New york: 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 Nations event in New York.
According to Qatar News Agency, the event was organized on the sidelines of the Protection of Civilians Week 2026, 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. These included 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. The event 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 emphasized that humanitarian diplomacy remains central to Doha's foreign policy, which is based on dialogue, peaceful conflict resolution, and respect for international law. Her Excellency described mediation as a cornerstone of Qatar's approach, highlighting an "integrated model" that combines mediation efforts with rapid humanitarian response to improve aid access and support protection initiatives in complex conflict environments.
Dr. Al Misnad noted that challenges facing civilian protection are 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 expressed concern that humanitarian assistance is often obstructed while civilians continue to face attacks and violations of international humanitarian law. Her Excellency warned that decisions concerning humanitarian corridors and aid delivery are frequently made far from realities on the ground, stressing the need for stronger political and diplomatic engagement at the highest levels.
Sheikha Alya stated that humanitarian diplomacy has become an essential tool for mobilizing political will and integrating humanitarian concerns into political and multilateral processes. She 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.