Category: Qatar

Source: Government of Qatar

Geneva, June 20, 2025

The Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva, in cooperation with the permanent missions of Austria, Greece, and France, organized a side event today om the role of media in promoting human rights, on the sidelines of the 59th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Among the speakers were HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN in Geneva Dr. Hind Abdulrahman Al Muftah, Director of the Department of Media and Communication at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ibrahim bin Sultan Al Hashmi, HE Austria’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Desiree Schweitzer, HE Greece’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Ioannis Ghikas, HE UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Freedom of Expression Irene Khan, representative from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michael Camilleri, Executive Director of Fondation Hirondelle Caroline Vuillemin, Callum Birch, Senior UN Advocacy Officer at ARTICLE 19, and Advocacy Director at the International Press Institute (IPI) Amy Brouillette. The event was moderated by CEO of Investigativ.ch Eva Hirschi.

The event was attended by more than 80 participants, including diplomats, international and regional organizations, media institutions, and civil society organizations focused on human rights, peace, and development.

HE Dr. Al Muftah emphasized that media is a foundational pillar of contemporary society, playing a crucial role not just in shaping public opinion and facilitating information flow, but also in defending democratic values, human rights, dignity, equality, and justice. She said that media also helps bridge divides by promoting our shared humanity.

Her Excellency highlighted that Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees the right to freedom of expression including the right to seek receive, and impart information regardless of frontiers. She stressed that freedom of expression and freedom of the press are interlinked and essential for an informed and engaged society.

She noted that in the face of rising misinformation and polarization in a rapidly changing world, it has become more urgent than ever to understand and strengthen the relationship between media and human rights. She stressed that when media adheres to ethical standards and truth, it doesn’t just reflect reality, but becomes a powerful force for positive change, raising awareness, empowering individuals, and advancing global human rights.

She added that journalists serve as the first line of defense for transparency and accountability in the information age, yet they face increasing threats, harassment, arrests, and even death for doing their jobs. She underscored that governments have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure a safe environment for journalists and media professionals to operate without fear of violence or retaliation.

She also called for renewing collective commitment and joint efforts to protect press freedom, defend truth-tellers, and safeguard the essential role of media in promoting and protecting human rights.

For his part, Al Hashmi said that the State of Qatar’s media model is based on supporting strong and credible media institutions in a secure environment that enables them to fulfill their vital role. He said the government respects journalists and maintains open, transparent engagement with them, while also actively working through diplomatic and multilateral channels to empower the media and provide necessary protections.

He affirmed the State of Qatar’s ongoing sponsorship of major global initiatives, highlighting its role in promoting UN Security Council Resolution 1738 (2006) on protecting journalists in armed conflicts during Qatar’s presidency of the council.

He also referred to the State of Qatar’s hosting of the 2012 International Conference on the Protection of Journalists in Dangerous Situations, and the 2016 launch of the Doha Declaration on the Protection of Journalists, which outlined core principles for journalist protection and clarified the responsibilities of states, organizations, media entities, and journalists themselves.

Al Hashmi noted that Qatar’s Media City hosts many local, regional, and international media outlets that operate freely in a secure and strong media environment.

UN Special Rapporteur Khan said that killing even one journalist is not just a loss of life, it sends a chilling message to others and fosters silence. She warned that lack of safety for journalists creates a climate of self-censorship, reinforcing the need for accountability for those who attack or kill journalists.

She also drew attention to the serious violations journalists face in Gaza, the restrictions on media access to the territory, and the heightened risks for female journalists, especially in the digital realm. She pointed out that online gender-based violence is spilling over into real-life consequences for women in journalism.

Khan warned that such smear campaigns can seriously endanger journalists by legitimizing violence against them, particularly when they are covering protests or operating in hazardous areas. She noted that this also undermines public trust in journalism.

In the same context, speakers emphasized the critical role media plays in promoting and protecting human rights. They acknowledged the growing challenges faced by journalists, especially amidst rising hate speech, misinformation, and restrictions on free expression.

They stressed the importance of empowering media to operate freely and independently, seeing it as a core tool for raising awareness, exposing abuses, and upholding justice and accountability.

They underlined that combating impunity for crimes against journalists is vital to safeguarding media freedom and ensuring a safe environment where journalists can carry out their work without fear. Repeated targeting of journalists, they warned, undermines public trust and threatens society’s right to know.

They also stressed that states have a legal and moral obligation to provide a safe environment for the press and protect journalists from threats or intimidation. They highlighted the importance of sustainable funding for media institutions to allow them to function independently of political or financial pressures. 

Source: Government of Qatar

Source: Government of Qatar

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, June 19, 2025

The State of Qatar called for taking real measures to support the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian cause in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions and the principle of the two-state solution, and ensuring the establishment of a Palestinian state, while affirming the right of the sisterly State of Palestine to full membership in the United Nations. 

