Educate a Child” initiative has emerged as a beacon of hope, successfully enrolling a staggering ten million children in schools situated in conflict-ridden and disaster-stricken regions.
Furthermore, Qatar’s mediation endeavors have extended a lifeline to numerous children grappling with the ramifications of conflict. The nation opened its arms to unaccompanied Afghan children, offering them sanctuary and comprehensive care to shield them from the harrowing effects of war. Last December, Qatar played a pivotal role in reuniting Ukrainian children, separated from their families due to conflict, with their loved ones.
Al Sulaiti underscored Doha’s pivotal role as the host of the Analysis and Outreach Hub of the Office of the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. Qatar’s financial backing of the center until 2023 underscores its steadfast dedication to this critical mandate.
However, amidst these commendable efforts, Al Sulaiti drew attention to the harrowing plight of Palestinian children amidst the protracted conflict in Gaza. With the war entering its 160th day, over thirteen thousand innocent lives, predominantly children, have been claimed by Israeli missiles. The blockade on humanitarian aid compounds the tragedy, resulting in agonizing deaths due to starvation, with UNRWA reporting that the death toll among Gaza’s children surpasses casualties from conflicts worldwide over the past four years.
