Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al-Marri, Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee of the State of Qatar, and Secretary General and Acting president of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions called for the reflection on the rethinking of governance and how to build societies that are more participatory and inclusive. In the same context, Al Marri said: The world is facing unprecedented times that have challenged us all to adapt and rethink the ways we were addressing life itself.

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, together with co-sponsors (Argentina, Costa Rica, Denmark, the European Union, The Gambia, the Republic of Korea, Ukraine and Uruguay) hosted a high-level virtual side event on: Participation, Human Rights and the Governance Challenge Ahead. The high-level event was organized on the sideline of the 75th session of the UN general assembly. The side event discussed participation as a human right and a vital tool for multilateralism and Member States’ governance in addressing grave global challenges, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the climate crisis and development. Among the panelists are Ms. Michelle Bachelet UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Eamon Gilmore Special Representative for Human Rights of the European Union, Mr. Dawda A. Jallow Attorney General and Minister of Justice of The Gambia, Mr. Christof Heyns Professor of Human Rights Law, University of Pretoria, and Member of the UN Human Rights Committee, and Ms. Satta Sheriff Young Leader for the SDGs and Founder and Executive Director of Action for Justice and Human Rights, Liberia. The side event was moderated by Ms. Ilze Brands Kehris, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights.

Al Marri pointed out Human rights have a constructive contribution to make as the world navigates these challenging times. They embody values – the importance of safety, dignity, decency, fairness, freedom, equality, respect, wellbeing, community and responsibility – which provide a compass for the way forward. A central element along this road are inclusive and participatory processes at all levels, and a safe and enabling environment for those promoting and defending rights. Participation in public affairs is a human right that is vital for leaving no one behind. The SDGs can only be achieved where there is a safe and enabling environment for participation in policy planning, implementing and assessment. National human rights institutions (or: NHRIs) have a critical role in supporting their states’ in building more inclusive and effective participation across their societies. NHRIs are a fundamental source of the maintenance of democracy and civic space, and by this, I mean autonomy, participation, inclusion, pluralism and security. We are in charge of ensuring that the new governance that are built from the changes that we are experiencing, have human rights as its main core.

Al Marri explained that The General Assembly has recently called on all states to establish and strengthen NHRIs as a means to accelerating and guaranteeing progress under the Agenda of 2030 for Sustainable Development. Inclusive dialogue with governments on public policies, safe environment for human rights defenders, free independent media and resources to guarantee the existence and continuity of civil society organizations, are all conditions for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda.

Al Marri emphasized that GANHRI, as the alliance of national human rights institutions at the global level, fully supports the UN Secretary General’s mandate and call of action, and the work of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for human rights, and look forward to working with all in support of a just recovery that builds more equitable, accessibly, and participatory societies.

In conclusion, Dr. Ali extended thanks and gratitude to all participants for supporting GANHRI in its mission of establishing and strengthening independent NHRIs throughout the globe and encourage member states to protect National Human Rights Institutions.

Dr. Ali: GANHRI has been able to be the main interface of NHRIs at a global level and to speak with one voice on behalf of its members

Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al-Marri, Acting Chairman of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, said: GANHRI has gone far in the last years and has grown consistently to become more visible and recognized on a global level where many achievements have been made. GANHRI has been able to be the main interface of NHRIs at a global level and to speak with one voice on behalf of its members.

This came during Dr. Ali bin Smaikh’s speech at the opening of the General Assembly of the Asia Pacific Forum, which was held today virtually. Dr. Al-Marri pointed out that As we are all aware, GANHRI is currently involved in various processes and I would like to highlight the main ones: On one hand, I would like to inform you that GANHRI is currently organizing a virtual Annual Meeting which will be held in October 2020 in partnership with the OHCHR. The exact dates, and modalities are yet to be confirmed. This meeting comes in lieu of the meeting which was supposed to take place last March and was cancelled because of the measures adopted by the Swiss authorities and the UN to counter the spread of Covid-19. On the other hand, comes the ongoing discussions led by the GANHRI Sub Committee on Accreditation (SCA) Chairperson between SCA members, observers and other stakeholders regarding the feasibility of holding the SCA sessions remotely.

In the same context, Dr. Ali noted that Another great process is the opportunity GANHRI has had to offer inputs at an early stage in the development of the resolution regarding the NHRIs for the 45th Session of the Human Rights Council. This was made possible thanks to a very consultative approach by Australia, the resolution’s main sponsor. Thus, I would like to take this opportunity today to invite you all to support this resolution, by engaging with your respective ministries and Permanent Missions in Geneva, which is of an extreme importance for members of all organizations. Additionally, GANHRI in cooperation with UNDP and OHCHR is developing a publication on the roles and experiences of NHRIs worldwide in addressing human rights during COVID-19 by implementing their mandates and functions under the Paris Principles. The research is currently ongoing, and we look forward to your participation by responding to a survey which GANHRI will shortly distribute to all GANHRI members.

