QRCS Delegation Promotes IHL in Maldives

Doha, July 23 (QNA) - A delegation of Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has visited the Republic of Maldives to enhance relations in humanitarian diplomacy, visit several institutions there, and sponsor an MoU between the Islamic Forum for International Humanitarian Law (IFIHL) and the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM). QRCS's delegation comprised Dr. Fawzi Oussedik, Head of International Relations and International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and Chairman of IFIHL, and Zahra Lafi, Coordinator of IHL. During the visit, the delegation met with the officials of IUM to discuss ways of cooperation and sign a bilateral MoU between IFIHL and IUM, in an official ceremony broadcast live by the Maldives TV. They also visited the Ministry of Islamic Affairs to explore opportunities of cooperation among the ministry, QRCS, and IFIHL. Other visited institutions included the National Center for Noble Quran, where they agreed on a series of joint projects to be pursued. The delegation visited the headquarters of the Maldivian Red Crescent, where they were received by the President, Secretary-General, and top officials. They watched a presentation of the organization's strategy and major activities. Also, possible aspects of joint work were discussed, to step up relations. The visit was concluded with a tour of the Dar Zayed Orphanage and discussions of potential forms of support. Dr. Oussedik highlighted the noble contribution of the Maldivian people during the 2014 War on Gaza, when they donated more than $2 million for QRCS's relief projects in Gaza, especially in shelter, water, and sanitation. This visit is part of QRCS's efforts in international development and humanitarian advocacy, a central element of its mandates that aims at giving voice to the issues and concerns of the vulnerable, putting them on the table for the international community, mobilizing support for them, utilizing its international relations in their best interest, promoting the international humanitarian principles and human rights, and establishing developmental projects in all fields, particularly educational and informative activities.(QNA)