The National Human Rights Committee of the state of Qatar welcomes the Al-Ula Declaration issued in the 41st session of the Supreme Council of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf named as “Summit of Sultan Qaboos and Sheikh Sabah” on January 5, 2021, regarding promoting coordination and integration among the GCC countries and restoring the joint action to its normal track… as well as the positive atmosphere and official statements in the summit’s press conference regarding the Gulf reconciliation and resolving the crisis.

The Committee also welcomes the opening of the airspace, and land and sea borders by Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The National Human Rights Committee considers the Al-Ula declaration an essential step in the right direction towards resolving the Gulf crisis and the total lifting of the resulting measures.

The committee reminds all parties of their responsibilities to address the impact of the restrictions imposed by the crisis, especially in the field of individual and group rights, which contributes to supporting the aspirations of the Gulf peoples towards stability, peace and respect for human rights.

The National Human Rights Committee urges the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf to intensify efforts to establish effective mechanisms for mediation and resolution of disputes between its members in order to achieve the protection of the rights of the Gulf peoples and to ensure that such incident would not recur in the future.

The bitter experience of our Gulf region gives serious thought to the need for concerted efforts of governments, national human rights institutions and civil society organizations to address the challenges facing the region and to spare people the scourge of political crises through establishing an inclusive dialogue to present proposals and initiatives that promote Gulf unity, peace and civil harmony.

05 Jumada Al-Awal, 1442
5th January 2021
Doha, Qatar

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Al-Marri:Due importance must be given to national institutions to become actors in formulating public policies

Governments must be transparent and accountable in their response to the Coronavirus pandemic

We should ensure that any measures taken, even in emergency situations, are lawful and non-discriminatory

London: December 6, 2020

Al Marri stated that Climate change and its impacts are one of the greatest challenges of the day, directly and indirectly impacting on the full enjoyment of human rights, including social, economic and cultural rights as well as civil and political rights, the right to development and the right to a healthy environment. We recognize the importance of protecting the environment and biodiversity for present and future generations and that protecting the environment and biodiversity means taking care of water, air, land, animals and plants. We are concerned that climate change disproportionately affects the most vulnerable reinforcing existing disparities and creating new economic and social inequalities. Moreover, we are concerned that the policy measures taken to combat, mitigate, and adapt to climate change may not be sufficient to reduce negative impacts on human rights, but might even exacerbate the situation for the most vulnerable people, if not developed and implemented based on human rights and environmental laws and standards.

This came during his intervention at the annual meeting of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, on the first day on “Implementing the Functions of National Human Rights Institutions in Light of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Knowledge Sharing”.

Al Marri added a human rights-based approach leads to more sustainable and effective climate action and climate policies. We call on our states to ratify and implement international and regional human rights treaties, taking into account the recommendations and guidance from the UN Human Rights Council, UN Special Procedures and UN Treaty Bodies. We welcome that to date 194 States have signed and 189 are now Parties to the Paris Agreement, and call on all states to implement its provisions. The Paris Agreement is a significant step for the promotion of human rights-based and people-centered climate action as it explicitly refers to States’ obligation to respect, promote and consider human rights protection when taking action to address climate change. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is directed to all countries and can help to foster the meaningful implementation of the Paris Agreement.

Al Marri pointed out that We recognize the need for climate justice for all and in particular those communities that are most vulnerable and susceptible to the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation. Climate justice means addressing the climate crisis with a human rights-based approach whilst also making progress towards a just transition to a zero-carbon economy. It ensures that decisions on climate change are participatory, non-discriminatory, transparent and accountable and that benefits and burden of climate action are shared equitably. Climate justice requires that those most affected by climate change have access to effective remedies, including financial support. Efforts to address climate change must leave no one behind.

As for the national policies and relevant commitments, Al Marri said We commit to contributing to climate action efforts in line with human rights obligations and principles of non-discrimination and participation, by reporting to and advising government bodies as well as other stakeholders on a human rights-based approach to climate mitigation and adaptation measures. Moreover, We will promote and monitor the conduct of sound environmental, social and human rights risk and impact assessments prior to commencement of projects and the adoption of policy measures related to climate change and the environment. In addition, We will ensure that human rights-based approach towards sustainable and effective climate action integrate the expertise of local communities and traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples. Moreover, a human rights-based approach to climate actions require meaningful, effective and active participation of all relevant stakeholders in the designing and implementation of national, regional and international climate policies, an objective that we will promote in all relevant policy fora. We also commit to integrating climate change and environmental perspective into our investigation of complaints and base our advocacy and policy advice on our findings. In addition, we commit to supporting rights-holders who are negatively impacted by either climate change or measures taken to address the impacts of climate change in order to facilitate effective access to remedy.

