Doha: 10 December 2018

Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri, Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, met in his office at the Committee’s headquarters with the French ambassador Frank Geely. The two sides discussed cooperation in human rights issues, activating the mechanisms of exchanging experiences and bridging ways of joint action, as well as the partnerships between the NHRC and some institutions and universities in the French Republic.

As part of the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the NHRC presented an educational lecture to the staff of Qatar Steel Company on human rights and principles and the role of the National Human Rights Committee. During the lecture, Sheikha Najwa Al-Thani, Director of International Cooperation Department of the National Human Rights committee, explained that the emergence of human rights is the result of convergence of cultures and civilizations.
Sheikha Najwa pointed out that the idea of ​​human rights in its modern form was the result of the social and economic developments that took place in the West during the Industrial Revolution and the two world wars. At the same time, the principles of human rights were found in ancient and modern civilizations in Mesopotamia, as well as the civilizations of the pharaohs, Chinese, India, Greek and Romania where natural law and the principle of democracy arose.

The Director of the Department of International Cooperation reviewed the role of the National Human Rights Committee and its objectives and powers. Sheikha Najwa said that the committee was established in 2002 with the aim of protecting and promoting human rights, and that since its inception, the committee has been accredited by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) under status A since 2010 and reaccredited in 2015 under the same status. Furthermore, it strengthened its exercise of its terms of reference, as required by the Paris Principles. The Committee’s mandate included following up on the realization of the objectives contained in international human rights conventions to which the State was a party, recommending State accession to other conventions and studying domestic legislation and executive procedures in accordance with human rights standards, Advising and submitting recommendations to the Government, as well as receiving complaints and petitions on human rights issues in addition to conducting field visits to penal and correctional institutions, places of detention, health and education entities, and monitoring human rights conditions. Sheikha Najwa Al-Thani briefed on the cooperation between the Committee and all international organizations related to human rights, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. The Committee also works to raise awareness and education about human rights and freedoms and to consolidate its principles in terms of thought and practice through training courses, media campaigns and publications.

For his part, Mr. Mohammed bin Saleh Al Mahdi, Administration Division Manager at Qatar Steel, said that Qatar Steel Company, in its belief in human rights issues, participated in organizing this lecture in its headquarters in the occasion of the anniversary of International Human Rights Day. He said: “We are keen that all employees of the company are fully aware of their rights and duties, stressing at the same time that the management of the company closely follows all the requirements of employees and workers and reassurance of their conditions in terms of decent housing in compliance with the standards set by the State and provided for by human rights conventions and charters; in addition to providing full health care for all workers in Qatar Steel. Al-Mahdi called for a partnership between Qatar Steel and the National Human Rights Committee concerning education and training in various human rights issues.

December 9, 2018

The National Human Rights Committee of the State of Qatar celebrates the International Day of Human Rights, which falls on 10 December of each year, in its seventieth anniversary under the slogan: human rights for peace. It also marks the date on which the United Nations General Assembly adopted in 1948 the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which marks the culmination of the march of all advocates of the values ​​of freedom, dignity and equality around the world, as well as the first building block in the global human rights system that seeks to ensure A minimum of rights for all human beings and subsequently formulated in written and binding documents of all States.

Thanks to the Declaration and the States’ commitments to its principles, the dignity of millions of people has been revived and the basis for a more just world has been established, although the Declaration has not yet been fully realized, but it has stood the test of the past decades. This demonstrates its ever-lasting universal character and lasting values ​​of equality, justice and dignity and Humanity.

The United Nations Human Rights Day has chosen this year to be a year-long celebration of seven decades since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Declaration establishes the principles of equality and dignity for every human being and stipulates that every government has a fundamental duty to enable all people to enjoy all Their inalienable rights and freedoms.

On this occasion, the National Human Rights Committee expresses on the occasion of the celebration of this day (World Human Rights Day) hopes to increase the synergy of national, regional and global action to promote the timeless principles set forth in the International Bill and other human rights conventions, And to continue to put an end to such crimes and to violations and to enable peoples to enjoy their full rights without further discrimination at the international level, especially those who face most important problems at present due to the military trends, conflicts and crises affecting the enjoyment of human rights. The absence of criminal justice to punish the perpetrators of human rights violations, as well as the issue of the protection of journalists and the refugee problem, is a long, painstaking and continuous human tragedy whose causes differ but have the same consequences of depriving them of all their human rights. Therefore, the international community, represented by the United Nations, had to provide and activate mechanisms for the protection of refugees and to defend their lives and rights in accordance with international human rights law in times of war or peace.

