Geneva, February 24 (QNA) - The State of Qatar participated in the high-level segment of the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC), currently convening in Geneva.

The State of Qatar was represented at the event by HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad.

In her address, HE the Minister of State for International Cooperation noted that the HRC establishment nearly 20 years ago has contributed to the promotion and protection of human rights through collective multilateral action grounded in the principles of freedom, justice, equality, and mutual respect.

Her Excellency reaffirmed Qatar's steadfast support for the Council and its mandate, underscoring that the protection of human rights constitutes a fundamental pillar of Qatar's foreign policy and a national priority, based on an integrated constitutional, legislative, and institutional framework that guarantees the safeguarding of rights and freedoms and strengthens the rule of law.

She stated that over the past two decades, the State of Qatar has assumed the role of a neutral and trusted mediator in regional and international conflicts, contributing to ceasefire agreements, facilitating prisoner exchanges, restoring diplomatic relations, and supporting peace accords, thereby enhancing stability in several regions.

HE Al Misnad highlighted that women, children, patients, and the elderly in Gaza are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, including medicine, food, education, and a safe environment that enables them to live in peace.

She stressed that the stability of the Gaza Strip and its population is the cornerstone of any development plans.

She called for full adherence to the ceasefire agreement and the implementation of all its provisions, including ensuring the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid and the sustainable opening of all crossings.

Her Excellency reiterated Qatar's welcome of the ceasefire agreement and the full integration between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces as an important step toward strengthening civil peace and consolidating security and stability, while preserving Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

She affirmed that Qatar has consistently stood alongside the brotherly Syrian people.

She further welcomed the engagement of the Syrian government with United Nations mechanisms, including the establishment of national committees concerned with transitional justice and missing persons, in a manner that enhances accountability, justice, and supports national reconciliation.

HE the Minister of State for International Cooperation expressed Qatar's deep concern over the continued fighting in Sudan, which claims hundreds of lives daily and has exacerbated suffering and the humanitarian crisis to unprecedented levels, alongside grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.

She renewed Qatar's call for all parties to prioritize national interests, end the war, and build sustainable peace that preserves Sudan's unity, institutions, independence, and territorial sovereignty, and fulfills the aspirations of its brotherly people for security, stability, and development.

Her Excellency also referred to Qatar's support for women in Sudan who have been subjected to severe humanitarian violations, through the provision of USD 10 million to support their rehabilitation and enable access to psychological, social, and economic assistance.

She affirmed that the State of Qatar will continue to support mediation efforts and international cooperation aimed at achieving peace, safeguarding human rights, and upholding human dignity. (QNA)