November 12, 2018
Mr. Maryam Bint Abdullah Al Attiyah, Secretary General of the National Human Rights Committee, opened the celebration of the Qatari human rights day with a speech highlighting that “this celebration reaffirms the concern of the leadership and people of Qatar for human rights and fosters its engagement in international and regional efforts to protect and promote human rights through the State’s commitment foremost at the national level, and its full conviction of this choice in the area of national development at the social and economic level.
Al Attiyah added: ” Since its foundation, the State of Qatar has an obligation to respect universal values of human rights which laid the foundation for the economic advancement. This has been reflected positively on the Qatari society through the promotion of human rights and the empowerment of citizens without discrimination on the basis of gender, race or any other specified bases. Qatar’s National Development Strategy (2018-2022) implies that the social development strategy is rights-based and people-centered and is based on the directives of the wise leadership and the aspirations of Qatar National Vision. The accession of the State of Qatar to many international covenants and conventions, including the accession to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic and Social Rights, has been reflected positively on Qatar’s national strategies, policies and laws, most notably the Qatar National Vision 2030, which included a package of human rights-based reforms and a policy of gradual transition from a social service-based approach that guarantees citizens’ rights to an enabling approach that encourages active citizenship and public participation. Qatar has become a leading human rights country in a short time. This is reflected in the implementation of its international obligations and its firm positions on regional human rights issues. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council commended the rule of law and the presence of institutions that maintain human rights in the State of Qatar. The National Human Rights Committee is one of the leading institutions working in parallel with the Government to protect and promote human rights in the State of Qatar. It also monitors the commitment of the Qatari Government to fulfill its human rights obligations under international and regional treaties.”
Art exhibition addressing the violations resulting from the blockade
Al Attiyah added: In this context and In accordance with article 3 of Decree-Law No. 17 of 2010, which set the competencies and duties of the Committee including “To raise awareness on human rights and freedoms, to entrench human rights culture, and to consolidate human rights principles on both the intellectual and the practical levels”, the National Human rights Committee organizes an art exhibition under title is “The Qatari Day for Human Rights”, in cooperation with Qatar Museums’ (QM) Fire Station on the occasion of the Qatari Human Rights Day. The exhibition includes artworks that represent a unique combination of fine arts and human rights related issues including children’s rights, women’s rights, freedom of opinion and expression and even the repercussions of the unjust blockade imposed on the State of Qatar.”
Mr. Khalifa Al-Obaidli, Director of Qatar Museums’ (QM) Fire Station Artists in Residence stated that “We gather today to celebrate the Qatari Human Rights Day with you and with a group of Qatari and local artists, and to celebrate the opening of the Art exhibition held on various topics related to the security and stability of humanity on our planet, which reflects our awareness and commitment to human rights principles towards all nationalities and races. I have been with the artists for the past two weeks though which I have followed the development of their works and the way they expressed their ideas in their artworks on display in the exhibition. I am pleased to say that the dialogue between the artists and the discussions about the development of their artworks reflects the awareness and commitment of artists in Qatar and their influential role In the community.”
In conclusion, Al-Obaidli extended thanks and appreciation to the National Human Rights Committee for the orientation and interest in the participation of artists in this celebration and spreading their message through art.








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