The State of Qatar considers respect for human rights a top priority in accordance with international human rights standards and works to strengthen them through continuous development of legislation, procedures and practices on the ground.
The Committee affirms that at the national level, the State of Qatar has achieved pioneering achievements in the protection and promotion of human rights for citizens, residents and all those under the jurisdiction of the State of Qatar. The Committee appreciates the recent accession of the State of Qatar to the International Covenants on Human Rights, Which will have a positive impact on the strategies, policies and legislation of the State of Qatar, most notably the Qatar Vision 2030, where the state adopted under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the state Qatar, a legislative approach consistent with the principles of the maintenance of these rights and respect and promotion and protection in all areas and encourages the NHRC to continue the state development and trends.

In this context, the Committee has been working since its establishment under Decree Law No. 38 of 2002 to carry out its role in the consolidation, promotion and protection of human rights. It has achieved many achievements and has faced some challenges. The committee has been fully accredited status A by the sub-Committee on Accreditation of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), which is the umbrella of the National Human Rights Committees since 2010-2015. It was also re-accredited the same status in 2015 for the next five years. It is an indication of the Committee’s commitment to the Paris Principles governing the work of National Human Rights Committees as well as full membership in the Pacific Asia Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF). The NHRC is always working to develop the work of the tools and cooperation with all internal and international bodies.

In light of the continued unjust blockade imposed on the State of Qatar, which affects peace and security in the region and the enjoyment of the human rights of the peoples of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and violates the provisions of international law and human rights and divine laws, the Committee notes that it has worked continuously without interruption from the first moment to receive the complaints submitted by the affected citizens and residents and carry out its international movement and coordination with all international bodies concerned to lift the blockade, and make all possible efforts to mitigate its repercussions on the citizens and residents of Qatar, including citizens of the blockade.

The NHRC will continue its efforts with international human rights organizations and bodies on violations of the rights of citizens and residents of the State of Qatar. In celebration of World Human Rights Day, the Committee affirms its role in promoting human rights in all fields in cooperation and coordination with all concerned governmental and non-governmental bodies in the State. Through its implementation of its current strategic plan for the years 2017-2022, the Committee seeks to raise awareness and education on all human rights, introduce international conventions and national legislation, focus on all issues of citizens and residents, and seek to promote and protect human rights.

– Gulf civil society organizations are required to hold consultations to develop the human rights system in the GCC countries

– We demand strong mechanisms to protect the human rights of the Gulf people and to avoid repeating the tragedies resulting from the blockade

– The unity of the GCC starts with preserving the unity of its people and the cohesion of the Gulf social fabric

– A year and a half of the crisis proved limited human rights and conflict resolution in the GCC

– We cannot allow other failures of the GCC system in the field of human rights and conflict resolution

Vienna: Saturday 7 December 2018

Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al-Marri, Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, called on civil society organizations in the GCC States to hold a series of consultations and meetings to develop the human rights system in the Gulf, pointing out that a year and a half of the blockade of Qatar proved the limited human rights and conflict resolution system in the GCC countries. A few hours before the upcoming Gulf summit in Riyadh, the repercussions and violations resulting from the blockade of Qatar were the focus during the discussions of Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al-Marri with a number of journalists and accredited correspondents in Vienna. Al Marri also met with the Austrian Council of Grievances, in Austria and reiterated the conviction of the National Human Rights Committee that “any results or decisions that may emerge from the forthcoming Gulf summit in Riyadh cannot succeed in achieving any progress in the course of the unified Gulf action, unless the repercussions of the unjust blockade imposed on Qatar addressed as a top priority during the discussions of leaders of the GCC”.

