– The next strategy establishes a new vision that will make the Global Alliance more powerful and influential

– the Global Alliance becomes an effective and influential international forum in the eyes of governments, peoples and human rights actors

– GANHRI seeks to support and prompt national human rights institutions to upgrade their international accreditation in accordance with the Paris Principles

– 72 national human rights institutions across the world are classified according to the Paris Principles

– We seek to increase the number of national human rights institutions accredited A status

– we urge governments to establish new national human rights institutions in countries where they do not exist

– we encourage the involvement of national institutions in the global alliance, regardless of the level of accreditation

– We call upon the governments to support the independence and effectiveness of human rights institutions

– There is a need for a unified vision of the various national human rights institutions that are part of the global alliance

– There is an urgent need for national human rights institutions to speak in a single voice in various international forums

New York: Tuesday, June 18, 2019

Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al-Marri, chairman of National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), and secretary general and vice president of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), said that the new strategic plan (2020-2022) of the Alliance shall establish the power of influence and persuasion among governments, peoples and competent parties in various international platforms, in order to strengthen the unity and effectiveness of national human rights institutions affiliated to the Global Alliance, and encouraging them to upgrade their accreditation according to the Paris Principles.

Dr. Al-Marri said that the new strategic plan of the Alliance will encourage and support the establishment of new national human rights institutions in countries where they do not exist, calling at the same time on governments and countries of the world to strengthen the independence and functions of national human rights institutions and to remove various obstacles to the implementation of their functions and visions. This came during the two-day consultative meeting of GANHRI which was held in New York aimed at developing the new strategic plan (2020-2022), which will be submitted for adoption at the next General Assembly in spring 2020 in Geneva.

During the meeting, which were attended by GANHRI chairperson Dr. Carlos Alfonso Negret Mosquera, Defensor del Pueblo of Colombia, and heads and coordinators of the regional networks of national human rights institutions across the world, focused on assessing the performance of the Global Alliance over the past period, identifying the restrictions and challenges facing it or impeding the achievement of its goals in the past, and the goals that the it aspires to achieve in the future, and then determining which strategy should be developed to achieve that goals in the coming period.

In his speech during the meeting, Dr. Al-Marri said that the first meeting of its kind of the new leadership of the Global Alliance bet on being more effective and persuasive through the implementation of a new strategy over the next three years aimed at enhancing the role and position of the Global Alliance, and then the role of the national human rights institutions affiliated to the Alliance, noting the importance of the strong presence of the various representatives of national human rights institutions at the New York consultative meeting in order to assess past experiences, identify successes and failures, propose solutions and share experiences and problems facing national institutions and the Global Alliance as a whole.

“Everyone agrees that one of the priorities of the next strategy is to define a new vision for communication, with the aim of introducing the Global Alliance and its tasks and vision in strengthening the independence of national human rights institutions and supporting them to achieve their tasks in various countries of the world”, Dr. Al-Marri said. In the same context, Al Marri stressed the need for national human rights institutions within the framework of the Global Alliance to agree on a unified vision that boosts its strength, presence and its persuasive power and to have a single voice in its meetings with the European Union, the United Nations and governments and in various international platforms.

The GANHRI secretary general and vice president also underlined that the new tripartite strategy, if adopted, would support and strengthen national human rights institutions and raise its international classification in accordance with the Paris Principles, pointing out that the Global Alliance currently includes 72 national institutions accredited status (A) in compliance with the Paris Principles, expressing hope to increase the number of these institutions that obtain the same accreditation through the next Strategic Plan (2020-2022), and support national institutions with other statuses to improve their performance and classification.

Al Marri urged national human rights institutions to participate and involve in in the Global Alliance, regardless of their accreditation status, pointing out that GANHRI supports national institutions and their efforts to upgrade their accreditation in accordance with the Paris Principles. National institutions’ failure to obtain status (A) is not a barrier to its involvement in the Global Alliance , as the GANHRI is a mechanism to help and support NHRIs to perform their functions and improve their accreditation, Al Marri underlined.
Dr. Al-Marri also urged governments of the world to support and strengthen the independence of national human rights institutions, establish new national institutions in countries where they do not exist and strengthen existing ones so that they can perform their functions and upgrade their accreditation in accordance with the Paris Principles.

The National Human Rights Committee received with great satisfaction the decision of the International Court of Justice issued on 14 June 2019 to reject the request for provisional measures submitted by the United Arab Emirates under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination in its dispute with the State of Qatar. The ICJ has denied a request by the UAE for immediate measures against Qatar including: withdrawing its complaint against the UAE to the UN Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, preventing its national organizations and the media from publishing accusations against the UAE in cases brought before the ICJ, and other measures.

