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Maneesh Bakshi
Doha
THE two-day International Conference on Human Rights Approach to Conflict Situations in the Arab Region concluded with a call to give priority to efforts aimed at prevention of human rights and international humanitarian law violations, including support for early warning systems.
In the recommendations issued at the end of the conference on Tuesday, participants urged member states to establish a regional centre for early warning to prevent conflict and violation of human rights.
The conference was organised by the National Commission for Human Rights (NHRC) of Qatar in collaboration with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
Member states were also urged to review educational curriculum and policy reform to introduce programmes designed to support the culture of human rights in order to encourage respect and tolerance without discrimination.
The participants also called on member states and international community to exert influence on all parties involved in armed conflict to abide by the rules of international humanitarian law and the principles of human rights, while giving priority to respond to the humanitarian needs of the victims.
The meet also recommended prevention of all forms of violence and investigation and punishment for perpetrators of crimes, especially sexual violence against women.
Attendees urged national human rights institutions and civil society organisations to continue to provide advice to ensure greater protection for children and to educate all parties about the conflict.
Member states were encouraged to hold perpetrators of attacks on humanitarian workers accountable in accordance with international standards to ensure that victims receive adequate compensation.
The conference outcomes urged nations to introduce and apply legislation and regulations that prevent attacks on schools and occupation by any party and take action to prosecute those responsible for violating these actions.
The attendees also advised national human rights institutions, civil society and states to support and protect the right to education, particularly among vulnerable groups, including minorities and internally displaced persons and girls whose rights may be at risk, in armed conflicts.
