Qatar stresses humanitarian diplomacy to protect children in conflict

Doha, Qatar - Qatar has emphasized the significance of dialogue, mediation, and humanitarian diplomacy in safeguarding the well-being of children caught in conflict zones, according to a report from the Ministry of State for International Cooperation.

Minister of State for International Cooperation, Dr Maryam bint Ali Al Misnad, highlighted that Qatar had incorporated dialogue, mediation, and humanitarian diplomacy as essential components of its foreign policy and international endeavours.

The workshop, attended by policymakers, diplomats, humanitarian leaders, and other experts, aimed to explore practical methods to enhance child-sensitive humanitarian access during conflicts and crises. Dr Al Misnad shared insights from her mediation experiences, stressing that maintaining open channels of communication, even under the most challenging circumstances, could foster opportunities to shield civilians and streamline humanitarian efforts.

She stressed that the protection of children could serve as a unifying factor in dialogue, pointing out that regardless of divergent political stances, ensuring children's access to food, healthcare, and education remained a humanitarian obligation that should not be subject to political considerations. Dr Al Misnad cautioned that restrictions on humanitarian operations, hindrance of aid, and attacks on humanitarian and medical personnel and facilities had emerged as part of the broader political and security challenges impacting civilian protection in numerous contemporary conflicts.

She further pointed out that children were especially vulnerable to disruptions in essential services such as food, water, healthcare, and education, warning that even brief delays in accessing these services could result in profound and enduring psychological and health repercussions. Dr Al Misnad stressed that the needs of children should be a central element in discussions and negotiations concerning humanitarian access, rather than being addressed merely after agreements or humanitarian arrangements were finalized.