Welcoming the decision of the ICJ, the NHRC considers it an essential step following the ICJ’s first decision of 23 July 2018 to redress victims, and further evidence of the legal movements of the State of Qatar and that recourse to international means and mechanisms is not an escalation, but a legitimate right guaranteed by international conventions to achieve justice and ensure redress and compensation to the victims.

The ICJ’s important decision also refutes the UAE’s allegations against the National Human Rights Committee and attempts by Emirati officials to question its credibility.
The National Human Rights Committee believes that the UAE’s policy of escaping forward to cover up its crimes and violations against the Qatari people and the Gulf peoples would be fruitless and will not prevent pursing accountability and international condemnation.

In conclusion, the NHRC congratulates the victims of the blockade and human rights organizations for the second victory in the judicial process initiated by the State of Qatar, to end all kinds of violations resulting from the blockade and to redress those affected.

11 Shawwal 1440
14 June 2019
Doha, Qatar

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An international coalition of human rights organizations ensure that the suffering of the victims of the continued blockade are effectively heard

4234 Complaints by citizens and residents against violations of the blockade within two years

2234 complaints against Saudi Arabia, 1126 against the UAE, 527 against Bahrain, and 338 against Egypt

50 visits by chairman of the National Human Rights Committee to the United States and European countries to expose the violations resulting from the blockade

Addressing about 500 human rights bodies and international and regional governmental and non-governmental organizations

The National Human Rights Committee discusses with some specialized international centers assessment of the psychological damage caused to those affected by the blockade, especially women and children, in order to raise an integrated file for judicial and human rights bodies

A positive development in the positions of European and US officials on the humanitarian tragedy left behind by the blockade

live testimony of the victims of the blockade in key international fora, such as the European Parliament and a number of international parliaments, the Human Rights Council in Geneva, international centers, international human rights organizations, and the Human Rights Council in Geneva

We will endeavor to prosecute the countries of the blockade and compensate the victims once the files are complete and documented

Pressure to compel the blockading states to stop their discriminatory violations and punitive measures

Imposing the tragic repercussions of the blockade on the agendas of meetings of international organizations, parliaments and governments of states

We will spare no effort to redress all those affected by one of the harshest forms of blockade imposed on peoples

The National Human Rights Committee’s actions succeeded in gaining international sympathy for the victims

The international community has realized the reality of the grave human rights violations caused by the blockading states

The National Human Rights Committee provided, for the first time, a platform for victims in the European Parliament to recount their suffering

External visits conveyed a real picture of the reality of the blockade and the suffering of the victims to the world

The hearing of the victims of the blockade in the European Parliament awakened the conscience of the world public opinion, which was shocked by the violations

Desperate attempts to discredit the credibility of the NHRC will not deter us from fulfilling our commitment to bring justice for the victims

Desperate attempts by the blockading states to distort the image of the National Human Rights Committee

Doha, May 29, 2019

Dr. Ali bin Sumikh Al Marri, Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, affirmed that the National Committee will not deter under any circumstances or desperate attempts to question its credibility by the blockading states, to fulfill its commitment to defend the rights of victims through all human rights platforms, pointing out that the National Human rights Committee will spare no effort to bring justice to all those affected by one of the most severe and harshest forms of blockade imposed on peoples. Dr. Al Marri revealed that the National Committee intends to discuss with delegations and international organizations, the possibility to take a series of new mechanisms and procedures, in the context of legal and human rights movements, and obliged to stop its punitive and discriminatory measures against citizens and residents in the State of Qatar, such as the formation of an international coalition to defend the rights of The victims, enabling them to present their testimonies in the most important international forums, to expose the violations of the blockading states.

two years of facing violations

During a meeting with Qatari media leaders, Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri gave a briefing on the efforts and movements of the National Committee internally and externally to face the unjust blockade, the gains achieved and the vision of the Committee.
Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri revealed the latest statistics on the complaints that continue to reach the National Committee by Qatari citizens and residents, about the continued violations by the blockading countries, especially the United Arab Emirates, despite the issuance of judicial decisions by the International Court of Justice. Al Marri also pointed out that Saudi Arabia continues to politicize religious rituals and procrastinate in allowing citizens and residents of Qatar to perform the Hajj and Umrah rituals by declaring insufficient deceptive measures that do not eliminate obstacles to the right to practice religious rites.

