In its statement, NHRC notes that if restrictions are not lifted and Hajj procedures are not facilitated for Qatari pilgrims while guaranteeing their safety and security, the National Human Rights Committee shall raise its concerns to the international human rights mechanisms, including the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, UNESCO and other relevant international agencies, since it is unacceptable to politicize religious rites and prevent Muslims from performing Hajj under any pretext
the statement
With reference to the closure of sea and air ports and land borders with the state of Qatar, the closure of the Saudi Embassy in Doha, and the measures taken against the state of Qatar, and in view of the suffering of citizens and residents of the State of Qatar including complications, prevention and intimidation during the performance of Hajj in the holy month of Ramadan, Qatar National Human Rights Committee expresses its deep concern about what has been raised by the media and Hajj campaigns about the obstacles and difficulties in performing Hajj this year, the campaign launched against the Qatari citizens, and preventing financial transfers and circulation of the Qatari currency in Saudi Arabia, in a clear violation of Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 30 of the Arab Charter on Human Rights, Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and Article 6 of the Human Rights Declaration of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Accordingly, Qatar National Human Rights Committee calls on the competent authorities for Hajj in Saudi Arabia to put aside the current political differences and not to use religious practices as political leverage which is considered a flagrant violation of international human rights conventions.
However, if restrictions are not lifted and Hajj procedures are not facilitated for Qatari pilgrims while guaranteeing their safety and security, the National Human Rights Committee shall raise its concerns to the international human rights mechanisms, including the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, UNESCO and other relevant international agencies, since it is unacceptable to politicize religious rites and prevent Muslims from performing Hajj under any pretext.
24 Shawwal 1438
18 July 2017
Doha
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