The State of Qatar Affirms its Commitment to Support UNHCR Efforts
Geneva / Information Office / October 04
The State of Qatar participated in the 96th session of the Executive Committee of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which was held from 1 to 5 October in Geneva.
The Deputy Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN in Geneva Abdullah Al Nuaimi, made a statement in the general debate under item III, in which he noted that the State of Qatar shared UNHCR's concern about increasing humanitarian needs and forced displacement, praising the work of the High Commissioner for Refugee in Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Somalia, Rohingya community and other areas of conflict or disaster.
Al Nuaimi said that the State of Qatar contributes every year to alleviating these humanitarian crises through the Office of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Al Nuaimi added that in 2017, Qatar Fund For Development provided 26.8 million USD in financial support to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the Fund was ranked 19 among UNHCR's largest donors. In addition, the Fund, together with national NGOs of UNHCR in 2017, provided approximately 20 million USD, and this amount is expected to double at least by the end of the current year.
The Deputy Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN in Geneva emphasized the firm belief of the State of Qatar that responding to the needs of refugees should be guided by the principles of fundamental rights as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and the Geneva Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, especially in light of the continuing large influx of immigrants and mixed movements of people in many regions of the world.
Al Nuaimi noted that the New York Declaration on Refugees and Migrants emphasized that international cooperation was an essential element in the protection of refugees, and the leadership of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) emphasized the need to address this pressing phenomenon.
Al Nuaimi said that the State of Qatar believed that, in addition to assisting refugees and protecting their rights, special attention should be given to a safe, voluntary and dignified return as well as to strengthening the legal paths of all those in need of protection. He stressed the need to focus more on supporting internally displaced persons, who are at risk of becoming refugees if they continue to be displaced, noting, for example, the current situation in Syria with regard to displaced persons fleeing conflict zones.
With regard to refugee education, Al Nuaimi pointed out that this year Education Above All foundation announced that 10 million of the most marginalized children around the world will receive quality education through the Foundation's "Educate a Child" program, which is a key milestone in achieving objectives of sustainable development.
Al Nuaimi stressed Qatar's commitment and willingness to support the efforts of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in finding solutions to global refugee challenges.