DOHA: The State of Qatar has reiterated its commitment to supporting both regional and international initiatives aimed at enhancing the protection of children worldwide. Qatar emphasized its strong partnerships with the United Nations, specialized agencies, and various regional and international organizations, while also voicing support for initiatives that ensure comprehensive protection for children globally.

According to Qatar News Agency, this affirmation was underscored in a speech by Fahad Mohammed Al Khayarin, Assistant Undersecretary for Social Development Affairs at the Ministry of Social Development and Family. The address was delivered at the inaugural ministerial conference on ending all forms of violence against children, held recently in Bogota, Colombia. The conference saw participation from numerous international figures, ministers, officials from UN agencies, and non-governmental organizations.

Al Khayarin highlighted Qatar’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding children from all forms of
violence, noting that Qatar is among the first countries to meet its obligations related to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, which encompass the protection of children’s rights.

He elaborated that protecting children from violence is a precautionary measure involving the development and implementation of strategic preventive actions. These measures aim to create safe environments for children within their families, communities, and countries, free from conflict, violence, and humanitarian crises. He also addressed the challenges faced by families today, particularly in areas affected by poverty, conflict, and displacement.

Al Khayarin further detailed Qatar’s government policies on child protection, highlighting the effective coordination between governmental and non-governmental sectors. This collaboration has successfully fostered a safe environment for children by adopting a comprehensive protection system that integrates education, health, social affairs, police, and justice sectors.

He men
tioned that the Ministry of Social Development and Family provides child protection services through its departments and institutions under the Qatar Foundation for Social Work. This includes overseeing various programs and initiatives, such as the Shafallah Center, which cares for children with disabilities, and the Protection and Social Rehabilitation Centre (AMAN), which safeguards children from violence and neglect.

Al Khayarin also acknowledged the contributions of the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Justice, and the National Human Rights Committee in aligning child protection efforts with international standards and developments.