Doha: November 17, 2020

Dr. Muhammad bin Saif Al-Kuwari, Vice President of the National Human Rights Committee, said: The nature of the crisis during the Corona pandemic prompted us to speed up our administrative procedures and be more sensitive to the needs of petitioners, noting that among the lessons learned from the Coronavirus pandemic is the development of electronic mechanisms for submitting complaints and documents by complainants, improving response mechanisms and time limits to examine complaints and finding solutions to them, and informing complainants of developments and requirements for resolving them. This came during the speech delivered by Dr. Muhammad Saif Al-Kuwari on the experience of the National Human Rights Committee in protecting human rights during the Coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19) at the the 4th international Conference dedicated to the topic of “Protection of human rights in Eurasia: exchange of best practices by ombudsmen” which was organized by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation Tatiana Moskalkova. Dr. Al-Kuwari added that another lesson we learned during this epidemic is to know how important is community offices at the headquarters of the National Human Rights Committee, pointing out that These offices, which are staffed by volunteers from representatives of the communities, have proven their effectiveness in reaching vulnerable groups, and have shown a great deal of credibility with regard to the information provided to the committee. Al Kuwari pointed out that the National Human Rights Committee is currently working to improve the work of these offices by enhancing interaction with representatives of the communities, providing more capacity-building and training services, and establishing new mechanisms to enable the offices to work more effectively. Dr. Al Kuwari explained that the National Human Rights Committee monitors the human rights situation during the challenges in the circumstances of the emerging Coronavirus crisis, and makes recommendations to the competent authorities. Al-Kuwari said: The National Human Rights Committee continues to follow all developments related to the humanitarian implication of this epidemic. “We have taken into account several key concerns, including the protection of the most vulnerable groups such as low-paid workers, domestic workers and detainees, to guarantee the right to health for all without discrimination, as well as to ensure the promotion of the right to information. At the same time, the National Human Rights Committee has taken several measures to continue its role as a non-judicial mechanism for remedies and grievances during the current health crisis, in addition to its endeavor to communicate with governmental and non-governmental bodies to face challenges and assist petitioners” Al Kuwari said.

November 15, 2020

The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) has launched the educational awareness campaign that it organizes to protect school students in their various primary, preparatory, and secondary educational stages from the spread of the Coronavirus (Covid-19). Abdullah Ali Al-Mahmoud, head of the Public Relations and Media Unit of the Committee, explained that the health safety campaign in schools came In pursuit of its efforts in the framework of preventing the spread of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) among male and female students, especially after adopting the blended education policy, which obliges school students to attend their classes at schools according to the precautions set by the Ministries of Public Health and Education and Higher Education. Al-Mahmoud said: the NHRC play a vital role to raise awareness about adhering to these precautions by various means commensurate with all educational stages. For the purpose of this campaign, we distributed brochures, coloring books and produced short movies (graphic video). Al-Mahmoud indicated that the National Human Rights Committee will continue its awareness campaign to cover all state schools at all stages and in coordination with the administrations of those schools, as part of its awareness and educational role and its legal mandate in the state. Al-Mahmoud said that the responsibility to protect students is an integral with the support of the Ministry of Public Health, school administrations, and parents of students, given that this year represents a real challenge for the families of students, school administrations and teachers. Al-Mahmoud referred to the memorandum of understanding concluded between the National Human Rights Committee and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education in October 2019 with the aim to strengthen the relations between both parties in the field of spreading the culture of human rights and education, and to encourage schools to apply and integrate human rights concepts and principles. The two sides agreed to develop a plan to spread the culture of human rights in educational institutions, and forming a joint committee to propose aspects of cooperation between the two parties in the areas covered by the memorandum, prepare draft programs for the implementation of its articles, define the responsibilities of the two parties, follow up on the implementation of the MoU and evaluate results, in addition to developing programs to conduct research and studies in accordance with the procedures and requirements of the work agreed upon between the two parties. Al Mahmoud explained This concern comes in light of the interest that the government of the State of Qatar attaches to the educational process, and the endeavor to protect students in times of crises.

