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.

The continuation of the unjust blockade of Qatar and the accompanying arbitrary measures for the third year in a row deepen the immense humanitarian suffering being endured by citizens and residents of the State of Qatar and the rest of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, as the number of complaints received by the National Human Rights Committee reached 4275 complaints.

The National Human Rights Committee emphasizes that the blockading countries continue to target the peoples and tearing the Gulf social fabric, in flagrant violation of international and regional human rights conventions, despite the international appeals launched by organizations, parliaments and governments across the world.

The lack of responsiveness by the blockading countries to the Gulf mediation and rejection of any international and regional efforts to resolve the crisis is only a pretext to perpetuate violations and inflict harm on their peoples. In this regard, the National Human Rights Committee expresses its deep concern at the failure of all attempts to discourage these countries from their violations or even urge them to find radical solutions to end violations, to fulfil the aspirations of the peoples. The National Committee also strongly deplores the failure of the Gulf system to address the adverse impacts of the humanitarian crisis of the unjust blockade.

The National Human Rights Committee reiterates its position calling for the immediate cessation of grave violations and putting an end to the suffering of the victims and ensure redress for them prior to initiation of any political solutions, in accordance with international human rights agreements.

The National Human Rights Committee also notes that disregarding the issue to lift injustice and compensate the victims will inevitably lead to widening the gap, tearing the Gulf fabric and losing confidence in the Gulf system. Accordingly, the National Human Rights Committee calls upon the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council to assume its responsibilities and expeditiously address the humanitarian implications of the crisis prior to initiation of any political solutions.

The National Human Rights Committee, having noted with satisfaction the movements of the State of Qatar before international organizations and tribunals to provide redress and compensation to victims and expose the violations of the blockading countries to international public opinion, calls upon the State of Qatar to continue moving forward and recalls its obligation to preserve the rights of victims and not to waive claims for reparations under any circumstance or pressure by any party.

In conclusion, the National Human Rights Committee commends the positions of international human rights organizations in documenting violations and condemning the blockading countries, particularly the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the European Parliament in condemning the blockading countries, and undertakes to the victims and the public opinion to continue its efforts to prosecute those states and coordinate with the concerned organizations and bodies in this regard, regardless of what happens in the future with regard the resolution of the crisis.

10 Sawwal 1441, 2nd June 2020
Doha, Qatar

To Download the Statement  Click Here

Doha, May 31

The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) has published a book entitled “3 years since the blockade of Qatar”, in which it referred to unilateral coercive measures taken by the blockading countries against the State of Qatar and its citizens and residents when it severed diplomatic relations with it on June 5, 2017, and accordingly, they gravely violated numerous basic human rights.

The book contains statistics on violations of human rights and freedoms committed by the three Gulf blockading States “Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Kingdom of Bahrain against the State of Qatar, as well as international reports on these violations, international provisions and decisions against the blockade of the State of Qatar, conclusions, legal description, recommendations, and a profile of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) in terms of its establishment, functions, and its role in promoting and protecting human rights at all levels, and its obtaining of (A) rating from the Accreditation Subcommittee of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions.

The report noted that the total violations of human rights and freedoms monitored and documented by the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) as a result of the blockade of the three Gulf States amounted to 4275 violations, including the right to movement, residence, ownership, education, health, work, litigation, the right to family reunification, freedom of opinion and expression, arbitrary detention and concealment, forced incitement to violence, hatred and the right to practice religious rites, citing several examples of each of these violations.

It noted that among all these violations, which were complaints registered by the NHRC , by Saudi Arabia was 2448 violations, by the United Arab Emirates, 1225 violations and by the Kingdom of Bahrain 602 violations.

The book also touched on a series of periodic reports prepared by the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) to monitor the negative effects of the blockade on human rights in the State of Qatar, including reports of special violations such as the report on deprivation of religious rites, report on the violation of the right to property, report on the violation of the right to food and medicine, and report on the violation of the right to education.

