Geneva, February 25 (QNA) - On the margins of the 61st session of the Human Rights Council, the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar in Geneva organized a high-level side event on "Mediation and Human Rights".

The event was attended by representatives of diplomatic missions in Geneva, international and regional organizations, and civil society organizations concerned with mediation, human rights, and humanitarian work.

In her key remarks during the event, HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva Dr. Hend bint Abdalrahman Al Muftah emphasized the strong nexus between human rights and mediation as pillars for preventing and settling conflicts by addressing their root causes and promoting dignity, equality and participation, noting that respect for human rights ensures sustainable peace and enhances the effectiveness of mediation efforts.

Her Excellency indicated that mediation, as a peaceful and effective means of settling disputes, achieves its maximum effectiveness when it is based on the principles of dignity, equality and participation. She stressed that peace that is not based on respect for human rights remains incomplete and vulnerable to collapse, and that human rights are not just a system of values ​​but a practical framework for solving problems that guides mediation strategies and helps negotiating parties reach comprehensive and sustainable agreements.

Her Excellency affirmed that the State of Qatar firmly believes that justice is not merely a political goal but also a fundamental pillar for maintaining international peace and stability, and that mediation for the State of Qatar is not a circumstantial option but a deeply rooted approach based on the belief that true peace begins with inclusion, not exclusion, and with expanding common ground, not deepening divisions. She stressed the importance of committing to moving forward in supporting mediation and good offices as indispensable tools for promoting peace and security and protecting human rights.

In turn, HE Acting Director of the Human Rights Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sarah Abdullah Al Saadi said that the world is meeting today at a critical moment, witnessing an alarming escalation in the pace of armed conflicts, protracted crises, and deep political polarization, accompanied by serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.

Her Excellency emphasized the importance of the link and integration between mediation and human rights, which is more evident now than ever before. She noted that the United Nations Charter clearly stipulates this relationship, and that among the organization's purposes is the settlement of disputes by peaceful means in accordance with the principles of justice and international law, stressing that peace cannot last without justice, and that mediation efforts should be based on respect for human dignity and the rule of law. (QNA)