Paris: The State of Qatar has affirmed its support for the resolution adopted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), aimed at protecting the cultural and educational sectors in Sudan. This declaration was made during the participation of HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to UNESCO, Dr. Nasser bin Hamad Al Hanzab, in the 221st session of UNESCO’s Executive Board in Paris.
According to Qatar News Agency, HE Dr. Al Hanzab stated that the resolution issued by the Executive Board calls for safeguarding the right to education, cultural heritage sites, museums, and cultural property from looting and destruction in Sudan, along with other areas under UNESCO’s mandate. He emphasized the necessity for this resolution to be effective, especially as the war in Sudan has been ongoing since April 15, 2023, leading to the looting and destruction of Sudanese cultural institutions, the collapse of educational infrastructure, and targeting of media and communication sectors.
His Excellency also highlighted that supporting women in conflict zones in Sudan and globally remains a priority for Qatar. The UNESCO Executive Board reaffirmed that education is a fundamental human right, playing a vital role in promoting peace, social cohesion, and sustainable development. The Board expressed its concern over the destruction of Sudanese media institutions, targeting of journalists, and shutdown of newspapers, stressing the importance of protecting journalists.
The Qatari representative to UNESCO noted that member states welcomed the resolution’s text, outlining an action plan with objectives and measures across UNESCO’s work in Sudan. The plan aims to support the cultural sector, recover stolen cultural property, and strengthen education and media sectors in partnership with relevant UN agencies.
Dr. Al Hanzab reiterated Qatar’s supportive stance on the unity and sovereignty of Sudan. He also highlighted Qatar’s humanitarian and political role, manifested in its support for international initiatives and efforts aimed at fostering development, alleviating the suffering of crisis and disaster victims, and addressing global challenges, stemming from its belief in the importance of international cooperation and partnership.
In this context, he referred to Qatar’s pledge of $75 million to support the humanitarian response plan in Sudan for 2023, made during the ministerial meeting of the seventh Brussels Conference on and the Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan. Additionally, Qatar allocated $10 million on April 10 to support programs dedicated to women in conflict zones in Sudan.