Latest news with #NationalHumanRightsCommittee
Qatar Tribune
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
NHRC chief elected to OIC panel
Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) HE Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah has been elected as a member of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The election took place on the sidelines of the 51st Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, currently underway in Istanbul, Turkiye. The election stands as a testament to the distinguished position of the State of Qatar in advancing and protecting human rights, and highlights the country's active, credible, and constructive role in international human rights platforms. It further reflects the international community's recognition and appreciation of Qatari expertise.(QNA) page 2
Qatar Tribune
6 days ago
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Protecting domestic workers' rights aligns with Qatar's constitutional principles, affirms NHRC vice-chairman
Ashraf Siddiqui Doha Safeguarding the rights of domestic workers aligns with Qatar's constitutional principles of justice, equality, and dignity, Vice-Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) Dr Mohammed bin Saif Al Kuwari has reiterated. He was speaking at a high-level discussion and roundtable organised by the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), to mark International Domestic Workers' Day under the theme 'Advancing Access to Justice for Domestic Workers: Enhancing Legal Support and Strengthening Accountability Mechanisms'. The event brought together representatives from the ministries of Labour and Interior, legal and human rights experts, and civil society advocates. It served as a platform to assess progress, address challenges, and strengthen mechanisms for protecting the rights of domestic workers. Dr Al Kuwari emphasised the significance of the occasion in raising awareness and reinforcing human rights commitments. He noted that domestic workers—numbering over 168,000 and comprising 8.39 percent of Qatar's non-Qatari workforce—play an essential role in the nation's economic and social fabric. He highlighted Qatar's advancements, including the 2017 Domestic Workers Law, while stressing the importance of pre-departure education and awareness for workers in their home countries. He also praised Qatar's visa centres abroad and called for expanding them to more labour-sending nations. Talking exclusively to Qatar Tribune on the sidelines of the event, Dr Al Kuwairi said the event holds significant importance in promoting the rights and well-being of domestic workers in Qatar. As integral members of many Qatari households, domestic workers receive vital services and support, and this event serves as a platform for open dialogue, he said. He added that the event features technical papers and discussions addressing challenges faced by domestic workers, including long working hours and limited access to grievance reporting mechanisms due to the private nature of household employment. He said that participants, including representatives from the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Interior, and international organisations such as the ILO and IOM, are engaging face-to-face with workers to understand their concerns and suggestions. He added that translated legislation handbooks, now available in 11 languages, are being distributed to help workers understand their rights and duties, stressing that the initiative reflects ongoing labour reforms and highlights Qatar's efforts to ensure accessibility, transparency, and inclusivity in protecting domestic workers' rights. Roula Hamati, representing the IOM in Qatar, described the event as the first joint initiative between IOM and NHRC. She commended the country's progress, particularly labour reforms introduced since 2020, such as changes to employer transfer rights, freedom of movement, and the minimum wage. While these have significantly improved conditions for many, she acknowledged persistent challenges, including language barriers, limited access to legal recourse, and complex legal procedures. Three themed sessions enriched the event. The first explored legal and institutional frameworks with contributions from NHRC's Nasser Marzouq Sultan Al Marri, Captain Mohammed Nasser Al Jaber of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Lena Moller from Qatar University, and Margaret Kabue from Kenya. Discussions addressed rights enforcement, access to legal aid, and international best practices. The second session focused on accountability and coordination to improve legal support, while the final session synthesised key outcomes and affirmed stakeholders' commitments to actionable next steps. Al Marri detailed NHRC's role in ensuring justice through strategic initiatives guided by the Paris Principles and the NHRC's 2024–2030 plan. He noted that NHRC handled 1,853 complaints in 2024, including many from domestic workers with services including multilingual hotlines, field monitoring, legal representation, and financial assistance for vulnerable individuals. Captain Al Jaber highlighted the humanitarian nature of domestic work and outlined laws ensuring worker protections, such as Law No. 15 of 2017 and Law No. 21 of 2015, adding that these prohibit practices like passport confiscation, regulate residency procedures, and support voluntary return in fair conditions.
