Doha, September 22

HE Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri met Wednesday with a delegation from the European Parliament, headed by HE Chairperson of the Sports Committee of the European Parliament Marc Tarabella, who is currently visiting the country, at the headquarters of the Committee.

HE Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri extended thanks to the delegation for accepting NHRC’s invitation to visit the State of Qatar, commending the strong partnership between NHRC and the European Parliament, as the NHRC in Qatar is the first of its kind to sign a memorandum of understanding with the European Parliament.

HE Al Marri affirmed the Committee’s continued efforts to strengthen the human rights system in Qatar, in addition to implementing the national human rights strategy and sustaining dialogue between NHRC and the European Parliament in all aspects related to human rights.

His Excellency provided the delegation with an overview of the most important developments in the field of human rights, especially workers’ rights, in terms of legislation and mechanisms introduced by the State.

Doha, July 10

The Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Qatar and the Qatar National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the aim of enhancing coordination in the field of promoting human rights, the rights of migrants and combating human trafficking.
The memorandum of understanding will enhance joint efforts by opening a new area of close cooperation between the two sides on issues of common interest, particularly related to strengthening capacities to combat human trafficking.
The Secretary-General of the National Human Rights Committee Maryam bint Abdullah Al-Attiyah, said that the Coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19) has cast a shadow over all areas of human rights, including the issue of the increase in human trafficking crimes around the world, especially in light of the high rates of unemployment that drive large numbers of people to be victims of human trafficking and forced to work in conditions that are incompatible with the minimum limits of human dignity.
Al-Attiyah pointed out that human traffickers are using various means to lure victims, including enticement, intimidation, coercion, promises of false wages and fake job opportunities, pointing out that the crime of human trafficking is considered a crime that does not recognize geographical borders, in light of the high boom in the capabilities of modern digital means and the openness between countries that facilitated these crimes.
Al-Attiyah pointed out that the MoU between the National Human Rights Committee and the International Organization for Migration came within the framework of achieving common goals between the two sides in terms of upgrading the protection of human rights and preserving their dignity, and mobilizing the energies of society around understanding and exercising their rights and duties, promoting equality and non-discrimination, and upholding the values of tolerance and justice to promote effective respect for the human rights and well-being of migrants, help address migration challenges, enhance understanding of migration issues, and encourage social and economic development through migration.
For her part, the Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Qatar Iman Ereiqat, said that this joint cooperation with the National Human Rights Committee represents an important new stage to formalize the excellent partnership between both sides.
Ereiqat added that the partnership with the Qatar National Human Rights Committee is valuable, especially given the pivotal role played by the Committee in advocating on behalf of various vulnerable groups, and the International Organization for Migration looks forward to a fruitful partnership for the benefit of migrants and the State of Qatar.
The memorandum of understanding stipulated the importance of holding consultations between its two sides on all issues of common interest, defining the appropriate framework for action and close cooperation to achieve the common interest and according to available resources. In addition to the necessity of coordination between the two parties in the activities related to human rights and migrants, in order to eliminate unnecessary repetition and achieve cooperation between both sides.
The memorandum stipulated that the areas of cooperation include human rights, migration, combating human trafficking, raising awareness and education on human rights, as well as developing capacities in issues of common interest, as well as cooperation in the field of scientific research and strategic studies, exchange of research and publications, and joint cooperation in holding workshops, conferences and seminars.

Doha, June 17
HE Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri, met today at the headquarters of the Committee with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Sudan Dr. Mariam Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi.

On the sidelines of the visit, the National Human Rights Committee concluded a memorandum of understanding with the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which was signed on behalf of the Committee by the Assistant Secretary-General Sultan Hassan Al-Jamali, while it was signed on behalf of the Sudanese Foreign Ministry, by Ambassador Adel Hussein Sharafi, Director General of Financial and Human Resources in the Ministry.

The memorandum of understanding concluded between the two sides aims to promote and protect human rights and focus on areas of interest to both parties, based on their common goals in coordination and joint cooperation to build and raise the capacities of diplomats and workers in Sudanese ministries and institutions related to human rights, organize activities, studies and research, and exchange publications and visits.

