The Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies, in collaboration with Qatar Red Crescent and The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, organized a public lecture titled "Protection of Children in Disasters, Emergencies, and other Crises." The lecture was delivered by Her Excellency Ms. Kate Forbes, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, on Monday, September 9, 2024, at the auditorium of the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies in Doha, Qatar.
During the lecture, Ms. Kate Forbes discussed the major challenges that face children in conflict and disaster areas, emphasizing that this category is the most vulnerable and affected in such harsh conditions. Forbes stated that, according to UNICEF reports, the number of children living in conflict conditions around the world has reached nearly 400 million. This huge number calls for immediate international action. She pointed out that these children face tragic situations, including forced displacement, separation from their families, risks of forced recruitment, and sexual abuse, in addition to being deprived of education and healthcare.
Forbes also explained that the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies plays a pivotal role in addressing these crises. They are strategically working in teams around the world to provide urgent and continuous support to affected children. She added that the IFRC team operates before, during, and after crises, to ensure the necessary protection for children and to meet their basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare, highlighting the importance of psychological and social support for children suffering from the trauma effects of conflicts.
Forbes emphasized the need to strengthen legal frameworks to protect children during times of crisis, considering that policies alone are not sufficient to achieve this goal. She asserted the necessity of strong partnerships between international and local institutions to ensure effective humanitarian responses on the ground. She called for the involvement of all stakeholders, including the children themselves, in designing these efforts to enhance sustainable solutions to protect their rights and meet their needs.
Forbes also affirmed the importance of integrating education into humanitarian response plans. She explained that education is a fundamental right for children and cannot be postponed even in times of conflict. She pointed out that providing safe educational environments in affected areas is an urgent necessity to safeguard the future of these children. It will provide them the opportunity to build stable lives.
In this context, Kate Forbes highlighted the increasing impacts of climate change on children, emphasizing that climate change is one of the new challenges the international community must address firmly. Climate change's effects threaten the lives and futures of millions of children worldwide.
Forbes concluded her remarks by calling for an urgent and comprehensive international action to protect children from the multiple risks they face, stressing that protecting children is not just a humanitarian commitment but a legal and moral duty incumbent upon the entire international community.
Dr. Ghassan ElKahlout, Director of the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies, emphasized that the lecture embodies the center's commitment to highlighting the necessity of protecting children and ensuring their safety amidst conflicts and crises. He noted that children are the most vulnerable in crises, whether in natural situations or resulting from armed conflicts. Elkahlout stated that the war in Gaza reminds us of the devastating impact of conflicts on children. He added: "Today, as we celebrate World Day to Protect Education from Attack, we remember the importance of safeguarding education amid conflicts, a global duty requiring concerted international efforts." He also expressed Qatar's pride in its pioneering role in supporting global initiatives to ensure the continuity of education in safe environments even under the most challenging circumstances.
In this regard, His Excellency Mr. Faisal Mohammed Al-Emadi, Secretary-General of the Qatar Red Crescentو pointed out the significant challenges facing the Arab region amid complex and protracted conflicts and emphasized that children are the most vulnerable and affected group in these situations. Children are facing serious threats to their lives, health, and education. He explained that the Qatar Red Crescent believes in every child's right to protection and care, diligently working to provide urgent support to secure their basic needs and ensure their physical and psychological safety. He called on the international community to intensify efforts and unite to protect children from the impacts of wars, conflicts, and natural disasters, aiming to guarantee a safe and stable future for them.
The lecture was attended by a number of ambassadors, representatives from humanitarian organizations and institutions, academics, and students.
At the end of the event, attendees had the opportunity to share their perspectives, provide their input, and ask questions on the topic of protecting children in humanitarian crises. This contributed to enriching the discussion and exchanging experiences among the participants, aiming to enhance understanding of the challenges facing children and to find more effective and comprehensive solutions.