During a significant United Nations gathering in New York, the State of Qatar reasserted its call for heightened humanitarian diplomacy aimed at safeguarding civilians affected by global conflicts.
This event took place alongside the Protection of Civilians Week 2026, organized by Qatar's Permanent Mission to the UN, in collaboration with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and various global organizations.
In attendance were officials from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Norway, Sweden, the European Union, and prominent humanitarian groups including the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Qatar Red Crescent Society, Geneva Call, and Save the Children.
The discussions highlighted the urgent need for enhanced civilian protection as the complexity of global humanitarian crises escalates.
In a recorded address, HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad emphasized that humanitarian diplomacy is central to Qatar’s foreign policy, which is fundamentally based on dialogue and the peaceful resolution of conflicts, alongside commitment to international law.
Dr. Al Misnad noted that mediation serves as a cornerstone of Qatar’s strategy, promoting an “integrated model” that merges mediation with swift humanitarian responses to facilitate effective aid and bolster protection initiatives in challenging conflict zones.
She cautioned that the issues surrounding civilian protection are increasingly politicized, particularly concerning adherence to international humanitarian law and enabling crucial aid to reach affected areas.
Opening the event, HE Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani pointed out that humanitarian assistance often faces obstacles while civilians endure attacks and breaches of international humanitarian law.
She urged for more resolute political and diplomatic efforts at the highest levels to tackle these pressing issues, stressing that humanitarian corridors and aid distribution decisions are frequently removed from the realities on the ground.
Sheikha Alya further underscored that humanitarian diplomacy is an essential mechanism for garnering political backing and incorporating humanitarian considerations into international discussions.
Lastly, she reaffirmed Qatar's dedication to mediation and humanitarian efforts across various regions, including collaborative initiatives in Gaza and contributions to peacekeeping in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In related remarks, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher called on the global community to leverage political influence and diplomatic initiatives to ensure better protection for civilians. He commended Qatar's partnership with OCHA in advancing humanitarian efforts globally.
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