UNHRC holds interactive dialogue on human rights of women, children in conflict and post-conflict situations

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) convened an interactive dialogue during its 63rd session in Geneva, focusing on the human rights of women and children amidst conflict and post-conflict scenarios. This dialogue aimed at implementing Resolution 60/19, a resolution endorsed by the core group members of the State of Qatar and Costa Rica.

Her Excellency, Dr. Hend Abdulrahman Al Muftah, Qatar's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, underscored the significance of the dialogue, stating that it was designed to address the plight of millions of women and children who have been victims of armed conflicts. She stressed that the dialogue does not merely reaffirm the rights of women and children, but also seeks to ensure that their violations lead to tangible outcomes such as protection, accountability, justice, and reparation.

Al Muftah further highlighted that millions of women and children in conflict zones across the world continue to suffer due to various forms of violence, including killings, displacement, and family separation. Children are particularly vulnerable, often exploited and subjected to recruitment and abduction, and deprived of basic necessities such as education, healthcare, and protection.

She emphasized that these violations are compounded by the widespread disregard for both international human rights law and international humanitarian law, which may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity.

Victims of these violations often face significant barriers in seeking justice, including inadequate protection, insufficient accountability mechanisms, and limited access to effective remedies and reparation. Al Muftah stressed the urgent need for concrete actions to address these issues and protect women and children. She reiterated her commitment to advancing the implementation of Resolution 60/19, calling upon all parties to armed conflicts to meet their obligations, adhere to human rights standards, and ensure the effective implementation of these laws.