Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) and Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) announced today a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Doha, establishing a framework for collaboration to enhance the protection of civilians in armed conflict and crisis settings.
Through this agreement, signed by Mr. Hichem Khadhraoui, Executive Director of CIVIC, and Mr. Faisal Mohamed Al-Emadi, Secretary-General of QRCS, both organizations will join forces to confront some of the most pressing humanitarian challenges of modern warfare. The partnership will focus on reducing the harm civilians face in conflict — including the devastating impact of explosive weapons in populated areas — and ensuring that international humanitarian and Islamic laws are reflected in how protection is understood and implemented.
The two parties will also collaborate on pilot projects to support conflict-affected communities in developing their own self-protection strategies,beginning with initiatives in Syria and across the wider region. They will facilitate dialogues in fragile environments where both organizations are engaged, supporting local voices and fostering mediation processes where civilians are too often excluded. In addition, CIVIC and QRCS will co-develop resources for governments, diplomats, and religious leaders to ensure that civilian protection is a central part of conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts.
At the global level, CIVIC and QRCS reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the implementation of the 2022 Political Declaration on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas, working with Qatari governmental entities and international partners to reduce civilian harm and strengthen humanitarian diplomacy.
Speaking on the occasion of the signing, Mr. Khadhraoui said, “Protecting civilians is at the heart of our mission. This MoU is about putting communities first by ensuring they have the tools, the voice, and the protection they deserve even in the hardest of circumstances. By working with QRCS, we seek to turn humanitarian principles into concrete action today, while shaping a future where civilian protection is non-negotiable.”
Mr. Al-Emadi commented, “This agreement will be instrumental in enabling the two parties to share resources, expertise, and relations in common areas and specializations, on the one hand, and have a crack at new ones, on the other. It will help enrich their respective portfolios and launch future joint programs towards the desired goals of collaboration.”
About the Organizations
Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) is an international humanitarian NGO dedicated to protecting civilians in conflict. We work with affected communities, armed actors, and decision makers to prevent and respond to harm to civilians and make their protection a global priority
Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS): Established in 1978, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) is Qatar’s first humanitarian and volunteering organization that aims to assist and empower vulnerable individuals and communities without partiality or discrimination.
Media Contact:
Hajer Naili, Director of Communications, CIVIC – hnaili@civiliansinconflict.org, WhatsApp: +19178895982
