Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to strengthening international humanitarian law and upholding human dignity during a high-level gathering organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Geneva. The event marked the release of the first-phase report of the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law, a worldwide effort aimed at enhancing adherence to humanitarian norms during conflicts and crises.
Representing the Kingdom at this significant meeting, Dr. Salem Al-Qahtani, Director-General of the General Administration of Humanitarian Affairs at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscored the importance of collective international action in advancing respect for humanitarian principles.
He stated that true peace and stability can only be achieved when nations work together to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law, which remains one of the cornerstones of global security and human dignity.
Dr. Al-Qahtani noted that Saudi Arabia’s approach to global humanitarian issues has always been anchored in compassion, responsibility, and multilateral cooperation. He explained that the Kingdom views the promotion of humanitarian law not merely as a legal obligation but as a moral and ethical duty to protect human life in times of war and disaster. Saudi Arabia’s policies, he added, aim to build bridges between nations and foster peaceful solutions to conflicts that threaten international stability.
As part of its active engagement, Saudi Arabia was among the earliest countries to endorse the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law. Demonstrating its leadership in humanitarian diplomacy, the Kingdom co-chairs the third workstream titled “IHL and Peace,” working alongside Qatar, Bangladesh, Colombia, and Ethiopia. This collaboration reflects Riyadh’s intention to integrate humanitarian considerations into peacebuilding processes and to encourage states to adopt practical mechanisms that reinforce respect for the laws of war.
The Kingdom’s participation in this global initiative also highlights its expanding role in the international humanitarian arena. Over the past few years, Saudi Arabia has intensified its cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross, the United Nations, and various regional organizations.
Through this engagement, it has supported numerous humanitarian relief operations, particularly in regions affected by protracted crises and armed conflicts. The Kingdom continues to contribute to efforts that aim to minimize civilian suffering and promote reconciliation in war-torn societies.
In his remarks, Dr. Al-Qahtani reiterated that adherence to international humanitarian law is vital for preserving the dignity of every individual, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or political affiliation.
He emphasized that Saudi Arabia believes deeply in the shared responsibility of the international community to prevent violations of humanitarian principles and to hold accountable those who disregard the rules designed to protect civilians and non-combatants.
He further explained that the Kingdom’s foreign policy has long been guided by the principles of justice, moderation, and cooperation. Saudi Arabia continues to prioritize the protection of human rights and the advancement of global peace through dialogue, development, and humanitarian aid. The country’s humanitarian philosophy is reflected in its numerous contributions to international relief efforts, its support for refugee communities, and its consistent advocacy for peaceful conflict resolution.
The Geneva meeting served as a platform for Saudi Arabia to reiterate its call for deeper political will among nations to uphold the values of humanitarian law. Dr. Al-Qahtani called for the creation of more effective frameworks to ensure the implementation of international humanitarian norms, particularly in conflict zones where violations remain widespread.
He urged governments and international organizations to strengthen cooperation, enhance monitoring mechanisms, and provide technical support to states that seek to improve their compliance with IHL standards.
Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the ICRC-led initiative also signifies its broader vision of promoting global stability through humanitarian engagement. The Kingdom has repeatedly emphasized that lasting peace cannot be achieved without respect for human life and dignity. Through its collaboration with the ICRC and other international partners, Riyadh aims to help build an international environment where humanitarian law is universally respected and effectively enforced.
The event concluded with participating states reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing the objectives of the Global Initiative. Saudi Arabia’s proactive stance, demonstrated through its leadership in the “IHL and Peace” workstream, was widely recognized as a model for constructive engagement in the humanitarian field.
The Kingdom’s efforts are expected to continue shaping international dialogue on how best to integrate humanitarian principles into political and peace processes worldwide.
By taking part in this initiative, Saudi Arabia once again showcased its vision of a world governed by compassion, respect, and justice. Its partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross remains a reflection of its broader foreign policy goals — to contribute meaningfully to global peacebuilding, uphold human dignity, and foster cooperation among nations in addressing the humanitarian challenges of the modern era.