Geneva: The State of Qatar has emphasized the necessity of bolstering international solidarity to address the root causes of displacement and asylum, calling for adequate resources to meet urgent humanitarian needs, support refugee-hosting nations, and pursue durable solutions for refugees. Qatar highlighted that peace and conflict resolution are vital in alleviating the plight of millions of displaced persons and refugees globally.
According to Qatar News Agency, this statement was delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar in Geneva, Dr. Hind bint Abdulrahman Al Muftah, during the 76th session of the Executive Committee of the Programme of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, held in Geneva. Her Excellency praised the efforts of HE Filippo Grandi during his decade-long leadership at the UNHCR, recognizing his contributions to refugee protection and international humanitarian coordination.
Her Excellency noted the alarming figures from the UNHCR, indicating that over 122 million people are forcibly displaced, including more than 42 million refugees. This situation coincides with a severe funding gap that threatens essential life-saving programs. She condemned the ongoing aggression and forced displacement by Israeli occupation forces in the Gaza Strip and urged the international community to take action to halt these violations, ensure humanitarian aid access, and facilitate the return of Palestinians to their origins.
She stressed that lasting peace in the Middle East requires ending the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and resolving the Palestinian refugee issue. Her Excellency also advocated for continued support for UNRWA to uphold its mandate for over 5.9 million Palestinian refugees.
Her Excellency reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to its strategic partnership with the UNHCR, noting the initiation of a high-level strategic dialogue last May to enhance global cooperation in addressing asylum and displacement challenges. The dialogue resulted in agreements, including an $8 million support for the UNHCR’s budget for 2025-2026, a $3 million contribution for healthcare in Jordan, and cash assistance for vulnerable individuals in Yemen.
Since 2010, Qatar and Qatari entities have contributed approximately $423 million to the UNHCR, supporting sectors such as education, health, relief, and development. Her Excellency highlighted Qatar’s significant role in aiding refugees and displaced persons, alongside its diplomatic efforts to mediate conflicts and foster peace.
Qatar, through the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), signed a $5 million agreement with the UNHCR to rehabilitate social infrastructure in Ukraine, reuniting 107 Ukrainian and Russian children with their families. Additionally, Qatari mediation facilitated the signing of the Doha Declaration of Principles between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Congo River Alliance, promoting peace and refugee repatriation.
Qatar has also launched initiatives like the Al Amal Residential City in Syria and humanitarian aid in Chad and South Sudan, demonstrating its commitment to humanitarian values and multilateral action. HE the Permanent Representative reiterated Qatar’s dedication to partnerships that safeguard human dignity and support sustainable solutions for refugees globally.