a day ago
Protecting children's right to education is important: Qatar
QNA
New York
Qatar has emphasised the importance of promoting and protecting children's right to education, especially in countries affected by conflict, highlighting its leading efforts in this field, which have received international recognition.
This came in Qatar's statement delivered by Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations HE Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, during the UN Security Council's open debate on effective strategies to end and prevent grave violations against children in armed conflict, held at UN headquarters in New York.
She referred to Qatar's key partnerships with the United Nations, which reflect the country's commitment to supporting international efforts to protect children affected by armed conflicts.
She pointed to Qatar's hosting and support of the Analysis and Outreach Hub of the Office of the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, noting that the centre continues to play a vital role in advancing child protection efforts in conflict areas.
She also noted that this year marks the 20th anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1612 (2005), which was a landmark step and solid framework for improving the protection of children affected by armed conflict. It led to the creation of a monitoring and reporting mechanism focused on children and armed conflict.
She stressed that all commitments must now be translated into concrete actions.
Sheikha Alya expressed Qatar's deep concern over the increasing number of grave violations against children, citing the UN Secretary-General's report that said violence against children in armed conflict reached its highest level in 2024, and added that children have borne the brunt of relentless hostilities and indiscriminate attacks.
She also strongly condemned the grave violations of international humanitarian law committed by the Israeli occupation against children in the Gaza Strip, calling on the international community to urgently act to compel Israel to comply with international laws, end its brutal war on Gaza immediately, and address the resulting catastrophic humanitarian conditions.
She said that it was extremely alarming what the report documented regarding the scale of grave violations against children in the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly the widespread use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas, the sharp increase in violations in Gaza, and the escalation of violence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
The Qatari emphasised that it is absolutely unacceptable for children to remain victims of grave violations in ongoing conflicts, and underscored the importance of ensuring their protection in such areas.
Sh expressed her appreciation for Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations for Children and Armed Conflict Virginia Gamba, praising her tireless efforts and extensive expertise.