The two parties aim for joint cooperation between them in the field of human rights, through the development of programs and projects to raise the capabilities of workers in this field, and work to benefit from the expertise, experiences and international mechanisms concerned with human rights and the exchange of information, in addition to exchanging experiences in the field of technical cooperation with regard to the organization of conferences and seminars, training courses and preparation of studies in the field of human rights in addition to developing existing training tools and enhancing the benefit of their joint competencies and experiences, and setting priorities for each party’s benefit from the programs and activities organized by the other.

Sultan Hassan Al-Jamali said that the signing of the memorandum of understanding today aims to strengthen the existing cooperation between the two sides in the fields of human rights.

He explained that the next stage will witness the consolidation of this cooperation through the support that the National Human Rights Committee can provide with its cumulative experiences at the national, regional and international levels, especially with regard to the technical contribution to the establishment of the National Committee for Human Rights in Sudan in accordance with the Paris Principles, in addition to provide all institutions and departments related to human rights.

He added that the visit of HE Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri to Sudan last March established and opened up prospects for cooperation at the bilateral, regional and international levels, noting that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two sides came as a result of that visit, noting that the arrangement is taking place in preparation for the founding session of the National Committee for Human Rights in Sudan, came under the auspices of the Arab Network of National Human Rights Institutions.

On the international level, His Excellency the Ambassador said that HE Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri, in his capacity as President of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, will be supportive of Sudans integration into the international community.

In statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Sultan Hassan Al-Jamali said that we signed today a joint memorandum of understanding between the National Human Rights Committee and the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which includes the exchange of experiences between the two parties in order to promote and protect human rights and develop capacity-building for workers in various institutions, as well as holding courses, conferences and workshops and we will form a joint committee whose task is to prepare an implementation plan during the next two years to implement the effectiveness of this joint agreement.

Al-Jamali indicated that the memorandum of understanding would encourage institutional joint work and openness to the exchange of expertise and experiences to serve the objectives of both sides in the process of protecting and promoting human rights.

He added that the committee will work to implement the memorandum of understanding on the ground through training courses, workshops and seminars, in addition to activating mutual visits in order to achieve the desired message of this memorandum and bring its provisions on the ground.

Al-Jamali said that there was a visit by the National Human Rights Committee some time ago to the steering committee of the High Committee for Human Rights in Sudan in order to determine the beginning of the establishment of this committee. The Committee prepared a training course on human rights mechanisms and the Paris Principles for the staff of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Sudan. (QNA)

Dr. Al-Marri: We support all efforts of the government of Sudan and civil society organizations to advance human rights we call for broadening the dialogue with all actors to issue the law establishing the commission The decision to establish the Commission’s Steering Committee is an important step for filling the legal protection void Sudan’s election to the Human Rights Council confirms the aspirations of its leaders to fulfil its obligations

Khartoum: March 14, 2021

Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al-Marri, Vice President of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions and Secretary-General of the Alliance, affirmed the coalition’s commitment to support Sudan to establish a National Commission for Human Rights based on independence, pluralism and transparency in accordance with the Paris Principles, noting the great role that the establishment of the Commission for Human Rights may play in the process of promoting and protecting human rights and redressing the victims, pointing out the importance of supporting Sudan, especially in the transitional phase in the fields of human rights, noting that this visit is the first of its kind within the framework of supporting the partnership between the government of Sudan and the Global Alliance to advance the protection of human rights.

This came during the visit of Dr. Ali bin Smaikh to the Republic of Sudan, during which he held extensive meetings with Dr. Maryam Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Nasreddin Abdul-Bari, Minister of Justice, and leaders of the Steering Committee of the National Commission for Sudan Rights. During his meetings, Dr. Al-Marri presented an overview of the Global Alliance and its tasks and said: Our visit aims to discuss the importance of establishing human rights bodies and mechanisms. Al Marri reviewed with officials the best practices in drafting a law for the Commission and called for broadening the dialogue on Developing the draft law in a way that serves the promotion and protection of human rights. Al Marri also expressed the Alliance’s support for all the efforts of the government and civil society organizations in this regard and considered Sudan’s election to the Human Rights Council as an international recognition of the government’s sincere will to fulfil its obligations. Al-Marri praised the positive dialogue and the great interest of the Sudanese leadership in Supporting the human rights march.