“The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was established to confirm the unity of the Gulf people. However, the discriminatory and arbitrary measures imposed by the countries of blockade on Qatar have caused a deep blow to the social fabric of the Gulf. With each additional day going through the crisis, the gap between the Gulf states is growing, and the people are paying the biggest price of this unjust blockade. GCC leaders must understand that the unity of the GCC begins by preserving the unity of its people and the cohesion of the Gulf social fabric. We cannot allow other failures of the GCC system in the area of ​​human rights and conflict resolution,” Al Marri added.

In response to journalists’ questions about the importance of decisions that could emerge from the Riyadh summit, Dr. Ali Bin Smaikh said: “It cannot be ignored that the blockade imposed on Qatar has hurt the people more than it has harmed governments. The leaders of the GCC must agree on new procedures and mechanisms in the rules of procedure of the Council, guaranteeing respect for the principle of non-use of peoples as a leverage tool to eliminate any political disputes in the future! We, the National Human Rights Committee, will not stop our actions in this direction until the victims are redressed. We do not want the GCC to lose this historic opportunity to heal the Gulf rift at the Riyadh summit,” he said.

Responsibility of Gulf civil society organizations

The chairman of the National Human Rights Committee noted that a part of the responsibility for the human rights situation in the Gulf states is attributed to the “failure” of the human rights system in the GCC countries, calling on civil society organizations and national human rights institutions in the GCC countries to hold a series Consultations and meetings to develop the human rights system in the GCC countries.

Strengthening cooperation with the Austrian Ombudsman Council

On the other hand, the chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, in his meeting with officials of the Austrian Ombudsman Council, discussed means of enhancing cooperation between the two sides in the fields of exchange of experience and training and promotion of the culture of human rights in both countries. For their part, officials of the Austrian Ombudsman’s Council commended the achievements of the National Human Rights Committee in Qatar in the field of protection and promotion of human rights locally and regionally.

Vienna: Thursday December 6, 2018

Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al-Marri, welcomed the release of Qatari national Ahmed Khaled Muqbel, who had been detained by the Saudi authorities for a long time, calling on Saudi Arabia to reveal the whereabouts of the three Qataris who were victims of enforced disappearance and release them immediately. On the sidelines of his working visit to the Austrian capital of Vienna, Dr. Ali Bin Smeikh Al Marri, said: “We welocome the release of the Qatari citizen Ahmad Khaled Muqbel, who was arbitrarily detained by the Saudi authorities. “We have contacted his family and we have got confirmation about his release.” Al Marri added: “The National Human Rights Committee is in constant contact with the United Nations working group on enforced disappearances and will follow up its moves with various international legal and judicial bodies to hold Saudi Arabia accountable”.

chairman of the National Human Rights Committee also addressed a letter to the European Union and international organizations urging them to intervene and pressure the Saudi authorities. “from Vienna, the capital of the current EU session: I call upon the governments of the European Union and the European Parliament to act vigorously and pressure Saudi authorities to reveal the whereabouts of the three Qatari nationals who have been forcibly disappeared. We call upon the EU countries to urge the Saudi authorities with which they have diplomatic and economic relations, and demand that they respect human rights and to refrain from the ongoing violations of human rights in compliance with the principles laid down by the European Union.”

Movements of the National Committee for the release of Qatari citizens

Dr. Ali Bin Smaikh Al Marri, Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, informed the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the context of countering terrorism, Mr. Fonnola D. Alian, about the four Qataris who forcibly disappeared in Saudi Arabia and demand their immediate release. He also urged the Special Group on Arbitrary Detention and the Special Group on Enforced Disappearance to undertake a joint field visit to Saudi Arabia to reveal the situation of detained citizens. The chairman of the National Human Rights Committee has repeatedly called for extensive investigations into the violations of human rights by the Saudi authorities, gross and systematic violations and discriminatory measures against Qatari citizens and residents in Qatar.

Al Marri noted that the Saudi authorities did not release or allow contact with Qatari detainees, calling for a joint mission of the working group on Arbitrary Detention and Forced Disappearance to be dispatched to Saudi Arabia to understand the root causes of arbitrary deprivation of liberty and enforced disappearance of Qatari nationals.