4234 Complaints by citizens and residents against the blockading states within two years

According to the figures, Dr. Ali Bin Smaikh pointed out that the National Human Rights Committee has received 4,234 complaints filed by citizens and residents in the State of Qatar since the beginning of the blockade on June 5, including 3381 submitted by Qatari citizens and 853 complaints by residents of various nationalities. During the two years of the blockade, the National Committee received 2,234 complaints against Saudi Arabia, 1,126 complaints against the United Arab Emirates, 527 complaints against the Kingdom of Bahrain, 338 complaints against Egypt, and 9 complaints against different countries.

Complaints filed during the two-year blockade included 1,317 complaints of violations of the right to movement, 1,298 violations of the right to property, 661 complaints of violations of the right to family reunification, 525 violations of the right to education, 172 cases of violation of the right to practice religious rites, and 112 complaints related to Violations of the right to work, 94 complaints on violations of the right to residence, 38 complaints on violations of the right to health, 12 complaints of violations on the right to obtain official documents, 3 complaints of enforced disappearance, one complaint about arbitrary arrest and detention, and one complaint relating to Degrading treatment.

In the context of the efforts of the National Human Rights Committee and its movements at the domestic and international level to face the blockade, Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri stressed that the National Human Rights Committee, during the two years of the blockade has made 50 visits to European countries besides the United States, during which Dr. Al Marri met with several human rights officials at the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, parliamentarians and officials of human rights organizations, as well as His Holiness Pope Frances. The National Committee also addressed more than 500 human rights organizations and international and regional governmental and non-governmental organizations, urging them to take urgent action to address the repercussions of the humanitarian crisis caused by the blockade.

The NHRC also held two international conferences and issued 8 reports and 32 statements on the blockade. On the other hand, human rights organizations, trade unions and international bodies issued 16 reports and statements condemning the blockade. 35 international delegations of international personalities, organizations and bodies visited the headquarters of the National Human Rights Committee to investigate the repercussions of the blockade.

During his visits, the chairman of the National Commission held several meetings in various international forums, with international human rights organizations, and human rights offices in foreign ministries of a number of European and Western countries, in addition to a series of meetings and hearings in the European Parliament and a number of parliaments of the world. International movement in support of the position of the State of Qatar in many influential countries. Fifteen members of the British Parliament also called on their government to discuss Qatar’s blockade in the House of Commons.

Dr. Al-Marri pointed out that the National Human Rights Committee held a series of meetings and hearings in major international parliaments, where he met with representatives of the Senate and House of Representatives of the US Congress, and made a hearing before the European Parliament in the Belgian capital of Brussels, followed by a hearing by representatives of the victims of the blockade before deputies of the European Parliament .

Internally, the National Human Rights Committee received many delegations and personalities from Britain, Canada, the United States of America, Italy, France and other countries, as well as delegations of regional and international human rights organizations, most notably Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, as well as a delegation from the Office of the High Commissioner. At the invitation of the National Human Rights Committee, Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri met with a delegation from the OHCHR Technical Mission to collect information on the impact of the blockade on the human rights of citizens and residents of the State of Qatar and GCC citizens.

In addition to the organizations and personalities who visited Qatar to monitor the violations of the blockade, the National Human Rights Committee has succeeded in holding a number of international conferences since the first days of the blockade, despite the pressure exerted by the governments of the blockading countries to try to dissuade International organizations and personalities about attending international conferences organized by the National Human Rights Committee.
Al Marri commended the success of the International Conference on “National, Regional and International Mechanisms to Combat Impunity and Ensure Accountability under International Law”, organized by the National Human Rights Committee, in partnership with the European Parliament, OHCHR and the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, on 14 April 15, under the patronage and presence of HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. More than 250 bodies, international organizations and human rights and legal organizations participated in the conference, which discussed more than 20 working papers in plenary sessions, workshops and working groups.
Al Marri also praised the success of the international conference held by the National Committee entitled “Freedom of Expression: face up to the threat”, a month and a half after the start of the blockade, attended by about 500 regional and international organizations, to discuss freedom of expression, despite the attempts of the blockading countries to pressure them to prevent them From attending the conference. The conference concluded with the issuance of recommendations, which included a strong condemnation of the blockade, in particular the rejection of the demand to close Al-Jazeera. The conference played a major role in the retreat of the blockade countries from demanding the closure of Al Jazeera, after a wave of condemnation and international solidarity with Al Jazeera, and the various media affiliated with Qatar.

