Qatar takes Part in Cairo workshop on national-level IHL implementation

Qatar is participating in a workshop in Cairo aimed at strengthening the implementation of international humanitarian law (IHL) at the national level. The event, set to conclude today, brings together representatives from Arab countries, Egypt's Ministry of Justice, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The State of Qatar's delegation is led by Saeed bin Abdullah Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice and Chairman of the National Committee for International Humanitarian Law.

In his opening remarks, Al Suwaidi emphasized that respecting international humanitarian law is a legal obligation, humanitarian responsibility, and moral imperative that requires developing coordinated national systems to translate international obligations into effective policies, legislation, and action. He highlighted the need to continuously develop national tools to address the evolving methods and means of warfare, emerging technological challenges, and the protection of cultural property and medical services.

Al Suwaidi stressed the importance of transforming national committees from advisory bodies into centers of expertise and coordination platforms among various institutions. The two-day workshop examined current IHL challenges, ways to strengthen political commitment, and the status of national committees' efforts in 2025 and 2026.

Participants also discussed legislative measures to protect the ICRC's emblems and cultural property during armed conflicts, explored partnerships with academia, and aimed to develop national-level tools for IHL implementation.