– Europe cannot renege on its principles in protecting the rights of peoples

– Austria’s presidency of the European Union is an opportunity to take stricter positions towards the countries of the blockade

– The EU countries cannot continue to be silent and pursue a policy of “passive neutrality” towards the violations resulting from the blockade

– EU consultations with Qatar should be accompanied by European movements to protect human rights violated by the countries of the blockade

– Human rights should be a priority in any negotiations or economic and investment partnerships with the countries of the blockade

– It is unacceptable that human rights are secondary to any economic or political interests

– Members of the Austrian Parliament were shocked by the violation of human rights by the countries of the blockade under the pretext of a political dispute

Vienna: Friday 6 December 2018

The chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, Dr. Ali Bin Smaikh Al-Marri, called on the EU countries to act vigorously and take stronger measures to put an end to the ongoing humanitarian tragedy caused by the unjust blockade imposed on Qatar 18 months ago. Austria’s current presidency of the European Union is an opportunity to take tougher positions towards the countries of the blockade, stressing that The EU countries cannot continue to be silent and pursue a policy of “passive neutrality” towards the violations resulting from the blockade against citizens and residents of the State of Qatar and deny its principles and commitment to the defense of human rights in various regions of the world. In the Austrian capital of Vienna, the chairman of the National Human Rights Committee held a series of fruitful meetings with officials of the Human Rights Committee of Austrian Parliament and the Human Rights and Ethnic Minorities Department of the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

the Austrian parliamentarians are shocked by the serious dimensions of the Gulf crisis

The Austrian parliament witnessed a rich debate with the Human Rights Committee of the National Assembly (Austrian Parliament), which dealt with the issue of the blockade imposed on Qatar since 5 June 2017, during which Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al-Marri gave a briefing on the latest human rights violations resulting from the blockade, including the separation between families of the Gulf countries and the denial of right to freedom of movement, treatment and property, and other basic rights, without excluding children and Women and the elderly, in flagrant violation of international conventions and human rights conventions. Al Marri handed over the members of the Commission on Human Rights of the European Parliament for copies of reports prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and periodic reports prepared by the National Human Rights Committee, documenting serious violations of the rights of thousands of citizens and residents of Qatar.

Al-Marri pointed out that the countries of the blockade continue to ignore the international calls of governments and human rights organizations to put an end to the blockade and an end to the punitive measures of the peoples of the Gulf. He pointed out in this context the UAE violations of the decisions of the International Court of Justice.

The chairman of the National Human Rights committee called on the members of the Austrian Parliament to act vigorously to end the unjust blockade and the resulting human rights violations. The members of the Human Rights Committee of the European Parliament expressed great interest in learning about the repercussions of the blockade imposed on Qatar and the resulting grave violations of human rights, stressing that they were “shocked” by the serious humanitarian dimensions of the Gulf crisis and by the ” Which found no embarrassment in imposing punitive measures against civilians, deprived of their most important human rights under the pretext of a political dispute with the State of Qatar.

The moral responsibility of Austria, the Presidency of the Council of the European Union

On the other hand, during his meeting with officials of the Department of Human Rights and Ethnic Minority Affairs at the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the chairman of the National Human Rights Committee appreciated the positions expressed by Austria since the beginning of the crisis and called for dialogue to resolve the Gulf crisis. Speaking to Foreign Ministry officials, Dr. Ali Bin Smaikh Al Marri said, “While we appreciate Austria’s position and its strong defense of human rights, we are confident that its presidency of the current session of the European Union can contribute more closely and effectively to persuading the EU countries to make more powerful decisions to pressure on the countries of the blockade, to respect human rights, regardless of the political dimensions of the Gulf crisis. “The countries of the European Union, which have consistently affirmed their commitment to the principle of defending human rights around the world, cannot continue to be silent when it comes to serious violations of human rights that have – and continue to – violate the rights of thousands of citizens And residents of Qatar and the countries of the blockade, pointing out that the forthcoming dialogue between the Qatari government and the European Union on human rights issues next year is an important step that should be accompanied by European movements towards protecting human rights violated by the blockade imposed on Qatar; while calling on the countries of the Union to hold similar meetings with the blockading countries to question about their human rights violations.