Desperate attempts to undermine the credibility of the National Committee

the chairman of the National Human Rights Committee said that the blockading states are in a big legal dilemma, following the exposure of their serious human rights violations, which was reflected in the statements of a number of politicians and prominent figures in the blockading countries. , pointing out that “the National Human Rights Committee has international credibility, and support 110 institutions for Human Rights in the Global Alliance for national human rights institutions”

Future steps and moves to face the blockade

Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri pointed out that the committee’s agenda includes many steps on the mechanisms and procedures that will be taken in the future. Human Rights in Geneva, International Centers, International Human Rights Organizations and the Human Rights Council in Geneva; stressing that the National Committee will discuss with delegations and international organizations that have visited the State of Qatar since the beginning of the blockade the idea of ​​forming an international coalition to hear the voices of those affected by the blockade.

Al Marri pointed out that the National Committee is discussing with some specialized international centers to assess the psychological damage to those affected by the blockade, especially women and children, in order to raise an integrated file for the judicial and human rights bodies. The National Committee also seeks to issue a book that compiles all the reports of international organizations, documents victims’ testimonies in multiple languages, and distributes them to various international organizations, and in various important international events. The NHEC also plans to organize an international exhibition documenting violations of the blockade countries, and testimony of victims across a number of capitals of the world.

Al Marri pointed out that the National Committee is continuing to intensify its series of international visits and meetings with the most prominent personalities and international organizations, to hear the voices of victims in various international platforms, and expose stressed that the National Committee continues to support all legal movements of the State of Qatar and international organizations, and to provide all the data, documents and consultations necessary to condemn the violations of the blockade countries, and redress for the victims, stressing that The National Committee will continue to raise the issue of the politicization of religious rituals (Hajj and Umrah) in all international agendas and forums, especially UNESCO.

During the next phase, the National Human Rights Committee will focus on the judicial process, and will intensify its efforts in the prosecution of the blockade countries, redress and provide compensation for victims, after the completion of the files and documentation. Al Marri stressed the commitment of the National Committee to defend the rights of victims who lost their property after being expelled from the UAE and Saudi Arabia, without allowing them to recover their property so far, and suffered heavy losses. Al Marri concluded by saying that the National Committee will continue to monitor hate speech and incitement in the blockade countries, especially those issued by senior officials and media channels in those countries.

The workshop comes to activate the memorandum of understanding between the Qatari and Filipino NHRIs to promote and protect human rights

Doha: Tuesday 28 May 2019

Dr. Mohammed bin Saif Al-Kuwari, Vice-chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, stressed that the State of Qatar has sought for decades to enact national laws aimed at providing the necessary guarantees to safeguard the dignity of expatriates in general and workers in particular through a set of policies that affirm their rights and clarify their duties. This came during a workshop organized by the National Human Rights Committee for the Filipino community in cooperation with the Human Rights Commission of the Philippines, on “Rights and Duties of Workers in the State of Qatar”, during the period from 27 and 28 May 2019; in the context of the MoU signed Between the National Human Rights Committee of the State of Qatar and the Human Rights Commission of the Philippines on 09 January 2019.

In his opening speech, Dr. Mohammed bin Saif Al-Kuwari said that the workshop sheds light on the most important rights and duties related to the communities by focusing on many international and national laws and comparing them with the situation of these communities in order to come up with the necessary findings and recommendations. Al Kuwari noted that Qatar has given special importance to the issues of identity, culture, and other issues, which are presented within the framework of strong policy-making aimed at integrating communities into the social and economic renaissance of Qatar.

The Vice- chairman of the National Human Rights Committee pointed out that “human societies in the world have been formed throughout history, accompanied by many sacrifices, wars and conflicts in which laws were absent, rights were silent, and the logic of power was dominant; the State is obliged by virtue of its international obligations and adherence to international human rights covenants and conventions to ensure that any individual lives on its territory with dignity whatever his or her religion, Race, color, sex, or nationality.
For her part, Ms. Hivent Pimentel, Commissioner of the Philippine Human Rights Commission, said that the workshop was part of a cooperation between the two sides in order to promote and protect human rights in general and workers in particular. “We hope that we will be able to draw a road map and recommendations through this workshop to strengthen the implementation of the terms of the cooperation agreement which is based on a mandate to consider all human rights issues,” she added.

