Doha, Qatar: In celebration of World Humanitarian Day 2026, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) participated yesterday in a solidarity stand organised by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)-Qatar Mission, alongside representatives of the UN agencies operating in Qatar and Qatari governmental and nongovernmental organisations.
During the event, held at the UN House in Doha, QRCS was represented by Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS), Treasurer; Abdullah Sultan Al-Qattan, Acting Secretary-General; Khaled Abdul-Rahman Al-Ibrahim, Director of Resource Development; Dr. Aiham Ismaiel Al-Sukhni, Head of International Relations; and a group of QRCS staff.
The participating organiaations included the World Health Organisation (WHO), Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), the Education Above All Foundation (EAA), Qatar Airways, and Qatar Charity (QC).
In his remarks, Al-Qattan said, “We reiterate our utter condemnation of all forms of attack and/or restriction against aid providers. Such actions constitute a flagrant violation of all relevant international laws as conventions as well as a total disrespect for religious teachings and moral ideals”.
He remembered the sad loss of dedicated QRCS humanitarians while bravely doing their job of saving lives and helping victims.
“In the admirably noble spirit of humanitarianism shown by all participants in this solidarity stand, we reaffirm our commitment to pursuing the path of humanity and upholding the humanitarian mission, towards a world where its wings are stretched to every person in need,” added Al-Qattan.
Dr. Rayana Bou Haka, WHO Representative and Head of Office in Qatar, stated, “On behalf of all my colleagues at the UN House in Doha, we are here today to remember, to speak out, and to stand in solidarity with all humanitarian and health professionals from UN agencies, Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies, civil defence, and relief workers in crisis zones. Tragically, they have become war targets, while in fact, they are advocates for humanitarian and life-saving work. We stand up for them and raise our voices to call for an end to assaults on health workers, as well as to make international humanitarian law respected again”.
At Place Vendôme (ground floor, Gate 1), QRCS and OCHA opened a public photo exhibition to highlight humanitarian action globally and promote awareness of the increasing risks faced by civilians and humanitarian workers in conflict and crisis zones.
The opening ceremony was attended by Al-Qattan; Hussein Aman Al-Ali, Assistant Secretary-General for Volunteering and Local Development; Ahmed Saud Jassim, Acting Assistant Secretary-General for Support Services; Al-Ibrahim; and Ahmed Saleh Al-Khalaf, Director of Human Resources and Administrative Affairs.