– Deterrent measures must be taken to end the obstacles faced by UAE nationals and residents in Qatar

– The UAE has not yet fully complied with the ICJ’s decision

– we Call on the United Nations to take strict measures to ensure that the UAE complies with the precautionary decision of the International Labor Court

– The countries of the blockade are still ignoring the UN resolutions

– we Call on the High Commissioner to hold the Saudi authorities accountable for the fate of Qataris who have been forcibly disappeared

Geneva: Wednesday, 5 December 2018

Dr. Ali Bin Smaikh Al Marri, Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, met with Ms. Michelle Bachelet, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, in Geneva on Thursday and stated that a comprehensive report shall be published next month documenting the violations of the decisions of the International Court of Justice and human rights of citizens and residents of Qatar, despite the UAE authorities’ formal commitment to implement the decisions of the International Court of Justice. Al Marri called for effective and prompt action by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and various United Nations mechanisms, to take deterrent measures to put an end to violations by the UAE and to ensure full compliance with international conventions and recommendations and to implement the precautionary decision of the International Court of Justice on stopping discriminatory measures against citizens and residents of Qatar .

This came during Dr. Al Marri’s meeting with Ms. Michel Bachelet, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, at the Organization’s headquarters in Geneva, three months after the appointment of the former High Commissioner for Human Rights at the end of last August .

Al-Marri congratulates Bachelet and praises the path of the High Commission

At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. Ali Bin Smaikh Al Marri congratulated Ms. Michel Bachelet on her assumption of her new post , and affirmed the readiness of the National Human Rights Committee to cooperate with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and The United Nations Human Rights Council, to defend human rights issues regionally and internationally.

Dr. Ali Bin Smaikh praised “the prominent and effective role of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in addressing the serious violations caused by the blockade imposed on Qatar since 5 June 2017, through its reports and numerous correspondence to the countries of the blockade, demanding its cessation of violations of human rights, condemning the violations of the blockade, and calling for their cessation. Al Marri also noted that “the NHRC is ready to continue cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights under the chairmanship of Ms. Michel Bachelet to push for urgent and effective solutions to stop the suffering of thousands of families.”

Follow up the implementation of the technical mission’s decisions

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called on the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to take action to ensure that the blockading states comply with the findings of the technical mission of the High Commissioner following her visit to Doha in November 2017. Al Marri stated that “Despite warnings from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights of the continuing violations, 11 special rapporteurs of the United Nations Human Rights Council and the working Group on Arbitrary Detention have sent letters to the these states urging them to end their violations and discriminatory measures against citizens and residents of Qatar, the four countries continue to ignore the resolutions of the United Nations and the international community, and human rights organizations. “We are fully confident that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the international community and all governments of the world are committed to respect human rights,” said Bachelet. In this context, we call on the High Commission to address the countries of the blockaded and to impose stronger pressure to compel them to abide by the resolutions of the United Nations. ”

Violations of Emiratis and preventing Qatari nationals from entering its territory

On the other hand, Dr. Ali Bin Smaikh Al Marri said that the National Human Rights Committee will publish a comprehensive report next month, documenting the various violations of the UAE’s precautionary decisions of the International Court of Justice on the cessation of discriminatory measures against citizens and residents of the State of Qatar, pointing out that “the UAE has not yet fully complied with the decision of the International Court of Justice. We have received many complaints in the National Human Rights Committee about the cases of prevention, harassment and obstacles faced by Qatari citizens.”

Saudi Arabia’s accountability for the fate of Qataris detained in Riyadh

In his meeting with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, addressed the issue of the four Qatari nationals who are still subject to enforced disappearance and arbitrary detention by the Saudi authorities, and called on the High Commissioner for Human Rights to hold the Saudi authorities accountable. Al Marri also expressed his concern about the suffering of the citizens of Qatar, in the absence of any information about their whereabouts today, despite all the calls made by the families of the detainees and the movements of the National Human Rights Committee of the relevant UN mechanisms.”\

The National Human Rights Committee has provided all the information requested by the relevant UN mechanisms on the identity of Qatari nationals, victims of forced and arbitrary detention,” said Dr. Al Marri.

Al Marri concluded by stressing that “the National Human Rights Committee holds the Saudi authorities full legal responsibility for the fate of the four citizens of Qatar, and the potential psychological and physical damage. The National Committee will not remain silent and will continue its actions and take all legal and judicial measures until the release of the four Qatari citizens. At the end of the meeting, Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al-Marri gave the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the NHRC reports on violations in a year and a half of the blockade.