Doha: May 13, 2019

Dr. Ali Bin Samikh Al Marri, Chairman of the NHRC, Secretary General of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, received at his office at the Committee’s headquarters Mr. Terno Hadi Tiam, Commissioner of the National Human Rights Commission of the Republic of Mali. Al-Marri received a written communication from Mr. Malik Coulibaly, Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission of the Republic of Mali on the importance of joint cooperation in human rights issues and ways to strengthen partnership and activate mechanisms of cooperation between the two sides.

12 May 2019

Members of the NHRC renewed trust in Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri, and re-elected him as Chairman of the NHRC at the new session unanimously while Dr. Mohamed Saif Al Kuwari was elected as Deputy Chairman of the NHRC by a majority of the members, while Ms. Maryan bint Abullah Al Attiyah was elected as rapporteur. This came during the first meeting of the fifth session of the committee which was held yesterday at the headquarters of the NHRC . the meeting was chaired by Dr. Yousef Obaidan, in the presence of Dr. Ali Bin Smaikh Al Marri, representing civil society, Dr. Mohammed Saif Al Kuwari representing civil society, Dr. Asma Abdullah Al-Attiyah, Civil Society Representative, Dr. Abdul Aziz Abdul Qader Al-Moghassib, Civil Society Representative, Dr. Ali Ahmed Al-Kubaisi, Civil Society Representative, Ms. Amal Abdul Latif Al-Mannai, Mr. Sultan Mubarak Khamis Al-Abdullah representing civil society, Ms. Mariam Abdullah Al-Attiyah representing civil society, Mr. Abdullah Saqr Al-Mohannadi representing Ministry of the Interior, Mr. Salim Rashid Al-Marikhi representing Ministry of Justice, and Mr. Mohammad Hassan Al-Obaidli representing Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs . Following the election of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman, the meeting discussed a number of issues. The meeting divided the members of the committee into three subcommittees: Reporting and Legislation Committee, Monitoring and Visits Committee and Research and Studies Committee. In the same context, members of the National Human Rights Committee, Dr. Youssef Obaidan, drew attention to the contributions and efforts he made during his tenure as Deputy Chairman of the Committee.

The meeting followed the issuance of Emiri Decree No. 19 of 2019 reorganizing the National Human Rights Committee. The term of office of the Committee would be three years, renewable for another period or similar periods.

The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) follows with regret and great concern the smear campaigns questioning its credibility including the unfounded reckless allegations made by some officials in the United Arab Emirates. The National Human Rights Committee of Qatar considers these vicious campaigns as a failed attempt added to previous attempts to distort and obstruct its work as an independent national institution accredited ‘A’ status by the Sub-committee on Accreditation (SCA) of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI).

The campaigns launched against the NHRC are part of the UAE’s systematic campaign launched against human rights advocates and international organizations, including Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch…etc.

Despite the complaint previously lodged by the UAE against the NHRC before the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), they have confirmed their support for the National Human Rights Committee and its work.

The NHRC strongly condemns the recent statements made by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Anwar Gargash, including accusations of forging or falsification of documents and international reports. The NHRC reserves the right to recourse to legal action to respond to these falsifications, including its right to address the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders.

The NHRC is not surprised by the accusations made by an official who considers the course of legal action and diplomatic moves as “pathetic logic”. However, these movements are the civilized path of countries that adhere to the rules of international legitimacy, human rights system, and human values.

The NHRC confirms that these attempts by the UAE will not deter the committee from continuing its work in accordance with the Paris Principles and international human rights standards to expose UAE violations to citizens and residents of the State of Qatar, and other GCC citizens who were harmed by the unjust blockade. The NHRC also affirms that it will spare no effort to redress and compensate the victims.

Ramadan 4, 1440
May 9, 2019
Doha, Qatar

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The NHRC shall raise the subject matter of preventing Qataris from Hajj and Umrah before UNESCO

Saudi authorities continue to put obstacles on performing Hajj and Umrah for the third consecutive season

The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) has expressed deep concern over the continuing obstacles imposed by the Saudi Arabia authorities on the rights of citizens and residents of Qatar to perform religious rites for the third season in a row since the beginning of the blockade imposed on Qatar in June 2017. The NHRC revealed that it will soon raise the subject matter of preventing Qatar’s citizens and residents from performing Hajj and Umrah before the committees and constitutional meetings of UNESCO.

This case in a communication to Mr. Coly Seck, President of the Human Rights Council at its thirteenth session, Ms. Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Mr. Ahmed Shahid, UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion and Belief, and Mr. Jan Figel, Special Envoy for the Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief Outside the EU.

