Cairo:Qatar is actively participating in a workshop focused on the national-level implementation of international humanitarian law (IHL), which is taking place in Cairo and set to conclude today.
According to Qatar News Agency, the workshop gathers heads and members of national committees on international humanitarian law from various Arab countries, along with representatives from Egypt's Ministry of Justice and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Saeed bin Abdullah Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice and Chairman of Qatar's National Committee for International Humanitarian Law, is leading the Qatari delegation. In his opening remarks, Al Suwaidi emphasized that respecting international humanitarian law is a humanitarian and moral responsibility, in addition to being a legal obligation. He highlighted the importance of creating coordinated national systems that can translate international commitments into effective policies and legislation at both regional and global levels.
Al Suwaidi noted the rapid evolution in warfare methods and technological challenges, such as artificial intelligence, as well as the necessity to protect cultural property and medical services. This highlights the need to continuously enhance national mechanisms that support compliance with IHL.
He also underscored the importance of evolving national committees from merely providing legal advice and treaty follow-up to becoming expert centers that encourage coordination among government, military, medical, and academic bodies. The Arab permanent committee aims to deepen Arab cooperation, develop a unified vision for emerging challenges, and foster comprehensive institutional practices.
The two-day workshop addressed the current challenges facing IHL and strategies to strengthen political commitment. It reviewed national committees' efforts planned for 2025 and 2026, and discussed moving from theoretical to practical application of IHL. Participants also examined legislative measures to protect the ICRC's emblems and cultural property during conflicts, and explored ways to enhance partnerships with academia to support IHL dissemination and develop national-level tools for its implementation.
