IPCA in the Middle East: Training for US Embassies in the MENA Region

In the heart of Doha, Qatar, representatives from US Embassies across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region convened at the Marriott Delta Hotel for a week-long training program focused on International Parental Child Abduction (IPCA). The training, organized by the US State Department, aimed to equip embassy personnel with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively address this complex issue. On Friday, January 27th, 2024, the spotlight turned to iHOPE, a leading organization dedicated to combating IPCA through a multi-faceted approach.

Back in late September of 2022, iSTAND organized and hosted this significant event, focusing on the pressing issue of Parental Child Abduction Across Borders. Representing iHOPE, Attorney Mohamad Al Ayouby joined a diverse group of lawyers, advocates, international organizations, and stakeholders deeply concerned with the legal and human rights challenges posed by IPCA.

The conference was enriched by the valuable contributions of students from the prestigious University of Alabama in Huntsville, who presented contemporary academic research exploring the multifaceted consequences of International Parental Child Abduction on legal, political, and social realms.

Attorney Mohamad Al Ayouby, Attorney Rasha Kayal, and Mr. Ayman Hamze, representing iHOPE, took the stage to share their expertise and insights with the attentive audience. Attorney Al Ayouby opened the session by introducing the iHOPE team, highlighting their diverse backgrounds and collective commitment to addressing IPCA. The floor was then passed to Attorney Kayal, who delivered a captivating presentation that shed light on the challenges of IPCA in the Middle East.
Attorney Kayal’s presentation began by tracing the history of iHOPE, recounting its origins and the circumstances that led to its formation. She spoke of how iHOPE’s founders were driven by a shared passion to protect children and uphold the rule of law in cases of international parental child abduction. To illustrate iHOPE’s impact and collaborative approach, Attorney Kayal shared a compelling story about the organization’s involvement in a 2019 abduction case. This case involved the successful return of abducted American children thanks to the combined efforts of then-US Senator Marco Rubio, the US Embassy in Lebanon, and iHOPE’s litigation strategy. This example served to highlight the importance of collaboration and diplomatic efforts in resolving IPCA cases.
She then delved into iHOPE’s unique “triple-front” strategy, which combines context and conflict analysis, advocacy, and litigation to address IPCA cases comprehensively. This holistic approach, she explained, enables iHOPE to consider the cultural, legal, and emotional dimensions of each case, ensuring that interventions are tailored to the specific needs of the families involved.
Recognizing the importance of amicable dispute resolution, Attorney Kayal emphasized the role of mediation as a key tool in resolving IPCA cases. She introduced the audience to iHOPE’s “HOPE” method, a specialized mediation framework designed to facilitate constructive dialogue and mutually agreeable outcomes. The HOPE method provides a safe and supportive space for parents to communicate, explore their options, and work towards a resolution that prioritizes the best interests of their children.
The presentation then shifted focus to the legal landscape governing IPCA in the Middle East. Attorney Kayal provided a comparative analysis of Hague Convention and non-Hague Convention countries, highlighting the diverse legal frameworks and the challenges associated with navigating IPCA cases across different jurisdictions. She also explored the potential of bilateral agreements as an alternative mechanism for resolving IPCA cases, discussing their benefits and challenges in bridging legal gaps and fostering cooperation between countries.
The impact of inadequate legal frameworks on parents, children, legal systems, international cooperation, and society at large was also underscored. Attorney Kayal emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive legal reforms and collaborative efforts to address the multifaceted consequences of IPCA. She highlighted the detrimental effects of IPCA on children’s well-being, parental rights, and international relations, calling for a concerted effort to strengthen legal protections and promote the swift return of abducted children.
In closing, Attorney Kayal outlined potential solutions to combat IPCA, including the enhancement of existing treaties and the adoption of iHOPE’s collaborative model, which fosters partnerships among legal professionals, government agencies, and NGOs. She concluded with a powerful call to action, urging participants to join iHOPE in its mission to prevent IPCA, protect children, and promote justice for families affected by this global issue.
Following the presentation, Attorney Al Ayouby led a 15-minute Q&A session, providing participants with an opportunity to engage directly with the iHOPE team. The session fostered a lively exchange of questions and answers, further clarifying key concepts and addressing specific concerns raised by the audience.
The iHOPE team’s participation in the US State Department’s training program in Doha, Qatar, was a resounding success. Their insightful presentation, coupled with the interactive Q&A session, effectively conveyed iHOPE’s expertise and commitment to combating IPCA. The training served as a valuable platform for raising awareness, fostering collaboration, and empowering US embassies in the MENA region to effectively address this complex issue. As the training concluded, participants left with a deeper understanding of IPCA, a renewed sense of purpose, and a strengthened resolve to work together to protect children and uphold the rule of law in cases of international parental child abduction.