New York, May 20 (QNA) - The State of Qatar has renewed its call for stronger humanitarian diplomacy as a critical tool for safeguarding civilians in conflict zones during a high-level United Nation event in New York.
The event, organized on the sidelines of the Protection of Civilians Week 2026, was hosted by the State of Qatar's permanent mission to the UN in partnership with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and several international partners, including the permanent missions of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Kingdom of Norway, the Kingdom of Sweden, the European Union, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Center for Civilians in Conflict, the Qatar Red Crescent Society, the International Humanitarian Law Center, Geneva Call and Save the Children.
It brought together diplomats and humanitarian organizations to discuss ways of improving civilian protection amid growing global crises.
In a recorded address, HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad said humanitarian diplomacy remained central to Doha's foreign policy, which she said was based on dialogue, peaceful conflict resolution and respect for international law.
Her Excellency described mediation as a cornerstone of Qatar's approach, highlighting what she called an "integrated model" combining mediation efforts with rapid humanitarian response to improve aid access and support protection initiatives in complex conflict environments.
Dr Al Misnad said challenges facing civilian protection were no longer purely operational, but increasingly political, particularly regarding respect for international humanitarian law and the delivery of aid to affected populations.
Opening the event, HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani said humanitarian assistance was often obstructed while civilians continued to face attacks and violations of international humanitarian law.
Her Excellency warned that decisions concerning humanitarian corridors and aid delivery were frequently made far from realities on the ground, stressing the need for stronger political and diplomatic engagement at the highest levels.
Sheikha Alya said humanitarian diplomacy had become an essential tool for mobilizing political will and integrating humanitarian concerns into political and multilateral processes.
She also reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to mediation and humanitarian efforts in several regions, including joint initiatives in Gaza and support for peace efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
HE Tom Fletcher, the UN's Emergency Relief Coordinator, urged the international community to use its political influence and diplomatic leverage to protect civilians, praising the State of Qatar's partnership with OCHA. (QNA)
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