Qatar and Kuwait on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote co-operation in international humanitarian law.

The MoU was signed by HE the Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Dr Issa bin Saad al-Jafali al-Nuaimi and Kuwait's Minister of Justice Dr Fahd Mohamed Mohsen al-Afasi on behalf of the National Committee on International Humanitarian Law at the Qatari Ministry of Justice, and the Permanent National Committee for International Humanitarian Law in Kuwait.

The MoU is part of efforts by the two countries to optimise the application of the rules of international humanitarian law and to promote legal co-operation, including the exchange of expertise.

Dr al-Nuaimi stressed the importance of the agreement, which reflects the keenness of the two countries to promote relations in various fields, including the legal areas.

The minister said the agreement will allow for the establishment of database to spread awareness of international humanitarian law among the various bodies.

The Kuwaiti minister praised the relations between Qatar and Kuwait, describing them as solid in all fields, including the legal and judicial co-operation.

The MoU aims at working towards the optimal application of international humanitarian law through the dissemination of legal awareness, training and raising the capacities of target groups in civilian and military educational institutions, and proposing new legislative texts.

The MoU also affirms the keen interest of Qatar and Kuwait to ensure respect for international humanitarian law and to broaden its understanding at the national level.

Meanwhile, the National Committee on International Humanitarian Law, in co-operation with the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), on Thursday organised a legal seminar to mark the 70th anniversary of the four Geneva Conventions of 1949.

HE the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice and Chairman of the National Committee on International Humanitarian Law Sultan bin Abdullah al-Suwaidi said he looked forward to achieving the objectives of the seminar, which is held under the auspices of Dr al-Nuaimi.

He said that the National Committee for International Humanitarian Law was established with the objective of achieving the objectives of international conventions and agreements and to promote co-operation.

The legal seminar was attended by the International Humanitarian Law Committees in Kuwait, Oman, Morocco, Jordan and Palestine, as well as representatives of the Qatar Red Crescent and the ICRC's regional mission to the GCC countries.

The seminar reviewed the four Geneva Conventions and the challenges they face amid tensions, wars and conflicts in the region and the world.

It also reviewed Qatar's role in the field of international humanitarian law and its pioneering efforts to raise awareness of this law and promote its provisions, especially in times of war and armed conflicts.

Deputy Head of ICRC Mission to the GCC countries Dorothea Krimitsas praised Qatar's National Committee for International Humanitarian Law for hosting the important symposium.

She stressed the importance of the four Geneva Conventions as they provide for the protection and safety of civilians and ensuring respect and good treatment during wars and armed conflicts.

Krimitsas said the implementation of the Geneva Conventions rests with the countries to ensure human dignity and a safer future for civilians in areas of armed conflict.


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