Doha on January 16, 2019

Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al-Marri, Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, met with Mr. Karim Ghezraoui, Chief of Section in the Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures and Right to Development Division at the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and Dr. Koumbou Boly Barry, Special Rapporteur on the right to education, during their visit to Doha, at the invitation of the National Human Rights Committee. During the meeting, Dr. Ali Bin Smaikh Al-Marri discussed the efforts and working methods of the National Human Rights Committee since its establishment. Al Marri also briefed on the moves taken by the NHRC to stop the violations committed against citizens and residents of Qatar due to the unjust blockade imposed since 5 June 2017, through monitoring and documenting violations, communication with international human rights mechanisms, conducting visits and meetings with international governments, parliaments and human rights organizations.

Dr. Al Marri, chairman of the National Human Rights Committee discussed with Dr. Koumbou Boly Barry, Special Rapporteur on the right of education in the United Nations, the serious repercussions of the violations of the right to education by the countries of the blockade, which prevented many Qatari students from completing their education in the universities of the countries of blockade. Al Marri called on the Special Rapporteur on education to take further urgent and effective measures to urge the countries of the blockade to comply with international conventions and human rights laws, and put an end to the suffering of Qatari students affected by the discriminatory measures taken by the blockading countries. In his discussion with Mr. Karim Ghezraoui, Al Marri addressed violations of the eight basic rights of citizens and residents of Qatar, such as the right to practice religious rites, right to health, right to property, the right to litigation and the right to family reunification.

Interviews with officials of the National Human Rights Committee

During their visit to the headquarters of the National Human Rights Committee, Ms. Koumbou and Mr. Karim met with officials of various departments of the NHRC and heard a detailed presentation on the objectives of the National Human Rights Committee and its objectives in the field of human rights development in Qatar. Ms. Koumbou and Mr. Karim also provided explanations to the officials of the National Commission on Human Rights to introduce the functions and mandate of special rapporteurs and their relationship with civil society organizations.

Suffering of the victims of the blockade

On the other hand, Ms. Koumbou, Special Rapporteur on the right to education at the United Nations, met with representatives of the victims of the unjust blockade imposed on Qatar and listened to the details of their complaints, including denied access to school, due to the discriminatory procedures at the universities of the blockading countries. The victims stressed their continued suffering, and the denial of the universities in the blockading countries to allow them to continue their education, or at least obtain educational records.
In a meeting with the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Education, a number of students said that universities in the United Arab Emirates have not responded to the International Court of Justice’s decision, which calls on the Abu Dhabi government to stop all discriminatory measures against Qatari students and allow them to complete their studies.

Mr. Karim Ghezraoui listened to testimonies of those affected by the blockade, including victims deprived of their religious rights (Hajj and Umrah); and those who were also prevented from conducting Hajj campaigns for two consecutive years, and suffered blatant losses due to the obstacles imposed by the Saudi authorities, as well as property owners and mixed families.

A seminar at Qatar University on the role of special rapporteurs in the promotion and protection of human rights

On the sidelines of their visit to Doha, Special Rapporteur on the right to Education at the United Nations, and the Chief of Section in the Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures and Right to Development Division at the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, will speak on Thursday at a seminar with Qatar University, on the “Role of United Nations Special Rapporteurs in the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights”. The seminar will address the work and terms of reference of United Nations special rapporteurs and define their mandate.

Doha: Wednesday, 16 January 2019

Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, met in his office at the headquarters of the NHRC on Wednesday with Ms. Bernpemal Kanchanalak, Advisor to the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand. The meeting discussed aspects of cooperation, partnership and exchange of experiences between the National Human Rights Committee and the Government of the State of Thailand. During the meeting, The Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand received a briefing on the work of the National Human Rights Committee.

Legislative developments have shown commitment and seriousness towards the development of the human rights situation in the country

Working conditions in Qatar are always going for the better

Philippines: 9 January 2019

The National Human Rights Committee of Qatar signed a memorandum of cooperation with its counterpart, of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) of the Republic of the Philippines. The Committee was signed by Dr. Ali Bin Smaikh Al Marri, Chairman of the NHRC, and by Mr. José Luis Martin Gascon, president of the CHR.

Dr. Ali Bin Smaikh stressed that The idea of signing this agreement is based on recognition of the unique role played by the Filipino community in Qatar and its participation in the development process, and the desire of the NHRC to extend the bridges of cooperation with the Commission as an NHRI with similar functions and responsibilities. The signing of this agreement is the culmination of the previous efforts made in the opening of the office of the Filipino community at our headquarters, and we look forward to establish a working group to activate the implementation of its articles.

Al Marri said: ” We hope that through this agreement we will work together to limit the grounds behind which workers or employees complain, know the root causes of the problems and to find solutions, whether these problems initiate at the Philippines or Qatar. We hope to see all the Filipino workers are free of debts caused by the visa traders, and to ensure that the Qatari Labor Code will be applied fairly and without discrimination”.

