Qatar’s mediation grounded in making people’s lives better

Qatar has stressed that the effectiveness of humanitarian efforts is determined by their impact on the lives of people caught in conflict zones. Abdulaziz Mohammed al-Mansouri, a senior representative from Qatar at the UN, emphasized this during his presentation at the Global Dialogue on International Humanitarian Law in Geneva. This event was organized by the Swiss government and the International Committee of the Red Cross, aiming to translate the outcomes of global initiatives into practical actions.

Al-Mansouri highlighted that the primary goal of mediation is to ensure that agreements reached on the ground translate into tangible improvements for civilians and pave the way for lasting peace. He argued that regardless of whether conflicting parties sign a deal, international humanitarian law should be strictly enforced. Such commitments can serve as a solid foundation for implementing protective measures, facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid, and addressing urgent humanitarian needs.

Al-Mansouri stressed the importance of setting clear, practical, and time-bound humanitarian commitments. These commitments should be agreed upon by a limited number of parties, with a clear entity responsible for their implementation. This approach would facilitate monitoring progress and promptly identifying any challenges that arise.

Qatar, with its extensive experience in peace efforts, highlighted that mediation is an ongoing process that extends beyond the signing of a deal. Continuous engagement, confidence-building, and readiness to tackle emerging challenges are crucial.

He pointed out that feedback from humanitarian organizations and affected communities is vital for evaluating how commitments contribute to the well-being of civilians. Accountability is a cornerstone for fostering enduring peace, as it involves addressing the grievances and damages caused by conflicts and taking decisive steps to prevent further violations. Al-Mansouri asserted that effective accountability mechanisms can enhance trust in the peace process and validate the legitimacy of the agreements reached.

The Qatar-led resolution, presented at the UN Human Rights Council in October 2025, aims to enhance the protection of women's and children's rights in conflict and post-conflict regions and ensure justice for victims. This resolution, adopted unanimously, underscores the importance of accountability, emphasizing that the success of mediation depends on the fulfillment of agreed-upon obligations.