The NHRC called for taking measures to ensure that Muslims in Qatar — whether citizens or residents – can perform Umrah during Ramadan and Hajj in the next season (1440).

The NHRC stressed the need to expedite the opening of land borders during the Hajj and Umrah season, allow Qatar Airways’ direct flights during Hajj, and to open electronic visa for citizens and residents like other pilgrims and those wishing to perform Umrah, in coordination with the Ministry of Awqaf.

The NHRC stated that Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah recently announced launching an electronic service for pilgrims from Qatar. However, it considers this movement an attempt to circumvent the demands of the international community to stop the violations of the right to practice religious rites. The Saudi authorities have previously taken the same step, which we consider an attempt to improve their image, as it fails to remove the obstacles that it poses to pilgrims from Qatar.

The NHRC said that there is a need for the Saudi authorities to coordinate with the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs of Qatar to put in place mechanisms to facilitate the procedures of Hajj and Umrah for citizens and residents of Qatar.

The NHRC denounced the announcement of the opening of the electronic service at a time the Saudi authorities do not permit the financial transfers between the Hajj and Umrah campaigns and the Saudi Hajj and Umrah agents.

In addition, the NHRC mentioned that it has raised previous correspondence concerning obstacles and difficulties placed by the Saudi authorities in the performance of the Hajj and Umrah rituals by citizens and residents of the State of Qatar, in a grave violation of the freedom of belief and freedom to practice religious rites set forth in international and regional human rights conventions, and requested raising the subject matter with the competent authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in order to facilitate Hajj and Umrah for pilgrims from the State of Qatar and to ensure enjoyment of their right to freedom of belief and freedom to practice religious rites. However, the situation remains the same with no improvement almost two years on.

The Committee expressed its concern at the continued obstacles and obstacles and the failure of the Saudi authorities to take any positive steps that would enable Qataris and residents of Qatar to exercise their right to perform their religious rites and demand immediate action against the Saudi authorities so that pilgrims from Qatar can perform Hajj. It is worth mentioning that Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri, chairman of the NHRC has met Mr. Ahmed Shahid, Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief in London, and presented a detailed report on Saudi violations of the right to perform religious rites including statistics on the number of victims of citizens and residents of Qatar. In February 2019, the President of the National Human Rights Committee met with the Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief outside the European Union and demanded during the meeting that the European Parliament and the governments of the EU countries to shoulder their moral responsibilities and address the Saudi authorities regarding their violations resulting from depriving citizens and residents of Qatar of their right to practice Religious services.

In April 2018, six United Nations special rapporteurs addressed the countries of the blockade on their violations resulting from the blockade imposed on the State of Qatar, including the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, and stressed the importance of removing obstacles imposed on pilgrims from Qatar.

The National Human Rights Committee received at its headquarters a high level US congressional delegation. The delegation was met by the Assistant Secretary General, Mr. Sultan bin Hassan Al-Jamali. Al-Jamali gave a detailed brief on the committee and its role in the promotion and protection of human rights and its working mechanisms in raising awareness and spreading the culture of human rights at the national level.

The meeting dealt with the efforts of the National Human Rights Committee and its continuous efforts to promote and protect the rights of workers and the efforts of the State in developing relevant legislation such as the law on the protection of wages as well as the abolition of Exit and sponsorship system and the law of entry and exit of expatriates. The meeting also dealt with the Committee’s efforts and methods in receiving complaints.

Dr. Ali Bin Samikh Al Marri, Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, met with a number of participants in the International Conference on National, Regional and International Mechanisms to Combat Impunity and Ensure Accountability under International Law “, organized by the National Human Rights Committee, in cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights , European Parliament, and Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, during the period from 14 and 15 April. Dr. Ali Al-Marri met with Mr. Ahmed Chaouqui, Inter-ministerial Delegate for Human Rights in the Kingdom of Morocco, Ms. Mona Rishmawi, Chief of the Rule of Law, Equality and Non-Discrimination Branch in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Ms. Nicole Ameline, Vice-Chairperson of CEDAW, Mr. Lazhari Bouzid, vice-chairman of the Advisory Committee at the UN Human Rights Council, and Ms. Siham Abdel Wahab Al-Freih, National Center for Human Rights in Kuwait.

Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al-Marri expressed his deep gratitude to the participants he met for their valuable participation and contributions in the discussions held at the international conference. In turn, participants praised the success of the International Conference, and hoped that work would continue to ensure the implementation of the recommendations.