Al Marri reviewed review some of the legal developments in Qatar that reflect the commitment and seriousness towards the development of human rights, including domestic workers Act which for the first time granted rights to domestic workers following their exclusion from the Labor Code, it determines maximum hours of work and weekly holiday, and provides for paid annual leave and indemnity, and the law abolishing exit permit for expatriate workers under the Labor Code, whether the exit is temporary or final and during the term of the contract without restrictions, which helps promote and protect the right to freedom of movement and travel. Moreover, the Law on the Establishment of the Commission on settlement of Labor Disputes, which decides on the dispute within three weeks of the first hearing; in addition to the draft law establishing the Workers’ Support Fund in case of insolvency of enterprises or refusal by employers to pay for benefits. Finally, the Filipino citizen in all countries of the world has demonstrated a great deal of intelligence and flexibility, in addition to spirit of hard work, diligence and adaptation, which reflects your distinguished long-standing civilization and emphasizes the positive diversity of races and cultures and their impact on the openness of society and acceptance of the other.

Al Marri expressed express my pleasure and gratitude for the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Commission on Human Rights, aiming at fostering close relations between the parties in the field of the promotion and protection of human rights, in particular the rights of workers from the Philippines and members of their families. While the main points of the agreement provided for the development of public awareness of the principles and standards of human rights. In addition, the parties to the Convention jointly organize training courses, conferences, forums or symposia on international human rights law and other laws relevant to the needs of workers specifically developed for the Governments of the parties concerned, in particular departments, ministries and other agencies concerned with employment and migration, diplomatic missions, Labor, workers, workers’ organizations and associations; as well as conducting studies or research on subjects of common concern, particularly those affecting migrant workers and trafficked persons. And the possibility of referring certain individual urgent situations that may require the intervention of one party as well as responding in a timely manner and informing it regularly of the party concerned.

The agreement also stressed the importance of exchanging experiences and building capacities and presenting proposals and recommendations for the promotion and protection of labor rights in both countries, as well as exchange of information on the monitoring by both parties of the extent to which their respective Governments apply national laws and international treaties relating to workers, joint development, dissemination of information on human rights in consultation with relevant government agencies, Such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Labor department in the Philippines and Qatar.

Al Marri stressed the importance of continuing the work of the Philippine Community Office located in the headquarters of the National Human Rights Committee, and strengthen its role in receiving complaints and develop mechanisms to reach the target groups, to respond quickly to their requirements, as well as cooperation in the organization of training courses, workshops, symposiums, events and joint activities such as observance of World Human Rights Day, World Labor Day and other activities relating to the promotion and protection of human rights.

January 5, 2019

Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, met with Dr. Niels Schmid, Member of the German Parliament, spokesman of the Social Democratic Party bloc for Foreign Affairs in the Federal Parliament, in the presence of Mr. Hans Odomusel, ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany. The meeting discussed means of cooperation in various human rights issues. Both sides stressed the important role parliaments play in protecting and promoting human rights.

Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee of the State of Qatar, congratulated the leadership and the people of Qatar on the occasion of the National Day, which coincides with the 18th of December.

“On behalf of all the members and staff of the National Human Rights Committee in Qatar, I extend my sincere congratulations to the leadership and people of Qatar on the occasion of the national day of our state,” Al Marri said.

“The celebration of the National Day coincides with the achievements of the State of Qatar, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, internally and externally. The State of Qatar is steadily moving towards achieving its National Vision 2030, preserving its sovereignty and independence, in the face of many regional and international challenges, most notably the unjust blockade imposed on our country since the fifth of June 2017. Today, Qatar celebrates its national day and successfully surpasses the unjust blockade imposed by neighboring countries which continue to violate human rights, without concern for the suffering of citizens and residents of Qatar and the GCC countries as a whole.”

On the other hand, Dr. Ali Bin Smaikh Al Marri pointed out that “the celebration of the National Day this year also comes in light of the ongoing reforms undertaken by the Qatari government to protect and guarantee more political, economic, social and cultural rights for citizens and residents in Qatar. We appreciate the reform steps taken by the Government of the State of Qatar including acceding to the International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights and Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, in which the two Covenants are the cornerstones of the International Bill of Human Rights”. Al Marri also praised the “development of some provisions of the laws and the enactment of new laws such as the Entry and Exit Law, the Permanent Residence Law, the Political Asylum Act and other laws. These reforms and the new laws issued by the Qatari government reflect a supreme political will to reform the legislative system, ensuring greater freedoms and respect for human rights, and making Qatar a leader in the GCC region. The laws and reforms adopted by the Government of the State of Qatar are in large part consistent with the recommendations of the National Human Rights Committee in their previous annual reports and represent a strong response and support to them in the performance of its duties in the promotion and protection of human rights in the State of Qatar. We affirm our aspiration to continue and achieve further reform steps at the legislative level in the field of human rights, in light of the recommendations of the NHRC in its various reports, and in line with the State of Qatar at the international and regional levels. We at the National Human Rights Committee congratulate the State of Qatar on these human rights achievements. We call on the Qatari government to move forward with its reform and review the various laws that will guarantee citizens and residents” Dr. Al Marri concluded.

