Toronto, September 29 (QNA) – The State of Qatar participated today in the Second International Conference on Returning Ukrainian Children, Detained Civilians, and Prisoners of War, held in Toronto, Canada, from September 28-29.

The State of Qatar was represented at the conference by HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad.

In the State of Qatar’s statement at the conference, Her Excellency reiterated the country’s support for all international efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Russia-Ukraine crisis through dialogue and diplomatic means. She emphasized Qatar’s continued conviction that the current crisis can only be resolved through dialogue and mediation.

Her Excellency noted that the protection of civilians, particularly children, is a collective responsibility that falls on the entire international community. The safety, dignity, and future of children must remain at the heart of all relevant international efforts and initiatives, she added.

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation noted that, since 2023, the State of Qatar has undertaken humanitarian efforts aimed at facilitating the return of children separated from their families due to the conflict, through communication and coordination with both the Ukrainian and Russian sides. Her Excellency noted that these efforts encompassed more than 14 humanitarian operations carried out in coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross, contributing to the reunification of 87 Ukrainian children with their families. In addition, Doha hosted a number of these families following successful reunification efforts, and the State of Qatar provided specialized recovery and rehabilitation programs aimed at supporting their physical and psychological well-being and helping them overcome the effects of the conflict.

Her Excellency pointed out that in 2023, the State of Qatar allocated $100 million to support humanitarian response efforts in Ukraine, covering sectors such as health, education, and basic services, and contributed $20 million to support the Ukrainian grain export initiative. The State of Qatar also supported a number of child protection and education projects, including a $3.5 million initiative to establish and equip safe shelters, schools, and kindergartens.

Her Excellency said that Qatari support also included the provision of 50 university scholarships for Ukrainian students to study in Qatar, as well as contributions toward the rehabilitation and construction of vital health facilities in Ukraine, including childcare facilities, in cooperation with the Olena Zelenska Foundation, alongside Qatar’s allocation of $5 million to support Ukrainian refugees and displaced persons.

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation emphasized that humanitarian and development aid constitutes a cornerstone of the State of Qatar’s foreign policy, complementing its diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving conflicts peacefully, fostering dialogue, and alleviating human suffering, and noted that Qatar shares these noble values ​​and principles with Canada.

Her Excellency also commended Canada’s stance in support of peace and child protection, affirming the collective goal of achieving a peaceful, just, and lasting solution for the good of all humanity. (QNA)