International Conference in Doha Calls for Enhanced Protection of Children
In a significant gathering held in Doha, international officials have voiced strong concerns regarding the dire conditions faced by children in the Middle East, particularly due to the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza and Lebanon. The International Conference on the Protection of Children and Other Vulnerable Groups, organized by the Qatari National Human Rights Committee in collaboration with the European Ombudsman Institute, aimed to forge a united front for implementing international legislative measures that ensure the protection of children during crises, wars, and migration.
During the conference, Daoud Al-Masry, head of the Analysis and Communications Center in Doha, highlighted alarming statistics from a United Nations report indicating that over 33,000 grave violations against children were recorded in 2023 alone. He emphasized that this figure only scratches the surface of the harsh realities children face globally, particularly in conflict zones. Al-Masry called for effective international cooperation to create mechanisms that protect children from exploitation and violence, stressing that this challenge cannot be addressed by any single entity alone.
Urgent Need for Action and Legislative Framework
The conference participants, including Sharaf Malkoc, head of the Board of Grievances in Turkey, underscored the urgent need for a legitimate international framework to safeguard children, especially amidst ongoing wars and migration crises. Malkoc condemned the situation in Gaza, describing it as a genocide against innocent civilians, including children, who are deprived of education and adequate medical care—conditions that could be classified as war crimes. He referred to Gaza as the “largest cemetery for children in the world,” urging global action to uphold human rights and achieve justice.
Tatiana Moskalkova, the High Commissioner for Human Rights of the Russian Federation, echoed these sentiments, calling for the United Nations to take decisive action to protect children's rights in conflict zones. She stressed the importance of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, ensuring that all groups, not just children, receive essential support, including food, shelter, and healthcare. Furthermore, Professor Dragan Milkov, president of the European Ombudsman Institute, emphasized the need for protective measures and legislative guarantees to prevent abuse and discrimination against children, particularly during war and migration.
The conference concluded with a commitment to collaborate on innovative solutions to enhance children's rights in legislation and public policies. Sultan Al-Jamali, Secretary-General of the Qatari National Human Rights Committee, expressed hope that the discussions would lead to actionable recommendations that prioritize the protection of vulnerable groups, ensuring their rights are upheld in all circumstances, particularly in emergencies and armed conflicts.
