Qatar Participates In High-Level Meeting Of International Coalition For Return Of Ukrainian Children

Brussels: The State of Qatar participated in the high-level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, held in Brussels on Monday.

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad represented the State of Qatar at the meeting.

In her speech during the event, Her Excellency said that today's meeting reflects collective responsibility to protect civilians affected by conflict, especially children, whose safety, dignity, and future must remain at the core of all international efforts.

In response to the conflict's humanitarian dimensions and following the State of Qatar's high-level discussions with both Ukraine and the Russian Federation during 2023, Qatar undertook humanitarian mediation efforts aimed at facilitating the return of Ukrainian children separated from their families, Her Excellency pointed out.

At the request of the Ukrainian side, Qatar carried out a number of humanitarian missions and hosted consultations with both parties in pursuit of this humanitarian objective, she said.

Qatari mediation efforts succeeded in reuniting 87 Ukrainian children with their families, through more than fourteen humanitarian operations conducted in coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross, HE the Minister of State for International Cooperation noted.

Her Excellency affirmed that these efforts stemmed from a humanitarian approach that places children's safety, dignity, and care as the highest priority, in line with international humanitarian principles.

The State of Qatar hosted a number of Ukrainian families who were reunited in Doha, via dedicated recovery and rehabilitation programs aimed at supporting their physical and psychological well-being, she pointed out.

In addition to its mediation efforts, Qatar has maintained sustainable humanitarian support for the Ukrainian people, as HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani gave directives in 2023 to allocate USD 100 million to support humanitarian response efforts in Ukraine, Her Excellency highlighted, adding that Qatar also contributed to the "Grain from Ukraine" initiative with USD 20 million, in support of international efforts to strengthen global food security.

HE the Minister of State for International Cooperation further said that the State of Qatar supported educational initiatives and child protection projects, including providing university scholarships to Ukrainian students, in addition to a USD 3.5 million initiative to establish and equip shelters in schools and kindergartens, benefiting thousands of children.

In cooperation with the Olena Zelenska Foundation, Qatar supported efforts to rehabilitate and rebuild vital healthcare facilities in Ukraine, including specialized medical facilities dedicated to child care, she also noted.

Her Excellency stressed that protecting children in armed conflicts must remain a shared international priority that transcends political considerations and geopolitical divisions.

HE the Minister of State for International Cooperation delivered two practical messages to participants: the first being that mediation alone without sustained practical follow-up is not enough, noting that the State of Qatar is ready to share its experience in reuniting children with their families, numbering 115 children, with any country seeking to achieve the same outcome.

As for her second practical message, it was that every child still separated from their family is waiting for help, adding that time is not on those children's side, as words alone cannot restore a stolen childhood.

She added that behind every number mentioned today - 87, 28, 115 - is a child asking themselves every night about the moment they will feel safe again.

Although certainty cannot be promised, yet doing everything possible to help them is, Her Excellency said.

She concluded by reaffirming the State of Qatar's commitment to continuing its steadfast approach based on diplomacy and mediation to achieve international peace and security, offering its expertise, networks of relations, and belief in genuine humanitarian action.

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