New york: The State of Qatar has reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding and advancing children’s rights, ensuring a nurturing environment for their growth, and empowering them to effect positive changes within their communities. This assurance was conveyed in Qatar’s address, delivered by Sheikha Al Maha bint Mubarak Al-Thani, the Second Secretary at Qatar’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, during the Third Committee meeting of the UN General Assembly, focusing on the promotion and protection of children’s rights.
According to Qatar News Agency, Sheikha Al Maha highlighted the significant progress Qatar has achieved in promoting and protecting children’s rights. This has been accomplished through various legislative and executive measures across different sectors, in line with Qatar’s commitments under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Qatar National Vision 2030 underscores critical aspects related to human rights, including children’s rights and education.
Qatar’s efforts
aim to empower children, enhance their participation, and foster their creative thinking abilities. The country also adopts a comprehensive approach to combatting violence against children, with the Social Protection and Rehabilitation Center, AMAN, playing a crucial role in providing protection, rehabilitation, and social empowerment services for children.
Sheikha Al Maha emphasized Qatar’s recognition of the pivotal role education plays in empowering children. At the national level, significant investments have been made in the education sector, with a focus on establishing high-quality educational institutions. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education’s 2024-2030 strategy, “Igniting the Spark of Learning,” is integral to Qatar’s third national development strategy, aiming to foster creativity and innovation within an integrated educational system.
Qatar takes pride in initiatives like the Education Above All Foundation’s “Educate a Child,” which has made significant strides in providing quality edu
cation to millions of out-of-school children worldwide. Sheikha Al Maha also commended the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict in bolstering international efforts to protect children affected by armed conflicts.
Qatar has reinforced its partnership with the Office of the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, supporting the office’s mandate through essential resources and hosting the Analysis and Communication Center in Doha. In February 2024, this center facilitated a memorandum of understanding with the Education Above All Foundation to enhance educational opportunities for marginalized children and youth globally.
Further, Qatar’s strong partnership with UNICEF is evident in its continuous support, including a recent contribution of $4 million in 2024. This partnership was underscored by the opening of a UNICEF office at the “United Nations House” in Doha, highlighting the importance of such collaborations in advancing the organi
zation’s mission for the welfare of every child.
Sheikha Al Maha expressed deep concern over the plight of children affected by serious human rights violations amidst escalating conflicts, particularly in Gaza and Lebanon. She emphasized the urgent need to address the grave conditions faced by children in these regions due to ongoing hostilities, which have resulted in significant psychological and educational impacts.
Source: Qatar News Agency