The State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Social Development and Family, participated in the Sixth Arab High-Level Conference on Rights of the Child, held virtually, in accordance with the recommendations of the 26th session of the Arab Childhood Committee, chaired by Bahrain.

Ministers, leaders of national organisations from member states that deal with children’s issues, as well as representatives from regional and international organisations that support children’s rights in the Arab world, attended the conference. With its development goals that primarily centre on investing in human capital, Qatar reaffirmed its commitment to the promotion and protection of children’s rights.

The representative of Qatar, Mr Ghanem Mubarak Al-Kuwari, assistant undersecretary for Social Development Affairs, delivered a speech emphasising the diverse social protection policies and means of achieving social security in Qatar. Qatar emphasised the need to integrate programmes for child protection and care, starting with legislation that guarantees their rights.

Al-Kuwari stated that the Ministry of Social Development and Family, through its specialised departments and centres, provides social protection services, especially for vulnerable groups such as children.

The ministry aims to meet the basic needs of children, who are unable to support themselves due to legal and physical limitations, with a special focus on their education. Moreover, it extends support to children facing special circumstances, such as orphans and children with disabilities.

Social protection plays a crucial role in promoting the well-being of children, enabling them to lead dignified lives and supporting the attainment of sustainable development goals, particularly goals 1-5. It aids in poverty reduction, enhances children’s living conditions, and ensures access to their essential needs. Furthermore, it improves educational opportunities for children, ultimately paving the way for their future success.

The Ministry of Social Development and Family in Qatar offers various social programmes aimed at protecting and promoting the welfare of children. These programmes include awareness and educational campaigns to increase public and societal awareness of children’s rights and responsibilities towards them.

The ministry also provides psychological and social support programmes to children facing health or social challenges, including domestic violence. These programmes encompass counselling, psychological therapy, guidance and social support for children and their families through the Wifaq Centre.

In addition to these efforts, Qatar focuses on the care and protection of children living in difficult or risky conditions, such as orphans, those lacking family support, and those whose lineage is unknown. 

The programmes aim to meet the needs of these children, provide them with basic care, protection and necessary support through the Dreama Centre for Orphans.

The Ministry of Social Development and Family in Qatar also offers services and rehabilitation programmes, such as the Shafallah Centre, for children with disabilities.

Qatar expressed its determination to continue its efforts to ensure the protection of children’s rights, including their upbringing in a safe, healthy, clean and sustainable environment as a top priority in all national plans and policies. 

Dr Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, assistant secretary-general and president of the Social Affairs Sector, stated that the high-level Arab conference on children’s rights aimed to highlight the importance of the 2030 Development Agenda for the Child.

It represents an opportunity to address major developmental challenges in the Arab world, such as climate change, natural disasters, food insecurity, and widening economic and social disparities.

The outcomes of the conference are expected to contribute to the development of a roadmap that can guide the planning and implementation of public policies concerning children within the framework of sustainable development goals.