Cairo, December 11 (QNA) - HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice and Chairman of the National Committee for International Humanitarian Law (NCIHL) Saeed bin Abdullah Al Suwaidi affirmed the State of Qatar's commitment to the Global Initiative on Reinforcing Respect for International Humanitarian Law, which it officially joined on Sep. 2, as Qatar assumed co-chairmanship of the third track of the initiative, focused on International Humanitarian Law and Peace, alongside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the People's Republic of Bangladesh, the Republic of Colombia, and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

During his participation in the 13th Meeting of Arab National Committees for International Humanitarian Law, organized by the National Committee for International Humanitarian Law of the Arab Republic of Egypt in cooperation with the Legal Affairs Sector of the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States and the International Committee of the Red Cross, His Excellency stated that Qatar's appointment as co-chair of the initiative reflects its international standing, earned through its continuous efforts to promote respect for international humanitarian law, support mediation initiatives, and entrench peace approaches based on the protection of civilians and the respect for human dignity.

HE Al Suwaidi reviewed several events in which Qatar's Permanent Mission in Geneva participated during the first half of 2025, within the framework of the third track, which Qatar has the honor of co-chairing.

He noted that several important events were organized during the first half of this year with the participation of Qatar's Permanent Mission in Geneva, while preparations are underway for the second round of consultations on the seven workstreams of the global initiative.

He pointed out that Qatar's Permanent Mission in Geneva, through its role as co-chair of the third track, is actively contributing to discussions on the topics covered by the global initiative and sharing Qatar's experience in promoting compliance with international humanitarian law at the national, regional, and international levels.

He emphasized that Qatar's NCIHL has made the International Humanitarian Law and Peace track a central pillar of its 2026 activity plan, through organizing joint seminars and workshops and supporting the track in line with the global initiative. This reinforces Qatar's position as an active and influential state in promoting the principles of international humanitarian law at both the Arab and international levels.

He further explained that Qatar, through its continued support for international legal frameworks, its contributions to humanitarian work and mediation, and its co-chairmanship of the third track, reaffirms that respect for international humanitarian law is the foundation of any just and sustainable peace.

He stressed that the protection of civilians is not optional but a humanitarian and strategic necessity. He reiterated Qatar's commitment to joint action with its Arab brothers and international partners to promote a culture of respect for international humanitarian law and support efforts aimed at achieving international peace and security.

He noted that the National Committee for International Humanitarian Law in Qatar will play a significant role in this initiative through its 2026 activity calendar.

In the second panel session of the meeting, His Excellency discussed several achievements of the NCIHL, that align with Qatar's international commitments, humanitarian principles, and its dedication to upholding the rule of law and coordinating efforts related to the implementation and dissemination of international humanitarian law.

He highlighted that one of the committee's most significant achievements is its contribution to the establishment of the Permanent Arab Committee for International Humanitarian Law, which was initiated by Qatar based on the mandate issued by the Arab Committees for International Humanitarian Law, as outlined in the regional action plan adopted during the 12th meeting of the Arab Committees for International Humanitarian Law held in Doha in 2023.

During the 13th Meeting of Arab National Committees for International Humanitarian Law, working sessions were held to discuss the challenges of contemporary armed conflicts, the obstacles facing national committees in promoting and implementing international humanitarian law, and strategies to enhance their role in building a culture of respect for and promotion of international humanitarian law.

The regional action plan for implementing international humanitarian law in Arab countries for the period 2026–2027 was also discussed. (QNA)