Al-Attiyah: We are committed to our mission to protect and promote human rights

Two thousand roses were distributed to volunteers on the frontline workers to address the Coronavirus pandemic

Qatari Human Rights Day is a stop to affirm appreciation and gratitude for the frontlines workers

The National Human Rights Committee is committed to its mission and vision to consolidate and promote human rights in the State of Qatar

Doha, November 11, 2020

Ms. Maryam Bint Abdullah Al-Attiyah, Secretary General of the National Human Rights Committee, confirmed that the celebration of the Qatari Human Rights Day, which falls on November 11 each year, coincides this year with the 18th anniversary of the establishment of the National Human Rights Committee. On the occasion of the celebration of Qatar Human Rights Day, Al-Attiyah said in a press statement: “Every year The National Human Rights Committee attaches great importance to celebrating the Qatari Day for Human Rights and assess the achievements and identify shortcomings, and confirm the commitment and keenness to support the development of human rights in the State of Qatar

The Secretary-General of the National Human Rights Committee pointed out that “celebrating Qatari Human Rights Day is an opportunity to emphasize the achievements in the human rights field, especially the series of laws and legislations that the State of Qatar has taken to develop human rights, including the laws concerned with improving work and residency conditions for expatriates. Al Attiyah recalled that the National Human Rights Committee welcomed the issuance of Law No. (17) of 2020 issued by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, regarding setting the minimum wage for workers and domestic workers, in addition to Decree-Law No. (19) For the year 2020 to amend the provisions of Law No. (21) of 2015 regulating the entry, exit and residency of expatriates, which is a milestone in the history of employment in the region. Al Attiyah continued: “These decisions are a true indication that the State of Qatar is moving steadily towards preserving workers’ rights in line with its international, regional and national commitments, in addition they come in the context of improving the living conditions of workers in the State of Qatar. Moreover, those reforms undertaken by the state also come out of respect and promotion of the basic principles of human rights, noting that the reforms undertaken by the state had a significant impact on reducing violations of workers’ rights. Al Attiyah stated that The State of Qatar acceded to many international conventions and covenants, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic and Social Rights which reflected positively on the national strategies, policies and laws of the State of Qatar, most notably the Qatar National Vision 2030. Ms. Al Attiyah continued: “The State of Qatar has become, in a short time, a pioneering country in human rights, and this is evidenced by the implementation of its international obligations and its firm positions on regional human rights issues, where The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council praised the rule of law that distinguishes the State of Qatar, and the appreciation of the steady presence of institutions that preserve human rights.

Al Attiyah concluded On the occasion of the eighteenth anniversary of the establishment of the National Human Rights Committee, we reiterate that The National Human Rights Committee is committed to its mission and vision to develop and promote human rights in the State of Qatar, in line with its responsibilities under Decree-Law No. 17 and specifically in Article Three, including raising awareness and education of human rights and freedoms and consolidating its principles in terms of thought and practice.

The National Human Rights Committee of the State of Qatar welcomes the decision of the office of communications of the United Kingdom “Ofcom” to condemn Abu Dhabi TV channel for broadcasting a television interview that was recorded in the form of alleged confessions by Dr. Mahmoud Al-Jaida (Qatari citizen), during his arbitrary detention in Abu Dhabi prisons in 2013.
The decision stated that on June 28, 2017, Abu Dhabi TV channel, affiliated with the Abu Dhabi Media Company P.J.S.C “ADMC” and licensed by “Ofcom”, aired a recorded interview under the title “Mahmoud Al-Jaidah and the clandestine organization in UAE”. The decision considered that broadcasting the interview against the will of Dr. Al-Jaidah, who was tortured and ill-treated in prison, constitutes a grave breach of the principles of fairness and privacy set out in the Ofcom Broadcasting Code. The decision also provided for imposing legal sanctions on the channel for its serious violation of articles (7.1 and 8.1) of the Ofcom Broadcasting Code.
The National Human Rights Committee considers this decision as an initial step in achieving justice and redress for the Qatari citizen, who has been subjected to arbitrary arrest, torture and degrading treatment by the authorities in the United Arab Emirates and Abu Dhabi TV which accused him and the state of Qatar of terrorism.
The decision to condemn and impose sanctions on Abu Dhabi government channel is considered a historical precedent that paves the way for deterring such channels from using the media to spread hatred, spread lies and promote gross human rights violations. This decision also prevents the exploitation of licenses granted by countries that respect the rule of law, to falsify facts and promote suspicious agendas.
The National Human Rights Committee notes that since his arrest, the NHRC followed up the case of Dr. Al-Jaidah and provided him with legal and psychological support in preparing the necessary files to prosecute those involved in the case, knowing that there is another case pending for resolution of the office of communications of the United kingdom “Ofcom”. In this context, The National Human Rights Committee emphasized that it will spare no effort to address injustice inflicted on citizens and residents as a result of the unjust blockade.

