Qatar continues to play key role in peaceful conflict resolution: Shura speaker
Geneva
Speaker of the Shura Council HE Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim has affirmed the State of Qatar's continued pioneering role in supporting and establishing the principle of dialogue and conflict resolution through mediation and peaceful means.
Al Ghanim said this approach is a consistent choice enshrined in the State's Constitution and is based on international laws and conventions.
Al Ghanim, in a speech delivered during his participation in the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament held in Geneva under the title 'A world in turmoil: Parliamentary cooperation and multilateralism for peace, justice, and prosperity for all,' expressed Qatar's commitment to international partnership and cooperation.
This is embodied in its readiness to host the second World Summit for Social Development next November and through its keenness to strengthen social cohesion, achieve comprehensive and sustainable development, and support the most vulnerable groups, especially in light of escalating economic and climate crises.
He pointed out the increasing challenges facing the world, especially as the expansion of conflicts and security threats highlights the failure of the international system and raises doubts about the effectiveness of its institutions in enforcing compliance with international law and halting violations, particularly in conflict zones, foremost among them Gaza and the rest of the occupied Palestinian territories.
In this context, the Shura Council speaker emphasized the responsibility of parliamentarians to confront the escalating humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, which has been subjected to genocide crimes by the Israeli occupation forces for more than twenty-two months amid the international community's inability to stop them or protect civilians.
He condemned the ongoing killings, the comprehensive blockade imposed on the Strip, and the systematic starvation policy used by Israel against civilians, stressing that the world's silence on the cries of children and the suffering of mothers undermines the values of justice and humanity.
Al Ghanim, in his speech, called for restructuring international organisations that have failed to fulfill their role in achieving international peace and security and restoring the ethical and humanitarian dimension in international positions and championing justice.
He stressed that parliaments are required to translate the international community's commitments into effective oversight and legislative tools that reflect the conscience of the living nations and support just causes.
He also pointed out that the responsibility of parliaments requires a clear stance on the wars and tragedies the world is witnessing, especially famine and the deliberate targeting of women and children in Gaza. He said that the death of children from hunger is a disgrace for the international community and humanity, and called upon parliamentarians around the world to stop the crimes and killings in Gaza.
On the sidelines of the conference, Al Ghanim met with Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly in the Islamic Republic of Iran Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, where parliamentary relations and ways to enhance them in various fields were discussed, along with exchanging views on key issues on the conference agenda.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Shura Council speaker participated in a briefing session for Speakers of Parliament on the United Nations reform initiative, which included a comprehensive presentation of the initiative's goals aiming to make the United Nations more just, effective, and responsive to escalating global challenges.
During the session, views were also exchanged among parliament speakers on the importance of enhancing transparency and inclusiveness within the UN system and the role of legislative institutions in supporting reform paths that contribute to achieving international peace and security and sustainable development.
In the same context, members of the Shura Council participated in discussion panels at the conference, including one titled: 'Fast-forwarding the SDGs through Parliamentary Action,' and another titled 'The Role of Parliaments in Shaping Our Digital Future.'
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