The State of Qatar recently made a call for countries around the world to implement and enforce laws that criminalize violations against women and children in conflict and post-conflict situations. The aim is to ensure justice and accountability for perpetrators of these violations, and to provide effective remedies and compensation to victims in accordance with international law. This call was made by the Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Dr. Hend Abdulrahman Al Muftah, during the 57th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. A total of 134 countries joined in signing the joint declaration on women and children in conflict and post-conflict situations.
Dr. Al Muftah emphasized the disproportionate suffering that women and children endure during and after armed conflicts, bearing the brunt of violence and displacement. She called for an end to these violations, which can amount to genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The importance of all parties in armed conflicts complying with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, to respect and protect the human rights of women and children was also highlighted. The State of Qatar stresses the need for countries to prioritize the best interests of children in conflict and post-conflict situations, as well as facilitating safe and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance for women and children.
In addition, Dr. Al Muftah underscored the importance of protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure, such as hospitals and schools, as well as providing funding to strengthen protection capacities on the ground. She also highlighted the need for full, equal, meaningful, and safe participation of women in planning and decision-making processes related to mediation, confidence-building, conflict prevention, and resolution. It is important for women to be involved and represented in all efforts aimed at maintaining and promoting peace and security, and for relevant UN mechanisms and bodies to prioritize the human rights of women and children in their mandates and reports.
The joint declaration on women and children in conflict and post-conflict situations emphasizes the importance of holding perpetrators of violations against women and children accountable for their actions. This includes implementing and enforcing laws that criminalize such violations and providing effective remedies and compensation to victims in accordance with international law. Dr. Al Muftah stressed the need for all parties involved in armed conflicts to comply with their obligations under international law to respect and protect the human rights of women and children, highlighting the specific vulnerabilities and suffering that women and children face during and after conflicts.
Furthermore, the State of Qatar called for the prioritization of the best interests of children in conflict and post-conflict situations, as well as ensuring safe and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance for women and children. Protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure, particularly hospitals and schools, was also emphasized, along with the importance of providing funding to strengthen protection capacities on the ground. Dr. Al Muftah highlighted the need for the full, equal, meaningful, and safe participation of women in decision-making processes related to conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts, as well as their representation in all initiatives aimed at promoting peace and security.
In conclusion, the call made by the State of Qatar at the 57th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva underscores the urgency of addressing violations against women and children in conflict and post-conflict situations. By implementing and enforcing laws that criminalize such violations, holding perpetrators accountable, and providing remedies and compensation to victims, countries can help ensure justice and accountability for those affected. It is crucial for all parties involved in armed conflicts to uphold their obligations under international law and to prioritize the protection of the human rights of women and children. The State of Qatar’s joint declaration serves as a reminder of the need to prioritize the well-being and rights of women and children in conflict-affected areas and to take concrete actions to prevent and address violations against them.
