Geneva: The Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva participated in organizing a side event titled “The Next Generation of Humanity: Youth Leadership in International Humanitarian Law”, in collaboration with the Permanent Missions of Jordan and Brazil to the United Nations in Geneva, alongside QatarDebate Center.
Held on the sidelines of the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, the event brought together representatives from diplomatic missions, international and regional organizations, civil society groups, and experts working in international humanitarian law, youth empowerment, and peacebuilding.
Addressing the gathering, HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Dr. Hind Abdulrahman Al Muftah, stressed that closing existing gaps in the implementation of international humanitarian law requires renewed political commitment and coordinated international action.
She emphasized that states bear the primary responsibility for respecting and ensuring respect for international humanitarian law, while highlighting the crucial role of the international community—including the United Nations, humanitarian organizations, civil society, and regional actors—in promoting compliance, strengthening accountability mechanisms, facilitating humanitarian access, and protecting civilians in armed conflicts.
Dr. Al Muftah reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to advancing international humanitarian law at the national, regional, and global levels. She noted that Qatar currently serves as co-chair of the third workstream on International Humanitarian Law and Peace under the International Committee of the Red Cross’ Global Initiative.
She also highlighted the unanimous adoption by the Human Rights Council in October 2025 of the resolution, “Promoting and Protecting the Human Rights of Women and Children in and after Conflict: Ensuring Justice, Remedies and Reparation for Victims,” jointly submitted by Qatar and Costa Rica. The resolution, she said, reflects a shared commitment to enhancing protection, accountability, and access to justice for victims of armed conflict.
The event featured contributions from HE Permanent Representative of Jordan to the United Nations Office in Geneva Akram Al Harahsheh, HE Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations Office in Geneva Tovar da Silva Nunes, Anne Quintin of the International Committee of the Red Cross, QatarDebate Center Managing and Strategic Director Abdulrahman Al Subaie, and Ali Khaled Al Mawlawi of QatarDebate Center. The discussion was moderated by Sheikha Noor Mohammed Al Thani.
Organized amid ongoing challenges facing the implementation of international humanitarian law in contemporary conflicts, the event sought to promote greater respect for humanitarian principles, address persistent implementation gaps, and underscore the vital role of young people in advancing awareness, advocacy, and a culture of respect for international humanitarian law worldwide.
Source: QNA