At the end of his speech, Al-Marri expressed his gratitude for the participation of the General Assembly of the Asia Pacific Forum and said the power of our interconnectivity as humans and colleagues and emphasizes our will as a team to build a better tomorrow together by sharing the best practices, identifying the needs, innovating, creating and inventing the world of tomorrow ensuring that Human Rights are being promoted and respected everywhere, now more than ever.

Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al-Marri, Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, met today in his office at the headquarters of the Committee with His Excellency Ambassador Greta Holtz, Chargé d’Affaires at US Embassy in Qatar. the two sides discussed the importance of exchanging experiences and expertise in the various fields of human rights.

Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al-Marri, Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, met today in his office at the headquarters of the Committee with His Excellency Mr Mohamed Ali Sobhani, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, on the occasion of the end of his term as ambassador to the State of Qatar. the two sides stressed the need to activate means of communication for cooperation on issues related to the protection and promotion of human rights.

The National Human Rights Committee welcomed the promulgation of Law No. (17) of 2020 issued by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, regarding determining the minimum wage for workers and domestic workers, in addition to Decree Law No. (19) of 2020 To amend the provisions of Law No. (21) of 2015 regulating the entry, exit and residence of expatriates.

Ms. Maryam Bint Abdullah Al-Attiyah, Secretary-General of the National Human Rights Committee, described these steps as a milestone in the history of the reality of employment in the region where the State of Qatar is the first to adopt a non-discriminatory minimum wage in the region, pointing out that: “These positive decisions by the leadership of the state confirm the pioneering direction towards achieving the 2030 national vision and the sincere will to preserve and protect human dignity in the State of Qatar.”

Al-Attiyah added that “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, as they come in the context of improving the living conditions of workers in the State of Qatar.”

Al-Attiyah pointed out that the reforms undertaken by the state also come out of respect and promotion of the basic principles of human rights, pointing out that the reforms implemented by the state had a great impact on reducing violations of workers’ rights.

Al-Attiyah pointed out that this is confirmed by the decrease in the rate of complaints received by the National Human Rights Committee, and according to the annual reports it publishes related to the human rights situation in the state.

Al-Attiyah noted the response of state institutions to the recommendations of the National Human Rights Committee, which are contained in its reports, contributed widely to the advancement of human rights in general and labour rights in particular, noting that the National Human Rights Committee has been closely following the reforms that the state is making in the labor law in compliance with the state’s obligations.

The Secretary-General of the National Human Rights Committee said that eliminating the requirements imposed on workers including non-objection from the employer in case of changing jobs, as well as setting a minimum wage, is conducive to the realization of basic human rights in the state.

Al-Attiyah added that the National Human Rights Committee appreciates the state’s efforts; we encourage these reform steps, we renew the call to the government of the State of Qatar to move forward with its legislative developments.

Al-Attiyah noted that the National Human Rights Committee, considering these developments positively, encourages the state to continue with these reforms and affirms its full and complete readiness to cooperate with all concerned authorities within the state, especially the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affair.

Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al-Marri, Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee and Secretary General of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), called on governments and countries of the world to continue providing more capabilities and resources to NHRIs to support and enhance their efforts to develop and protect human rights.

This came during the participation of Dr. Ali, via video conference, at the opening ceremony of the new headquarters of the National Institution for Human Rights in the Republic of Colombia, in the presence of His Excellency Ivan Duque, President of the Republic of Colombia, and His Excellency Dr. Carlos Negrit Mosquera, President of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions; And a number of guests and heads of member national human rights institutions.

In his speech, Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al-Marri, Secretary General of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, said: “It is a great honor to participate in this event today as the Secretary-General of the Global Alliance of National Institutions of National Human Rights Institutions. I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to you on the opening of the distinguished new building that will, from now on, become the new interface of the National Committee for Human Rights in Colombia. This achievement represents more than just a building. It represents Colombia’s very long history of defending human rights, and the relentless will to make it achievable despite the various challenges that Colombia has faced throughout its history.”