Qatar also expressed aspiration for the resumption of the High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, chaired by the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the French Republic, which represents an opportunity to take collective steps towards supporting this solution and achieving sustainable security and peace regionally and internationally.

This came in a statement delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani before the resumed tenth emergency special session of the UN General Assembly on Palestine, at the UN headquarters in New York.

Her Excellency stressed that the need to resume the session stems from the unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip, which requires the General Assembly to assume its responsibilities in accordance with the United Nations Charter regarding the Palestinian cause. She pointed out that the Israeli occupation has resumed its aggression despite the ceasefire agreement reached through the efforts of the State of Qatar, the sisterly Arab Republic of Egypt, and the United States of America in January.

Her Excellency noted the State of Qatar’s commitment to intensifying mediation efforts to overcome obstacles facing the negotiations, with the aim of reaching a permanent ceasefire agreement that would allow for an end to the humanitarian crisis, the opening of crossings, and the entry of aid, ultimately ending the war and beginning reconstruction.

HE Permanent Representative expressed Qatar’s categorical rejection of the ongoing Israeli attacks on civilian facilities, including hospitals, schools, and populated centers, as well as the use of food as a weapon of war and the starvation of civilians, reiterating the call on the international community to compel Israel to ensure the safe, sustainable, and unhindered entry of humanitarian aid.

The State of Qatar stresses that the displacement of Palestinians, in any form, constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, Her Excellency stressed, adding that the expansion of settlements also constitutes a flagrant violation of international legitimacy resolutions, and the State of Qatar strongly condemns the occupation authorities’ approval of the construction of new settlements in the occupied West Bank. It also condemns the repeated attempts to undermine the religious and historical status of Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Her Excellency also reiterated Qatar’s categorical rejection of Israeli moves aimed at ending the role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and affirmed the State’s support for the Agency and its implementation of the mandate granted to it by the General Assembly.

The State of Qatar has repeatedly warned of the consequences of the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip for the region, and that the Israeli occupation’s escalatory policy will inevitably lead to an expansion of violence and chaos in the region, HE underlined.

Her Excellency expressed the State of Qatar’s strong condemnation and denunciation of the Israeli attack targeting the territory of the sisterly Islamic Republic of Iran, considering it a flagrant violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security, and a clear breach of the rules and principles of international law.

HE Permanent Representative also expressed deep concern over the dangerous escalation, which threatens the security and stability of the region and hinders efforts to de-escalate and reach diplomatic solutions. In this regard, Her Excellency clarified the State of Qatar’s firm position, rejecting all forms of violence, and calling for restraint and avoiding escalation that would expand the scope of the conflict and undermine security and stability in the region.

Source: Government of Qatar

Source: Government of Qatar

Source: Government of Qatar

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, June 17, 2025

Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari said that Israel’s attack on the Islamic Republic of Iran represents an uncalculated escalation with serious consequences for regional security, which is already strained and cannot handle further crises.

During the Ministry’s weekly press briefing, Al Ansari highlighted the State of Qatar’s deep concern over the situation, describing it as a new chapter in an ongoing pattern of provocations. He pointed out that, while countries across the region are making efforts to de-escalate various tensions, one regional actor continues to be the main source of instability and is undermining every peace effort.

He strongly criticized what he described as an uncalculated attack on nuclear and energy infrastructure, warning that this move could have far-reaching impacts on both global energy markets and regional security. He particularly highlighted the strategic significance of Gulf waters, not only as a local water source but also as a crucial artery for the world’s energy supply.

Al Ansari mentioned that, for the first time in over seven years, the region was witnessing real diplomatic momentum in talks between Iran and the United States, momentum that the State of Qatar and other countries were supporting. However, he cautioned that the current escalation could derail these efforts. He reaffirmed the State of Qatar’s commitment to working with both regional and international partners to help return to dialogue and avoid an unpredictable regional war.

He explained the region’s importance by citing that nearly 30% of the world’s exports of oil and fertilizers, and about 25% of its natural gas, pass through this area and the Strait of Hormuz.

He expressed confidence in the State of Qatar’s economy, highlighting that things remain very stable. He also noted that the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change announced yesterday that it had not detected any pollution in the water. He added that the government is monitoring the situation closely and, for now, water safety is intact and maritime movement in the Strait of Hormuz is normal, with energy exports proceeding without disruption.

When asked about contingency plans, he said that the State of Qatar has them in place and for various scenarios covering both the energy sector and public safety. He noted that the State of Qatar has consistently demonstrated readiness and resilience during past regional crises.

Despite the current calm in shipping and energy flow, he warned that any continued escalation could trigger dangerous and unforeseen consequences.

