Qatar Takes Lead in Humanitarian Law Discussions at Geneva Summit

The State of Qatar actively participated in the fourth round of global discussions under the Global Initiative aimed at bolstering political commitment to International Humanitarian Law (IHL). This significant meeting was organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva.

Qatar was represented by Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Mansouri, Second Secretary at its Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, who led an important session titled “International Humanitarian Law and Peace.”

During this session, Al Mansouri pointed out the profound and lasting impacts that armed conflicts have on societies. He remarked that infractions against international humanitarian law heighten tensions, erode trust, and complicate efforts to attain enduring peace.

He stressed that all conflicts should have a definitive aim of returning to a state of peace, asserting that actions taken in wartime must support the community's capacity to coexist harmoniously after the cessation of hostilities.

Furthermore, Al Mansouri noted that the final document from this initiative aims to translate nations' concepts and experiences into actionable recommendations, addressing every phase of conflict—prior, during, and following hostilities.

The first segment emphasizes enhancing preventive measures in times of peace, aiming to protect vulnerable populations such as missing persons, detainees, and the deceased, while sustaining disarmament initiatives.

The second segment underscores the critical application of humanitarian law in mediation and ceasefire agreements throughout conflicts.

The final segment tackles recovery after conflicts, presenting a checklist of strategies to ensure ongoing adherence to humanitarian law and support long-term peace.

Qatar is actively co-chairing this initiative alongside Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Colombia, and Ethiopia, in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross.