Qatar participated yesterday in the Second International Conference on Returning Ukrainian Children, Detained Civilians, and Prisoners of War, held in Toronto on September 28-29.
Qatar was represented at the conference by HE the Minister of State for International Co-operation Dr Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad.
In Qatar’s statement at the conference, HE Dr al-Misnad reiterated the country’s support for all international efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Russia-Ukraine crisis through dialogue and diplomatic means.
She emphasised Qatar’s continued conviction that the current crisis can only be resolved through dialogue and mediation.
The minister noted that the protection of civilians, particularly children, is a collective responsibility that falls on the entire international community.
The safety, dignity, and future of children, she added, must remain at the heart of all relevant international efforts and initiatives.
HE Dr al-Misnad noted that, since 2023, Qatar has undertaken humanitarian efforts aimed at facilitating the return of children separated from their families due to the conflict, through communication and co-ordination with both the Ukrainian and Russian sides.
She noted that these efforts encompassed more than 14 humanitarian operations carried out in co-ordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross, contributing to the reunification of 87 Ukrainian children with their families.
In addition, the minister said that Doha hosted a number of these families following successful reunification efforts, and Qatar provided specialised recovery and rehabilitation programmes aimed at supporting their physical and psychological well-being and helping them overcome the effects of the conflict.
She pointed out that in 2023, Qatar allocated $100mn to support humanitarian response efforts in Ukraine, covering sectors such as health, education, and basic services, and contributed $20mnn to support the Ukrainian grain export initiative.
Qatar also supported a number of child protection and education projects, including a $3.5mn initiative to establish and equip safe shelters, schools, and kindergartens.
HE Dr al-Misnad said that Qatari support included the provision of 50 university scholarships for Ukrainian students to study in Qatar, as well as contributions toward the rehabilitation and construction of vital health facilities in Ukraine, including childcare facilities, in co-operation with the Olena Zelenska Foundation, alongside Qatar’s allocation of $5mn to support Ukrainian refugees and displaced persons.
She emphasised that humanitarian and development aid constitutes a cornerstone of Qatar’s foreign policy, complementing its diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving conflicts peacefully, fostering dialogue, and alleviating human suffering.
The minister noted that Qatar shares these noble values and principles with Canada.
She also commended Canada’s stance in support of peace and child protection, affirming the collective goal of achieving a peaceful, just, and lasting solution for the good of all humanity. – QNA