He also highlighted that the State of Qatar is in constant contact with its regional and international allies, aiming to end the crisis and facilitate dialogue. According to him, the country is actively engaged in mediation efforts to bring all sides closer together and reach a peaceful resolution to this dangerous escalation.

Al Ansari stressed that the region’s most urgent challenge now is escalation. He warned that if these tensions are not curbed, the consequences could be increasingly negative. That’s why, he added, all efforts must focus on crisis prevention.

Regarding Israel’s strike on Iran’s side of the South Pars gas field, He described the strike as a serious concern. He noted that many international companies operate in these energy fields and employ people from various countries. He said that, despite the State of Qatar’s energy infrastructure remaining unaffected and exports continuing normally, the targeting of the field has raised legitimate fears across the region about global energy supply security.

On Gaza, he confirmed that the State of Qatar’s mediation efforts toward a ceasefire were still underway. But he acknowledged that regional escalations, especially the latest confrontation between Iran and Israel, were severely hampering progress on multiple diplomatic fronts, including Gaza.

He raised alarm regarding the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, saying that the situation has been deteriorating since early March. Of particular concern, he noted, is the repeated targeting of civilians seeking humanitarian aid. He stressed that the only way to address this crisis is to allow the unconditional entry of aid into Gaza and enable international organizations to distribute it. Al-Ansari dismissed justifications for blocking aid as weak and disconnected from the reality on the ground.

Spokesperson Al Ansari addressed the recent diplomatic outreach conducted by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. He noted that since last Friday and up to Monday, His Excellency made numerous phone calls with his counterparts, including Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abbas Araghchi. During that call, HE the Prime Minister extended the State of Qatar’s condolences to the families of the victims and emphasized that the State of Qatar would work with both regional and international partners to urgently halt the aggression against Iran and spare the region from its potentially disastrous consequences.

He also highlighted that HE the Prime Minister held conversations with several high-level officials, including UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Dr. Badr Abdelatty; Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ayman Safadi, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Farhan bin Abdullah Al-Saud, Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani; Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand; and Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis.

He also highlighted HE the Prime Minister’s expressing the State of Qatar’s condemnation of the repeated Israeli violations and attacks in the region during these conversations, stressing that such actions undermine peace efforts. He called for unified regional and international efforts to de-escalate tensions and resolve disputes through diplomacy.

The Spokesperson added that HE the Prime Minister hosted German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Saturday in Doha. Their meeting focused on regional developments and enhancing international peace and security.

In a related development, He said that Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi held a phone call with Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to discuss the recent Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities and the need to bolster nuclear site security. Dr. Al Khulaifi stressed during the call that targeting such facilities poses a serious threat to regional and global peace, reaffirming that Qatar is working actively with its partners to return to dialogue and promote lasting security and stability.

Al Ansari also noted that last Thursday marked the opening of the third Qatar-France Strategic Dialogue, held in Paris. The session was co-chaired by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot. One of the key outcomes of the meeting was mutual appreciation for the progress made since HH the Amir’s state visit to France in February last year, which paved the way for new cooperation initiatives across multiple sectors. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening strategic partnerships.

On the sidelines of the dialogue, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and addressed regional developments, particularly the ongoing challenges surrounding the Gaza Strip.

He further noted that Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met today with Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA (the UN agency for Palestinian refugees). Their meeting focused on enhancing the collaboration between Qatar and UNRWA.

Additionally, on Monday, Minister Al Misnad also met with Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Tasos Hadjivassiliou to discuss bilateral cooperation

Source: Government of Qatar

Statement of the Co-Chairs of the United Nations High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution — France and Saudi Arabia — and of the Co-Chairs of its Working Groups – Qatar, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Norway, Senegal, Spain, Türkiye, United Kingdom, the European Union, and the League of Arab States:

We express our deep concern over the recent developments and continued escalation in the region, which has regrettably necessitated the decision to suspend the United Nations High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution. These events are a stark reminder of the fragility of the current situation and the urgent need to restore calm, uphold international norms, and reinvigorate diplomacy.

In light of these circumstances, we reaffirm our full commitment to the objectives of the Conference and to continuing its work without interruption. The Roundtables, to be convened shortly, will proceed as an integral part of the Conference process. Building on the contributions of the Working Groups, they will serve to consolidate clear and coordinated commitments and reaffirm the collective resolve to implement the two-State solution.

The Co-Chairs will announce the convening of the high-level segment at the soonest possible opportunity, in line with their commitment to continuing the work and objectives of the Conference.

Now more than ever, the situation compels us to double our efforts to call for upholding international law, respecting the sovereignty of states, and advancing peace, liberty, and dignity for all peoples of the region. We remain resolute in our shared determination to support all efforts to bring an end to the war in Gaza, achieve a just and lasting resolution of the Palestinian question through the implementation of the two-State solution, and ensure stability and security for all countries in the region.

Source: Government of Qatar