Qatar Advocates for Global Disaster Protection Treaty While Detailing Its Humanitarian Aid Framework

Qatar’s Humanitarian Air Bridge and Aid Efforts

Qatar, a Gulf state, has reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging its resources and expertise to support countries and communities affected by disasters and crises. Through the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and national humanitarian institutions, the country has established air bridges that include the International Search and Rescue Group of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), medical personnel and field hospitals, as well as medical supplies such as medicines, food baskets and shelter materials, and advanced equipment to assist those affected in disaster-stricken areas.

Statement at the UN General Assembly Sixth Committee

This position was articulated in a declaration by the State of Qatar, delivered by Second Secretary at the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, Abdulaziz Fadala Al Sulaiti, during a meeting of the Sixth Committee of the UN General Assembly, its 81st session, concerning agenda item 88 entitled “United Nations Conference of Plenipotentiaries on Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters,” held at the UN headquarters in New York.

Qatar’s Legal and Institutional Framework for Disasters

Al Sulaiti noted that Qatar places special importance on the protection of individuals during disasters, a concern that is growing as the frequency and severity of such events increase. He observed that all countries worldwide are exposed to devastating natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods and hurricanes, which can cause human and material losses that may be beyond the capacity of any single state to manage alone. This reality underscores the need to strengthen international cooperation to protect lives and uphold human dignity, in line with the principles and purposes of the UN Charter. He explained that Qatar has developed a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for addressing emergencies and disasters, overseen by specialised national bodies. These comprise the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management, the Civil Defense Council, the Doha Joint Rescue Coordination Center, the Standing Committee for Rescue and Relief Operations and Humanitarian Aids for Areas Afflicted by Catastrophes in Brotherly and Friendly Countries, and the Regulatory Authority for Charitable Activities.

Advocacy for an International Disaster Protection Convention and Outlook for the Bangkok Conference

Al Sulaiti said that Qatar supports the adoption of an international convention on the protection of persons in disaster situations, viewing it as a natural and appropriate step that would create a unified international framework for reducing disaster risks and delivering relief assistance in accordance with international law. He pointed out that there is currently no explicit rule in public international law obliging states to provide humanitarian assistance in the event of disasters; such a convention would therefore supply a legal basis for necessary measures and establish a new mechanism for international cooperation in disaster response. He stressed that any agreement must balance the right of individuals to receive humanitarian assistance with respect for state sovereignty and the principle of non-interference in internal affairs. This balance includes guaranteeing that an affected state can choose the entity providing aid, ensuring that assistance is not imposed without a formal request, covering all phases of a disaster, clearly defining the parameters for aid delivery, protecting relief personnel, and setting up effective coordination and implementation mechanisms within the UN framework. The State of Qatar welcomes the forthcoming United Nations Conference on Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters, scheduled to take place in Bangkok from 25 January to 12 February 2027. Qatar hopes the conference will lead to a legally binding instrument based on the draft articles that strengthens protection for those affected by disasters and facilitates the delivery of humanitarian aid to them, in line with international law. Finally, Qatar reiterated its support for international endeavours aimed at enhancing the protection of individuals in disaster situations and affirmed its commitment to participate constructively in the conference proceedings, with the aim of establishing an effective international legal framework that respects state sovereignty and the principles of international law while upholding human dignity and rights.