As for the reports of general violations, including the report of the Fourth Committee for Human Rights Violations of the State of Qatar as a result of the blockade, titled “Six months of violations, what next”, another report entitled “A year after the continuation of human rights violations by the blockading countries”, and the report “After six months have passed”..Non-compliance by the United Arab Emirates with the decisions of the International Court of Justice, January 15, 2019, then another general report entitled “One and a half years since the decision of the International Court of Justice … The United Arab Emirates continues to violate human rights” January

2020. The booklet also highlighted the international rulings and decisions against the blockade of the State of Qatar, including what was issued by the International Court of Justice and the International Committee for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination in Geneva.

The book , under the title, “Conclusions and Legal Characterization,” noted that the governments of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Kingdom of Bahrain have violated, through their unilateral arbitrary measures, several principles and agreements of the international human rights law, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention on Women and Children, Persons with Disabilities, and Forced Disappearance, in addition to the Arab Charter for Human Rights and the GCC Declaration of Human Rights.

The blockading countries also flagrantly violated the “Chicago” agreement by prohibiting the movement of Qatari civil aviation over their territories without any military necessity or reasons related to public security.

The book concluded with recommendations prepared by the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) for all concerned parties to take necessary and possible measures to lift the blockade and the resulting violations, and demanding compensation for all the damage caused to all individuals.

The National for Human Rights Committee (NHRC) submitted these recommendations to the United Nations, the Human Rights Council, the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the blockade countries, the General Secretariat of the Cooperation Council for the Arab Gulf States (GCC) and the Qatari government.

The book has been published in three languages: Arabic, English and French. It was posted on the National for Human Rights Committee (NHRC) website.

Click here to read the booklet.

Click here to read the French version.

Doha, May 10, 2020

The field visits and monitoring subcommittee of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) stressed the need for taking further awareness-raising measures and launching campaigns to protect workers and vulnerable groups, noting that the Committee continues to provide the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (ADLSA) with cases and complaints received by the NHRC under the current circumstances so that they can be resolved.

Similarly, in a meeting with the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), the field visits and monitoring subcommittee stressed the need to make more efforts to provide the necessary health services and guarantee the right to treatment and medicine for all citizens and residents in Qatar, especially vulnerable groups, such as elderly, people with disabilities or chronic diseases, workers and those with low-income, during the current crisis.

This meeting is as a continuation of the series of meetings and field visits made by the NHRC to correctional institutions, detention centres, police stations, the industrial area, workers’ accommodations and hotel guests under quarantine in order to check the implementation of the precautionary measures approved by authorities to contain the spread of the Coronavirus.

Vice Chairman of the NHRC, Dr Mohammed bin Saif Al-Kuwari confirmed in a press statement that the NHRC’s field visits and monitoring team have met with officials of the Labour Relations Department at ADLSA with the aim to acquire information about the Ministry’s measures and procedures regarding protecting workers’ rights in light of the current health crisis and the extent to which they enjoy their rights stipulated in international laws, conventions and covenants related to human rights.

Dr. Al-Kuwari noted that officials of ADLSA provided an overview of the measures taken by the Ministry regarding workers’ rights and payment of wages during the Coronavirus crisis, as well as the awareness campaign launched by the Ministry, including carrying out nearly 2,400 field visits targeting approximately 160,000 workers.

Dr. Al-Kuwari added that the Ministry has instructed companies to adopt a number of measures, which include exchanging information to increase workers ‘awareness and taking into account personal hygiene, restricting assembly to a minimum and reducing housing density, whether in housing or work sites. Other measures to be taken include appointing Occupational Safety and Health Supervisor as per policies to be implemented by companies, so that they can take advantage of clinics, conduct medical examinations for workers to ensure their safety beside reducing workers bus capacity to 50%. He also reconfirmed that the Ministry will monitor companies’ compliance with these policies.

As for facilities offered to workers and regulations used to facilitate the transfer of their salaries in light of the precautionary measures taken by the State, officials explained that ADLSA coordinated with Qatar Central Bank in this regard due to the precautionary measures and the closure of money exchanging establishments, by facilitating procedures and providing applications for financial transfers, along with current applications run by the state agencies.

In a related matter, in a meeting with MOPH, the field visits and monitoring team of the NHRC reviewed precautionary measures and health services provided by the health institutions to combat the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and monitor the conditions and rights of citizens and residents, especially vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, people with disabilities or chronic diseases, workers and those with low-income, in accordance with international laws, conventions and covenants of human rights.