Dr. Al Marri continued: “This amazing and impressive infrastructure not only sends a strong message to the people of Colombia, but also inspires the entire world to continue strengthening its infrastructure and resources to improve the promotion and protection of human rights. We hope this will be one of the many future developments and achievements that we look forward to seeing. We extend our deepest and sincere congratulations once again. ”

Dr. Ali bin Smaikh stressed his readiness and commitments as the Secretary-General and Vice President of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, to strengthen the independence and performance of NHRIs in accordance with the Paris Principles, and to defense and protection of rights, pointing out that the new strategy of the Global Alliance (2020-2022) will support the establishment of NHRIs where they do not yet exist and contribute to the continuous capacity development of NHRIs to enhance their effectiveness, calling at the same time the governments and countries of the world to strengthen the independence and mandate of national human rights institutions and to remove various obstacles that hinder the implementation of their missions and vision.

July 30, 2020

We examined the living and health conditions of inmates and the extent of adherence to the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (SMRs). The monitoring and field visits team of the National Human Rights Committee started the second phase of the special visits to follow up action on the precautionary measures taken by the state to contain the spread of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, where the team held meetings with the administration of correctional and penal institutions “remand centres and central prisons”, Capital Security, Research and Follow-up Department, and Human Rights Department at the Ministry of Interior.

Dr. Muhammad bin Saif Al-Kuwari, Vice President of the National Human Rights Committee and head of the monitoring and field visits team said: This phase comes as an extension to the first phase that the team undertook, which included many relevant authorities following up the precautionary measures taken by the state to confront the pandemic and limit its spread, noting that the visits of follow-up phase will include all the bodies included in the first phase, pointing out that there are new bodies that will be covered in the second phase related to the right to education and the right to practice religious rites.

Al-Kuwari added: The meeting discussed with officials the measures taken to protect inmates from the Coronavirus epidemic, the available medical equipment and the number of the medical examinations carried out, in addition to the plans prepared by the penal institutions to provide the necessary instructions and adequate awareness of means of protection and prevention from the epidemic, pointing out that the monitoring and field visits team assessed the extent of adherence the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (SMRs) including living conditions, in addition to the psychological wellbeing of detainees, and the activities that are permitted to be practiced including recreational, educational and sports activities.

It is noteworthy that the National Human Rights Committee formed a monitoring team and field visits to follow up action on the precautionary measures taken by the state to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic, as the team began its meetings with the concerned authorities and quarantine centers in the first phase last April.

Sayed Ahmed: Reporting and making recommendations and proposals on the human rights situation is one of the most important functions of national institutions

Doha: 20 July 2020

Ms. Maryam Bint Abdullah Al-Attiyah, Secretary-General of the National Human Rights Committee, described the process of preparing reports in the field of human rights in its scientific and professional manner, which is characterized by accuracy, credibility and transparency, as “the backbone of the work of national institutions.” This came in the opening speech delivered by Ms. Maryam Al Attiyah during the online training workshop on “Preparing and Writing Reports in the Field of Human Rights” that was organized by the National Human Rights Committee in cooperation with the United Nations Center for Training and Documentation in the Field of Human Rights for Southwest Asia and the Arab Region For the benefit of the committee’s employees and representatives of the relevant ministries in addition to the National Institute of Statistics.

Al-Attiyah said: The process of preparing and writing reports is one of the most important roles of national human rights institutions, through which they undertake multiple efforts and contribute effectively to the process of spreading the culture of human rights at the national level, and added: Especially when these reports come together with their recommendations about the situation of Human rights, and what must be done in accordance with the state’s obligations stipulated in the international covenants it has ratified, and in light of the advice provided by national human rights institutions to state institutions.

The Secretary-General of the National Human Rights Committee noted the urgent necessity to work on training national cadres to perform the task of preparing reports, in order to ensure the high quality of the reports submitted by national institutions, whether internal or external, national or international, and other types of reports, in accordance with their mandate and competencies in the process of promoting and protecting human rights, pointing out that the training workshop comes to introduce and explain the methodology of preparing reports, its mechanisms, objectives, types, and the basic principles of monitoring and information gathering.

For his part, Dr. Abdel Salam Said Ahmed, Director of the United Nations Center for Training and Documentation in the Field of Human Rights for Southwest Asia and the Arab Region said Human rights monitoring is one of the most important tasks of national human rights institutions within the framework of the protection mandate and stressed the need for this mandate to include monitoring of economic, social and cultural rights in addition to civil and political rights, and that national institutions must have the authority to collect the information and evidence they need to perform this function effectively.

In his last opening speech, Dr. Abdel Salam Sid Ahmed affirmed that the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights will continue to support and encourage the establishment and strengthening of national institutions and work closely with them to promote and protect human rights. It is noteworthy that the training workshop aimed at introducing the principles of monitoring and gathering information and general principles for writing reports in the field of human rights and the process of adopting human rights standards and indicators in the monitoring and reporting process. The workshop also reviewed the experience of the National Human Rights Committee on reporting at the national and international levels.