The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia participated in an international conference titled "Protecting Children in Armed Conflict – Our Common Future", held in the Norwegian capital Oslo between June 5 and 6, 2023. The Saudi delegation included Director of Community Support and Acting Director of International Relations and Partnerships at King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre Dr. Hana Omar and representatives of the Human Rights Commission, the Child Protection Unit of the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Participants discussed the main challenges children face in armed conflict.

Speaking at the plenary meeting on humanitarian issues, Omar reviewed Saudi Arabia's efforts in humanitarian causes and its role in maintaining peace and security, referring to the Kingdom's role in the Sudanese crisis, with the Jeddah Declaration affirming the obligation to protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian action and abstain from recruiting children. She added that the Kingdom has given $100 million to support humanitarian assistance in Sudan.

Omar also stressed that the Kingdom will continue to support children in conflict and disaster areas, and build effective partnerships to address pressing humanitarian issues and deal with the growing challenges children in crisis situation face. She noted that the centre's action plan for child protection for the coming year will add $3 million through humanitarian projects with UN, international and local organizations.

Source: Saudi Press Agency