New York – Al-Raya:
Her Excellency Mrs. Maryam bint Abdullah Al-Attiyah, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee, discussed with Mr. Guy Ryder, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations for Policy, ways to enhance cooperation in the areas of protecting and promoting human rights, developing the capabilities of national institutions, and supporting the participation of national human rights institutions in the work and various United Nations bodies, during their meeting at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
During the meeting, Maryam Al-Attiya stressed the importance of a strong international system for the protection of human rights, along with independent and effective national institutions and an active civil society at both levels. National and international, praising the role played by the United Nations Secretariat in supporting international efforts aimed at promoting and protecting rights and fundamental freedoms.
The Chairperson of the Committee gave a presentation on the progress of the National Human Rights Committee in the State of Qatar, explaining that it was established in 2002 in accordance with the Paris Principles regulating the work of national human rights institutions, and obtained first-class accreditation (A) from the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions in 2010, and this accreditation was renewed in 2015 and 2021, and it is the highest classification given to national institutions committed to independence and professionalism. And full compliance with international standards.
She confirmed that the committee continues to work on developing its performance and practices. To maintain this classification, to ensure impartial and objective professional performance in the service of human rights.
She pointed out that the committee works to protect and promote the human rights of all persons subject to the legal jurisdiction of the State of Qatar, whether they are citizens, residents or visitors, by spreading awareness and education, and providing protection and support to individuals, as well as building national capabilities in the field of human rights.
Her Excellency touched on the role played by the National Human Rights Committee in supporting the establishment of independent national human rights institutions in the Gulf region, stressing that the Committee contributed to providing the necessary expertise and technical support. To strengthen this trend in a number of countries, including the Sultanate of Oman and the State of Kuwait, in line with the Paris Principles and relevant international standards.
She reviewed the most prominent legislative reforms that the State of Qatar has witnessed in recent years, including the abolition of the sponsorship system and exit permits, the introduction of the wage protection system, the approval of the minimum wage, the establishment of labor dispute resolution committees, the Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund, in addition to the Domestic Workers Law, and she explained that these reforms represent important steps towards strengthening the protection of workers’ rights.
She also indicated that the National Human Rights Committee signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Labor. With the aim of following up on the implementation of these reforms, monitoring challenges and working jointly to address them.
She emphasized working to spread the culture of human rights in Qatari society, noting the need to integrate human rights concepts into educational curricula. To establish awareness among new generations, and to create a positive and sustainable impact.
For his part, Mr. Guy Ryder praised the efforts made by the National Human Rights Committee, praising the leadership role played by Her Excellency Mrs. Maryam Al-Attiyah at both levels; National and international.
Ryder, who previously served as Director-General of the International Labor Organization, pointed out the importance of monitoring the impact of labor reforms on the ground, stressing that attention to workers’ rights is a long-term commitment.
He also stressed the importance of ensuring the effective implementation of labor legislation, praising the reforms implemented by the State of Qatar, describing them as an important model in the region.
Her Excellency concluded the meeting by extending an invitation to Mr. Guy Ryder to participate in the conference of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions.