Dr. Ali bin Smaikh welcomed the decision to establish the Steering Committee of the Human Rights Commission, which coincided with his visit to Sudan and considered it an important step to fill the legal void during this transitional stage and stressed the need to expand dialogue to adopt the law of the Commission for Human Rights in Sudan in accordance with the Paris Principles. Al Marri stressed the necessity of the rule of law, transitional justice, and the participation of victims in the process of developing the human rights system. Al Marri also praised the efforts of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Khartoum and called for intensifying training courses for diplomats on the international and regional human rights system. Al Marri also met with Lieutenant General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, First Vice President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Sudan and civil society organizations.

Al-Marri met with the Spanish ambassador

March 10, 2021

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 Ms. Pelin Alvaro, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the State. The two sides discussed the importance of protection and promotion of human rights and aspects of cooperation in issues of common concern.

Memorandum of cooperation between the National Human Rights Committee and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights of the Russian Federation

March 3, 2021

The National Human Rights Committee, represented by Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al-Marri, concluded through video conference a memorandum of joint cooperation with the High Commissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation represented by Ms. Tatiana MOSKALKOVA, High Commissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation. The memorandum aims to strengthen cooperation between the two parties in the scope of protecting citizens’ rights and to contribute to protecting human rights and freedoms in the two countries. In addition to coordination, partnership and mutual assistance between the two parties in the field of promoting human rights, in a way that contributes to the advancement of human rights culture in the two countries.

The memorandum also aims to strengthen the close relations between the two parties in the areas of disseminating the culture of human rights, in addition to cooperation on developing the human rights system, strategies and action plans of each party. The memorandum of understanding stipulated that the cooperation between the two sides includes the exchange of experiences, expertise and information related to complaints procedures and any other activities by the two parties within the framework of their powers, including mutual reporting and assistance in cases of violations of human rights and freedoms of Russian citizens on the territory of Qatar and citizens of Qatar on the territory of Russia. Cooperation also includes the provision of mutual assistance in promoting and protecting the human rights and freedoms of citizens of both parties, And reciprocal invitations to conferences, workshops, meetings and other activities within the scope of the promotion and protection of human rights, and any other topics related to the powers of the national human rights institutions organized by the two parties. Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al-Marri and Ms. Tatiana MOSKALKOVA, High Commissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation provided a briefing on the two institutions, their powers and competencies, and their methods of work, as well as the role and efforts of the two institutions during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Al-Marri met with the head of the National Coalition of Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces

February 23, 2021

Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al-Marri, Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee met with Dr. Nasr Musa Al-Hariri, head of the National Coalition of Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces who is currently visiting the country in his office at the headquarters of the Committee. The two sides discussed aspects of cooperation in human rights issues and ways to protect and enhance them.

Dr. Al-Marri met with the German ambassador

February 17, 2021

Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al-Marri, Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, met in his office at the headquarters of the Committee today with Dr. Claudius Fischbach, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the State of Qatar. The two sides discussed aspects of cooperation in issues of common interest

The National Human Rights Committee organized a training workshop on human rights concepts and protection mechanisms

Doha: February 7, 2021

In line with the precautionary measures in place to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus Pandemic, a training course on “principles and concepts of human rights and mechanisms for protection” was organized today at the headquarters of the National Human Rights Committee for three weeks, from February 7 to March 4, with the aim of developing, strengthening and building the capabilities of cadres In the National Human Rights committee, raising awareness and knowledge of international and national mechanisms for the protection of human rights.

Mr. Mubarak Muhammad Al-Safran, Director of the Programs and Education Department at the committee, said: This training course comes within the framework of activating the strategic plan of the National Human Rights Committee, which aims to promote and protect human rights and enhance the skills of its cadres, and develop their capabilities, in addition to enhancing their capabilities in preparing reports to be submitted to international human rights organizations, bodies and committees.