French media highlighted the meeting between Dr. Ali Ben Smaikh Al Marri, Chairman of the National Human Rights committee and Ms. Michelle Bachelet, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The French daily newspaper, “Le Figaro”, published an article on the first meeting of its kind between Dr. Ali Ben Smaikh and Ms. Bachelet since she came into office a few months ago, entitled “The Humanitarian Consequences of Qatar’s Blockade”. “If the blockade imposed on Qatar 18 months ago has diplomatic and economic effects, another aspect of this crisis takes on a more serious dimension, the humanitarian crisis. It is the stakes and the issue that will be discussed at the meeting in Geneva between the chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, Dr. Ali Ben Smaikh Al Marri, and Ms. Michel Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, in Geneva, Switzerland. The parties will address such issues as the right to treatment, the right to residence, the right to education and other rights that should be guaranteed to Qatari citizens and residents of Qatar ” Le Figaro stated.

Doha
Saturday, December 1, 2018

The NHRC participates in the 29th edition of the Doha International Book Fair with a rich booth presenting its most prominent publications in the field of spreading the culture of human rights within the Qatari society, as well as reports and publications that reflect the efforts and moves of the NHRC in the face of the blockade imposed on Qatar. In the field of protecting human rights in Qatar and elsewhere.

Ms. Mariam Bint Abdullah Al Attiyah, Secretary General of the NHRC, said: “The National Human Rights Committee is always keen to participate in various important national, regional and international events concerned with protecting and defending human rights particularly among Qatari society. From this perspective, our participation in the Doha International Book Fair is an important cultural and intellectual platform for spreading awareness and education in the field of human rights protection among the various segments of society that the book fair is intended to represent as a prominent cultural event, Thousands of citizens, residents and guests are coming to attend the most prominent cultural event in the State of Qatar. We at the National Human Rights Committee attach great importance to the Doha International Book Fair and will be featured in this year’s edition, through a huge booth, strategically located at the International Exhibition Center, which includes more than 200 books and educational publications on human rights issues , Brochures and stories for the children, parents and various segments of society to educate and raise awareness of the rights and duties included in international conventions. The booth will also include the reports and publications of the National Human Rights Committee on the human rights situation within the State of Qatar and highlights the achievements and moves of the National Human Rights committee locally, regionally and internationally. ”

Ms. Mariam Bint Abdullah Al Attiyah noted that the NHRC decided to focus its participation in the Doha International Book Fair this year on the publication and reports on the efforts of the State of Qatar and the National Committee in the face of the blockade imposed on Qatar since 5 June. 2017, pointing out that the National Human Rights Committee’s booth will include a visual presentation that includes the most important rights enshrined in the international charters and the UN Charter. The latest statistics on violations of the 12 fundamental human rights resulting from the blockade by the blockading states. “In order to reach out to the public at the Book Fair and to spread the culture of human rights, there will be a legal specialist at the NHRC’s booth throughout the exhibition to communicate with the public and provide various legal advice that may be requested by our visitors.”

November 29, 2018

Mr. Sultan Bin Hassan Al-Jamali, Assistant Secretary-General of the National Human Rights Committee, met with Mr. David L. Phillips is currently Director of the Program on Peace-building and Rights at Columbia University’s Institute for the Study of Human Rights, based in the United States of America. During the meeting, Al-Jamali introduced the work of the NHRC, including its vision and mission and stressed that the State of Qatar is making significant progress, especially after the recent legal reforms related to the Qatari Labor Law, along with other new legislation related to the country’s ratification of international agreements. “We expect the State of Qatar to do more work in all areas of human rights,” Al Jamali said.

For his part, Mr. Philips presented an introductory profile on the University of Columbia as the largest university specializing in peace and human rights studies in the United States of America. At the same time, he expressed his desire to deepen cooperation in the field of human rights and peace with the NHRC through the possibility of concluding a memorandum of understanding between the two sides as well as nominating a representative of civil society in Qatar to the fellowship program launched by Colombia university to raise capacities of Human Rights advocates.