32 Rabi` Al-Awwal, 1442
9 November 2020
Doha, Qatar

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Doha: November 3, 202

Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al-Marri, Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, met in his office at the headquarters of the Committee with Ms. Iman Younis Erekat, Chief of Mission of United Nations International Organization for Migration. The two sides discussed aspects of cooperation in issues of common interest in order to improve the protection and promotion of human rights.

October 28, 2020

Dr. Muhammad bin Saif Al-Kuwari, Deputy Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, met at the headquarters of the Committee with Mr. Pekka Haavisto, Foreign Minister of Finland, in the presence of Ms. Marian Nesila, Finland’s Ambassador to the State of Qatar, Ms. Katia Kalamaki, Diplomatic Adviser, and Mr. Otto Tortonen, Special Adviser to the Minister And Mr. Josie Sweeney, Team Leader, Middle East Unit at the Ministry. The meeting dealt with an explanation about the nature of the work of the National Human Rights Committee. Al-Kuwari explained that the National Human Rights Committee in the State of Qatar is an independent committee concerned with disseminating and establishing a culture of human rights at the national level in addition to its interest in monitoring the conditions of the most vulnerable groups. Al Kuwari added that the committee also plays an advisory role, based on its mandate in preparing annual reports on human rights situation and submitting recommendations to the competent authorities in the state.

A call to set out emergency preparedness to prepare national strategies to protect the elderly

Al-Jamali: Any imbalances affecting the elderly could disrupt the entire social system

Doha: 20-10-2020

Mr. Sultan bin Hassan Al-Jamali, Assistant Secretary-General of the National Human Rights Committee, called on setting out to establish emergency preparedness to prepare national strategies to face the crises that may affect the most vulnerable groups, including health crises or others, stressing in the same context the need for the issuance of a decision to establish National Committees Concerned with the affairs of women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities, as well as improving the process of protecting the most vulnerable groups and determining the appropriate responses to the health challenges they may be exposed to.

This came during the opening speech delivered by Al-Jamali at a webinar organized by the National Human Rights Committee on The situation of the rights of the elderly as one of the most vulnerable groups in times of crisis. The webinar is organized with the aim to shedd light on the status of the elderly in the State of Qatar, from a social and legal point of view or in terms of measures taken in terms of the efforts made at the policy and institutional level in general and in the quarantine period in particular. Al-Jamali said: The National Human Rights Committee praises Cabinet Decision No. (26) of 2019 to establish the National Committee for Women, Children, Older People and Persons with Disabilities Affairs, considering the decision a call to promote the rights of the most vulnerable groups, including the elderly. The Assistant Secretary-General of the National Human Rights Committee called on all governmental and non-governmental state bodies and institutions representing the Committee on Women, Children, Elderly People and Persons with Disabilities to set out emergency preparedness to prepare national strategies to address the crises that the most vulnerable groups may encounter. Al-Jamali appreciated the prominent and important role played by the Center for Empowerment and Care of the Elderly (Ehsan) and the high-level services it provides, most importantly the comprehensive care services provided by the center. Al Jamali said: There is no doubt that this center plays a great role in enhancing protection and empowerment for the elderly,

It is noteworthy that a package of working papers on the rights of the elderly in health crises were presented. Mr. Nasser Al-Marri, Head of the Investigations and Legal Consultations Department at the National Human Rights Committee presented a working paper on the rights of the elderly in the context of international human rights conventions, Ms. Reem Al-Ajmi, social affairs expert at the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs, presented a working paper on social and legal protection for the elderly at the national level, while Mr. Salem Al-Anzi, Head of the Psychological Care Unit at the Center for Empowerment and Elderly Care (Ehsan) presented a working paper on the psychological welfare of the elderly in the context of the coronavirus crisis.

October 13, 2020

Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al-Marri, Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, met in his office at the headquarters of the Committee with Dr. Muhammad Mustafa Kokso, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey and his accompanying delegation. The meeting discussed ways of cooperation in issues of common interest to protect and promote human rights

October 12, 2020

Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al-Marri, Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, met in his office at the headquarters of the Committee with Mr. Deepak Mittal, Ambassador of the Republic of India and his accompanying delegation. The meeting discussed the importance of cooperation to promote a culture of human rights and activate mechanisms for exchanging best practices between the two sides.

October 12, 2020

Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al-Marri, Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, met in his office at the headquarters of the Committee with Mr. Abdul Rahim Al-Siddiq, Ambassador of the Republic of Sudan. The meeting discussed issues of common interest in the human rights field.