Dr. Al-Marri: All humankind is tasked with enhancing the global response to the threat of climate change

A call to integrate climate change and environmental approaches into NHRI complaint systems

Doha: December 5, 2020

Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al-Marri, Vice President and Secretary-General of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions called on taking decisive action to mitigate the impact of climate change as well as building capacities, noting that the phenomenon of climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing the world today.

Al Marri explained that The National Human Rights Committee plays an important role in monitoring the state’s implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement, which was ratified by the state on June 23, 2017, where the State of Qatar was one of the first signatories. Through monitoring, the committee makes recommendations and proposals for developing climate policies based on a human rights approach.

Al Marri pointed out that Environmental sustainability has become a dominant issue at the public and private sectors in the State of Qatar over the past few years. New initiatives have been launched in several companies. One of the best practices is the first Clean Development Mechanism Project introduced by the state of Qatar in 2007, “the Al-Shaheen Oil Field Gas Recovery and Utilization Project”, noting that The National Human Rights Committee has monitored some companies made substantial investments in replacing old turbines, boilers and furnaces to reduce greenhouse and non-greenhouse gas emissions and get rid of wastewater. However, these initiatives were indiscriminate and lack coherence, which is why the committee presented in its annual reports recommendations to decision makers to compile and strengthen these initiatives by expediting the enactment of new regulations and establishing a strong support system for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and large manufacturing firms while ensuring commitment to transparency and accountability.

Al Marri concluded that The National Human Rights Committee is committed to continue work actively towards developing a comprehensive climate policy based on a human rights approach to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the industrial sector. In the same context, The committee plans to develop programs to disseminate information and education of the Paris Agreement for all segments of society, and to achieve a common vision on climate change and human rights, in order to help implement this agreement and achieve the state’s obligation on stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change to ensure that food production is not threatened and to enable economic development to proceed in a sustainable manner towards the objective of the Paris agreement.

The NHRC welcomes the statement of the Public Prosecution office regarding finding an abandoned newborn at Hamad International Airport

November 23, 2020

The National Human Rights Committee welcomed what was stated in the Public Prosecution’s statement regarding finding an abandoned newborn at Hamad International Airport, and the committee appreciated the efforts made by the competent authorities to uncover the uncertainty surrounding that incident, and the National Human Rights Committee also praised the emergency medical interventions taken by government agencies to save the girl’s life.

Mr. Abdullah Al-Mahmoud, head of the Media and Public Relations Unit at the National Human Rights Committee, said: The statement of the Public Prosecution uncovered the uncertainty surrounding that incident and emphasized the abuses and actions of some airport officers with regard to the measures taken against some female travelers are individual.

Al-Mahmoud said: This incident shook the conscience of all members of society and indicated that uncovered the uncertainty surrounding that incident caused great satisfaction to the public. Residents and visitors; pointing out that the National Human Rights Committee, according to its terms of reference and mandate works to promote and protect human rights at the national level, for all individuals and groups within Qatar, including citizens, residents, and visitors as well as everyone under the legal jurisdiction of the State of Qatar. The NHRC also calls on the competent authorities to exert more effort and provide all kinds of special care for children, based on local laws and the Convention on the Rights of the Child adopted by the United Nations in 1989, including the child’s right to protection and the right to be registered immediately after birth and all The rest of the rights stipulated.

The National Human Rights Committee of the State of Qatar welcomes the second 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 “Confessions by a Qatari intelligence agent tarnishing the reputation of the 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. Ofcom will determine the kinds of sanctions it will impose against Abu Dhabi channel in the coming weeks.

The National Human Rights Committee considers this decision, which was issued in less than a month after the first decision, an unequivocal condemnation of the systematic and grave violations committed by Abu Dhabi Channel and the UAE authorities of the fundamental principles and norms of human rights.

This second decision shows the low level of observance of Media ethics by the state-run Abu Dhabi Channel that has been used by the Emirati authorities as a tool to cover up human rights violations, tarnish the reputation of Qatari citizens, and make false imputations and incite violence against them.

Furthermore, this decision leaves no doubt about the involvement of the state-run Abu Dhabi Channel in these practices; it constitutes a legal basis to prosecute and bring to justice those satellite channels of the blockading countries that violate human rights conventions and Journalism ethics and standards. It also makes the condemnation of the state-owned Abu Dhabi Channel an example of impunity.

Over the years of the blockade, the National Human Rights Committee monitored and documented all violations by the media of the blockading countries and undertake to move forward with the prosecution of those media that threaten peace and stability, spread hate speech and disseminate racism against citizens and residents of the State of Qatar.

8 Rabi` Al-Akhar, 1442
23 November 2020, Monday
Doha, Qatar

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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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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.