Geneva: On the margins of the 61st session of the Human Rights Council, the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar in Geneva organised a high-level side event on “Mediation and Human Rights”.
The event was attended by representatives of diplomatic missions in Geneva, international and regional organisations, and civil society organisations concerned with mediation, human rights, and humanitarian work.
In her key remarks during the event, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva H E Dr. Hend bint Abdalrahman Al Muftah emphasised the strong nexus between human rights and mediation as pillars for preventing and settling conflicts by addressing their root causes and promoting dignity, equality and participation, noting that respect for human rights ensures sustainable peace and enhances the effectiveness of mediation efforts.
She indicated that mediation, as a peaceful and effective means of settling disputes, achieves its maximum effectiveness when it is based on the principles of dignity, equality and participation. She stressed that peace that is not based on respect for human rights remains incomplete and vulnerable to collapse, and that human rights are not just a system of values but a practical framework for solving problems that guides mediation strategies and helps negotiating parties reach comprehensive and sustainable agreements.
She affirmed that Qatar firmly believes that justice is not merely a political goal but also a fundamental pillar for maintaining international peace and stability, and that mediation for Qatar is not a circumstantial option but a deeply rooted approach based on the belief that true peace begins with inclusion, not exclusion, and with expanding common ground, not deepening divisions. She stressed the importance of committing to moving forward in supporting mediation and good offices as indispensable tools for promoting peace and security and protecting human rights.
In turn, Acting Director of the Human Rights Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sarah Abdullah Al Saadi said that the world is witnessing an alarming escalation in the pace of armed conflicts, protracted crises, and deep political polarisation, accompanied by serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.