Doha: Monday, 17 December 2018

The National Human Rights Committee in Darb Al Saai participated with a variety of activities, attracting a wide range of children and different age groups. Ms. Maryam Bint Abdullah Al Attiyah, Secretary General of the National Human Rights Committee, said that participation in the activities of Dar Al Saai comes within the belief of the NHRC in spreading the culture of citizenship among the various segments of society. The activities of Darb Al Sai have proved to be successful in attracting the various segments of Qatari society including citizens and residents of different age groups who are waiting for this occasion to affirm their loyalty to our homeland.

Over the past few days, the National Human Rights Committee has participated in the Doha Events tent through various activities for all ages, targeting young children and even young people who have shown interest to participate in the activities of the NHRC in the events of Darb Al Saai. The booth of the NHRC witnessed various activities, combining entertainment and education, through a series of games based on the installation of pictures and cards that promote the children’s knowledge of various human rights, general information about the State of Qatar, and the rights guaranteed by the national laws of the child. Participants were given prizes aimed at making children and other age groups acquire a culture of rights and duties in a fun and interesting way.

Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, met with Australian Ambassador to the state, Dr. Axel Wabenhorst. The meeting discussed means of cooperation in issues of mutual interest and activating the mechanisms of transferring experience and expertise between the two sides.

Dr. Ali Al-Marri met with Ms. Michèle Alliot-Marie, chair of Delegation for relations with the Arab Peninsula (DARP) of the European Parliament. The two sides discussed means of cooperation in issues of common interest and work in the framework of promoting and protecting human rights.

London: December 14, 2018

Dr. Ali bin Samih Al Marri, Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee held in London held two separate meetings, the first of which was with Mr. Kumi Naidu, Secretary General of Amnesty International; during which Dr. Al Marri congratulated Mr. Naidu for receiving the trust of the Board of Directors of Amnesty and appointing him as Secretary-General to succeed Mr. Salil Shetty. The meeting discussed means of cooperation and strengthening of joint working relations between the two sides. Dr. Ali bin Smeikh in his second meeting met with senior researchers at the Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs. The meeting reviewed the legislative reforms carried out by the Qatari government, especially on the rights of workers. Al-Marri also briefed the researchers in Chatham House on the repercussions of the Gulf crisis and the effects of the blockade on citizens and residents in Qatar and citizens of the GCC countries.

The Qatar National Human Rights Committee welcomes the decision of the European Parliament issued on December 13, 2018, condemning the continued violations and discriminatory measures imposed by the countries of the blockade against Qatari citizens, demanding the release of the Qatari citizen Ola Al Qaradawi and her husband and calling to stop all discriminatory measures against the citizens of Qatar.

The NHRC also welcomes the decision of the International Police Organization (Interpol) to cancel the red notices issued against the Qatari citizen Dr. Yousef Al-Qaradawi, and to delete the data relating to his case because it has a political dimension and violates international human rights standards.

 On Thursday, December 13, 2018, the European Parliament issued a draft resolution criticizing the continued violations of human rights resulting from the continued blockade imposed on the state of Qatar and the relating discriminatory measures taken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates against the State of Qatar since June 2017.

Having regard to the impact on human rights, both at domestic and regional level, of the sanctions put in place by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the UAE against Qatar in June 2017, whereas Ms. Ola Al Qaradawi, a Qatari national and her husband Hosam Khalaf, an Egyptian national, have been detained in appalling conditions in Egypt since 30 June 2017, with no charges formulated against either of them, whereas in June 2018 the UN working group on arbitrary detention  found that they have been subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment that amount to torture, declared their detention arbitrary and called on the Egyptian government to release them, the INTERPOL urged the Egyptian government to stop all discriminatory measures put in place after June 2017 against Qatari nationals, in particular Ola Al Qaradawi and Hosamm Khalaf.

Accordingly, the NHRC reiterates its full support for the decision of the European Parliament and renews its rejection of all discriminatory measures taken by the countries of the blockade that have affected Qatari citizens, including the 3 Qatari citizens who had forcibly disappeared in Saudi Arabia. The NHRC also calls on the European Parliament to issue a similar resolution calling on the kingdom of Saudi Arabia to release the three Qataris who have been forcibly disappeared, to end all arbitrary measures taken against all Qataris and to hold the perpetrators accountable.

The NHRC affirms that it is in constant contact with the United Nations working group on Enforced or involuntary Disappearances and that it shall continue its movements with various international legal and judicial bodies to hold Saudi Arabia accountable and to define its international responsibilities.

The NHRC regrets that the serious violations caused by the blockade imposed on the State of Qatar and its repercussions on all citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have not been raised during the last GCC summit in Riyadh.

6 Rabi ‘Al Thani 1440 AH
13 December 2018
Doha, Qatar

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