Qatar affirms commitment to collective security and respect for int’l law

QNA New York Qatar has affirmed that its commitment to the responsibility to protect is in line with its belief in international cooperation to establish c...

QNANew YorkQatar has affirmed that its commitment to the responsibility to protect is in line with its belief in international cooperation to establish collective security, its respect for international law, and its firm policy to enhance international peace and security. Based on this commitment, Qatar continued its efforts to promote this principle, as an active member and a co-chair of the Group of Friends of the Responsibility to Protect for a period of three years.This came in a statement delivered by Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador HE Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani at the United Nations General Assembly meeting on “the responsibility to protect and the prevention of genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.”Sheikha Alya said the convening of this official discussion comes at a time when the need for international multilateral action is increasing, as a result of the unprecedented consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the increase in armed conflicts, in the number of displaced persons, human rights violations and atrocities. These are matters which call for more determined and consistent measures by the international community to fulfill its responsibility to protect civilians.While expressing appreciation and satisfaction over the progress made to strengthen the principle of the responsibility to protect, and the important role the General Assembly is playing to promote this principle, she said there is an urgent need to take more collective steps in light of the risks posed by the pandemic. The steps needed be taken include strengthening prevention and early warning mechanisms, and addressing the causes that contribute to these atrocities by respecting human rights, the rule of law, preventing hate speech, combating extremism, and achieving development.In light of the current international environment, she said preventing mass atrocities is an individual and collective responsibility of states based on the United Nations Charter, provisions of international humanitarian law, international human rights law and international refugee law. “Therefore, we have a great responsibility to implement our obligations to protect populations exposed to crimes. This is what makes the implementation of the responsibility to protect principle so important and irreplaceable,” she said.Sheikha Alya explained that the draft resolution presented before the General Assembly reflects “our commitment to protect populations exposed to crimes and to put an end to genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. From this standpoint, we are proud that the State of Qatar is among the countries that submitted the draft resolution.”She noted that the Security Council, by virtue of its mandate under the Charter, has a special responsibility to prevent atrocity crimes by refraining from using the right of veto in cases involving atrocity crimes, which enjoys the support of the majority of member states.Sheikha Alya affirmed that convening this official debate of the General Assembly and adopting the draft resolution confirms the international community’s determination to protect civilians, address mass atrocities, hold those responsible accountable and end impunity. She stressed that Qatar will remain at the core of the efforts made to respect human rights and other international covenants and to promote security and peace in the world.