The State of Qatar has called for greater international focus on supporting families affected by conflict, describing family wellbeing as a cornerstone of social stability and community resilience.

The message was delivered by HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development and Family, Khalifa bin Issa Al Kubaisi, during a side event organized by the Doha International Family Institute in cooperation with Qatar's Permanent Mission to the United Nations. The event took place on the sidelines of the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Addressing participants, Al Kubaisi said escalating armed conflicts, forced displacement and prolonged humanitarian crises were placing unprecedented pressure on families around the world. He noted that international human rights instruments recognize the family as the fundamental unit of society and stress the need for its protection and support.

He said families play an especially critical role during crises by providing care, protection and psychological support, while helping preserve social cohesion and a sense of belonging.

Al Kubaisi warned that the impact of conflict extends beyond human casualties, economic losses and infrastructure damage, often undermining family unity and stability. Many families, he said, face daily challenges in maintaining their cohesion and caring for relatives under exceptional circumstances.

He also highlighted findings from research conducted by the Doha International Family Institute in partnership with international academic institutions, which found that conflict and forced displacement can have significant effects on family relationships, social support networks, intergenerational care, mental health and feelings of security and belonging.

The Qatari official said strengthening family wellbeing was central to building more resilient societies and argued that effective social and humanitarian policies should place families at the heart of protection, recovery and development efforts.

He linked this approach to Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Ministry of Social Development and Family's strategy, "From Care to Empowerment", which aims to strengthen the capabilities of individuals and families and promote their active contribution to national development.

Al Kubaisi also outlined Qatar's efforts to expand social protection systems, family services, counseling programs and psychosocial support initiatives, particularly for vulnerable groups.

Among recent legislative developments, he cited Law No. 22 of 2025 on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which he said strengthens legal protections, promotes accessibility and non-discrimination, and supports the wellbeing of families caring for people with disabilities.

He further pointed to the Doha Political Declaration adopted at the Second World Summit for Social Development, hosted by Qatar last November, which emphasized social inclusion, community cohesion and investment in people as key pillars of resilience.

The undersecretary said the Ministry of Social Development and Family is continuing to work with the Doha International Family Institute and international partners to develop a Family Wellbeing Index, designed to help policymakers create more effective and responsive family-focused policies.

Concluding his remarks, Al Kubaisi said investment in family wellbeing was an investment in social peace, sustainable development and human dignity, calling for stronger national and international cooperation to support families living through conflict and crisis.