The 12th meeting of the Arab Committees for International Humanitarian Law began today, with the participation of the Arab League, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the heads of the Arab Committees for International Humanitarian Law, and representatives of regional and international organizations.
During the opening of the meeting, HE the Minister of Justice Masoud bin Mohammed Al Amri emphasized that the subject of the meeting is one of the most important topics on the international stage due to recent events in the region. He stressed that international humanitarian law provides the framework for providing assistance and treatment to civilians and military personnel during times of conflict.
He pointed out that Qatar has adopted a clear policy aimed at preventing armed conflicts and mitigating their effects by adhering to the principles of international humanitarian law. Qatar has ratified all four Geneva Conventions, starting with the First Additional Protocol of 1977 on the protection of victims of international armed conflicts, which was issued by Decree No. (34) of 1988, and the agreements that followed after that. He highlighted Qatar's strong belief that these international mechanisms are the most suitable framework for regulating the behavior of parties in conflict and providing protection to those affected.
HE Minister Al Amri also mentioned the establishment of the National Committee for International Humanitarian Law in Qatar through Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2012. This committee works to promote awareness of and respect for the principles of international humanitarian law and enhance international cooperation.
He further noted that Qatar's efforts culminated in the signing of an agreement with the International Committee of the Red Cross in March of last year to open a committee office in Doha, recognizing Qatar's strategic role in international humanitarian law and humanitarian work worldwide.
HE Minister Al Amri emphasized that despite the significant role played by international humanitarian law and the principles outlined in the Geneva Conventions and their additional protocols in mitigating the effects of wars, full compliance with these principles and provisions of these agreements remains a matter of concern, especially in light of the increasing conflict zones, prolonged conflicts, and violations of human rights.
He also highlighted that recent events in occupied Palestine serve as a clear example of such violations, with civilians being targeted, essential infrastructure including hospitals, schools, and government institutions being attacked, and humanitarian workers being targeted. All of these actions violate international humanitarian law and international conventions, resolutions, and norms.
He said that the recent events serve as a real test for the international community to fulfill its moral and legal responsibilities in enforcing the rules of international humanitarian law and providing protection to the Palestinian people.
In conclusion, HE Minister Al Amri expressed hope that this current meeting in Doha would result in a regional action plan that contributes to enhancing joint efforts and coordinating efforts to solidify the principles of international humanitarian law at both regional and international levels.
For his part, HE Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League Ambassador Dr. Mohamed Al Amin Weld Kik, who is also the Head of the Legal Affairs Sector, praised Qatar for its outstanding role and achievements in various political, economic, sports, environmental, and legal fields.
He said that this meeting aims to evaluate the regional action plan's progress during the past period and adopt a plan for implementing international humanitarian law in the Arab region for the years 2023-2025. It also seeks to review the latest developments in the field of international humanitarian law according to the action plan adopted during the eleventh meeting of the Arab National Committees for International Humanitarian Law, held in Cairo in 2018.
Dr. Kik highlighted the level of partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross, which is reinforced by the establishment of a monitoring committee consisting of the Legal Affairs Sector at the Arab League and the Regional Coordinator for the Advisory Services Department at the International Committee of the Red Cross. This committee is responsible for implementing the regional action plan and translating it into practical measures. He noted that these efforts have led to the establishment of national committees for international humanitarian law in 19 Arab countries out of 22, helping activate the desired measures for enforcing international humanitarian law at the national level of each country and integrating its agreements into national legislation.
The Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League emphasized that the Doha meeting will address essential points concerning the challenges of international humanitarian law. He believes it will push in the right direction, making it a milestone in the future of international humanitarian law.
Furthermore, Dr. Cordula Droege, who is the Chief Legal Officer and Head of the Legal Division at the International Committee of the Red Cross, stressed the importance of this meeting in reviewing various areas that enhance regional and international efforts to raise awareness of international humanitarian law and discuss the challenges of enforcing the law in contemporary armed conflicts.
Meanwhile, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice Sultan bin Abdullah Al Suwaidi, who is the Chairman of the National Committee for International Humanitarian Law, emphasized that this meeting presents a renewed opportunity for discussion and coordination of efforts to achieve common goals in consolidating cooperation among Arab countries. This is a continuation of the regional efforts made by the committee to monitor the application of international humanitarian law at the Arab level, disseminate it, and effectively enforce it.
He added that Qatar places significant importance on respecting international humanitarian law at the national level. He pointed out that the establishment of the National Committee for International Humanitarian Law in 2012 reflects Qatar's commitment to humanitarian efforts to resolve international conflicts, provide assistance to victims, support peace and security, and mitigate the effects of armed conflicts. This reflects the seriousness of the state in its pursuit, ultimately aiming to ensure the optimal application of the rules of international humanitarian law.
In light of the challenges faced in the application of international humanitarian law, it has become necessary for states to update the agreements related to international humanitarian law in general and the Geneva Conventions and their protocols in particular. This should be done to align with the rapid developments in the world and the technological advancements in the means of warfare, which were not present when these agreements were first adopted. He also said that there is a need to increase protection for certain groups, such as persons with disabilities, and to reconsider the obligations and responsibilities of parties to non-international armed conflicts.
Source: Qatar News Agency