Al-Safran noted the workshop will review many topics related to introducing human rights principles and concepts, and international human rights conventions, and national mechanisms for the protection of human rights, and national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights, as well as the universal periodic review, and the role of treaty bodies in protecting human rights.

Al-Safran said, after the end of the training course, the participants are expected to be able to get acquainted with the various national mechanisms for protecting human rights, understanding the nature of national human rights institutions as one of the most important national mechanisms for protection, in addition to being fully aware of the nature of contractual mechanisms, and its role in protecting and promoting human rights.

Training, consultation and research activities included in the agreement

The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC (Q22) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) to collaborate in raising awareness of human rights issues, while continuing to ensure all aspects of human rights are considered in the delivery of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ (Qatar 2022).

The MoU between the parties was signed by H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General of the SC, H.E. Dr Ali Samikh Al-Marri, Chairman of the NHRC, and Nasser Al Khater, CEO of Q22.

Based on shared objectives – to protect and respect human rights, and believing in the opportunities that all parties have to contribute individually and jointly to the effective achievement of these objectives in the context of Qatar 2022 – the three organisations will collaborate in areas such as awareness and capacity building of relevant stakeholders, technical assistance, and the prevention and remediation of human rights impacts.

A joint working group will be established between the three organisations to deliver the objectives of the MoU. It will also facilitate information sharing and generate consultations on issues related to human rights relevant to the tournament. In addition, the agreement will facilitate the publication of research.

The NHRC is the Qatari institution recognised under the Paris Principles relating to national human rights institutions adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993. The Qatari NHRC was accorded the highest rating (A-status) by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions for its compliance with the Paris Principles, including for example with respect to its independence, mandate, powers and resources.

H.E. Dr Ali Samikh Al-Marri, Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee commented: “Based on our mandate, working to promote and respect human rights, we have aimed over the past years to spread an embedded culture of human rights across society, and presented studies and recommendations aimed at developing legislation, in particular those related to decent and fair work and access to justice. What we are witnessing today in terms of new work systems is a historic achievement for the State of Qatar and all its institutions, and a catalyst for more to be done to promote and respect human rights.”

“Under this agreement with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy and Q22, we are pleased to offer our expertise and experience in human rights issues. We are seizing the opportunity presented by this wonderful sporting occasion to implement best practices on human rights,” he added.

H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General of the SC, said: “The SC has worked tirelessly to protect the health, safety and welfare of all workers engaged on the Qatar 2022 project. We are proud of our achievements over the past ten years and strongly believe that our actions have created a benchmark for excellence – not just in Qatar, but across the region and around the world.”

Al Thawadi added: “We have always welcomed constructive feedback and collaboration with experts. The MoU we have signed with Q22 and the NHRC will help take our commitment to human rights to the next level. With less than two years until our historic tournament begins, this ties in with our goal of ensuring Qatar 2022 makes a meaningful contribution to the state’s vision on human rights and workers’ welfare.”

Commenting on the significance of the agreement for the tournament, Nasser Al Khater, CEO of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC said: “When we bid for 2022, we promised to use the tournament as a catalyst for positive social, human and environmental change in Qatar. This MoU is another demonstration of that promise being delivered and we welcome it as a positive step to achieving one of our most important tournament objectives. Our collective expertise will help ensure that the rights of everyone involved in this ground-breaking World Cup – from workers and staff to players and fans – are upheld throughout, according to the highest international standards.”

“Qatar 2022 has already raised the bar for mega sporting events when it comes to sustainability and tournament legacy planning and this agreement will ensure that legacy endures long after the last ball has been kicked,” he added.

Joyce Cook, FIFA’s Chief Social Responsibility & Education Officer, said: “We are delighted that this memorandum of understanding with the United Nations-recognised national human rights institution of Qatar is being signed and very much look forward to working together with Qatar’s National Human Rights Committee and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to help us in delivering our commitments to respecting the human rights of workers, fans, local communities and others touched by the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.”

“This collaboration with the NHRC is an excellent example of how FIFA tournaments also provide a platform for local stakeholders to help drive lasting human rights legacies within hosting countries,” she added.