Daily Tribune
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain promotes ‘peaceful coexistence and dialogue'
The Kingdom of Bahrain is firmly committed to promoting global peace, dialogue, and coexistence. This was reaffirmed by His Excellency Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, as the Kingdom joins the word community in marking the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. Dr. Al Zayani praised the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their continued efforts in positioning Bahrain as a leading model for tolerance and cultural harmony. The Foreign Minister emphasised that Bahrain's foreign policy is deeply rooted in the values of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and dialogue among cultures and civilisations — principles that reflect the Kingdom's human and cultural heritage and are fundamental to achieving peace, justice, and the protection of human rights. He highlighted the Kingdom's active role within the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and its balanced diplomacy, which advocates resolving conflicts through dialogue, rejecting extremism, and supporting initiatives that contribute to international stability, justice, and sustainable development. Dr. Al Zayani also commended key national initiatives aligned with these principles, including the launch of the 'Kingdom of Bahrain Declaration' on Freedom of Religion and Belief, and the work of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence, which provides educational and cultural programs to empower youth as ambassadors of peace.
Qatar Tribune
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
New Zealand official urges global AI framework to protect human rights
Ashraf Siddiqui Doha Chief Human Rights Commissioner of New Zealand Dr. Stephen Laurence Rainbow has underscored the significance of the discussions that took place at the recently held two-day International Conference on AI and Human Rights in Doha. Talking to Qatar Tribune on the sidelines of the conference, he noted that the forum offered a nuanced examination of AI's promise and the challenges it poses to human rights and social stability, emphasising the importance of international cooperation, particularly for countries like New Zealand, which may be geographically distant but are eager to forge meaningful partnerships to address pressing global challenges. Dr. Rainbow noted that while AI is already influencing various facets of life worldwide, there remains a gap in developing robust frameworks to balance its opportunities and risks. He highlighted the need for a comprehensive global framework to address the human rights implications of AI. 'This conference is significant because it brings people together to discuss one of the greatest challenges of our time — artificial intelligence and technological disruption,' he said. Dr. Rainbow praised the conference organisers, particularly Qatar's National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), for their excellent preparation and dedication to ensuring the event's success, calling it an essential contribution to the global conversation on human rights in the era of AI. He also noted that the recent visit of the Qatar Human Rights Committee to New Zealand highlighted the potential for ongoing collaboration in safeguarding human rights and leveraging AI in a responsible manner. Reflecting on a panel discussion he participated in, Dr. Rainbow observed that it offered a balanced exploration of AI's positive impacts, such as in healthcare and education, alongside the serious risks to personal privacy and other fundamental rights. He expressed deep gratitude to Qatar's NHRC for their warm hospitality and for fostering meaningful dialogue that inspires future collaborations and thoughtful responses to the rapidly evolving technological landscape. This event marked Dr. Rainbow's first visit to Qatar, and he took the opportunity to explore some of the city's cultural highlights, including the Museum of Islamic Art and the vibrant Souq Waqif. He was particularly struck by the Souq's energetic atmosphere, bustling with food vendors and serving as a major wholesale market that beautifully reflects Qatar's rich traditions.
Qatar Tribune
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
NHRC vice-chairperson discusses human rights cooperation with Australian officials
CANBERRA: National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) Vice-Chairperson Dr Mohammed bin Saif Al Kuwari has discussed further human rights cooperation with Australian officials in Sydney. The talks with Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) President Hugh de Krester, Senior Assistant Ombudsman NSO (Commonwealth Ombudsman) Kate Anderson, and Director of the Asia-Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF) Kieren Fitzpatrick explored potentials for cooperation and expertise-sharing to serve and enhance both sides' common goals. In this sphere, a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) was inked between the NHRC and APF to further collaborate on information, legislation, and publications that reflect the nature of their work and competencies, as well as the principles guiding their performance. They will also hold workshops and consultative meetings and interactive dialogues. Under the deal, members of both parties will engage in mutual conferences, seminars, and cultural activities related to the promotion and protection of human rights, and to establish joint research projects and training programs to disseminate a culture of human rights and boost capacity building. There will also be a possibility of creating an e-platform for the exchange of opinions, information, and experiences. During his meeting with Fitzpatrick, Al Kuwari emphasized the importance of cooperation with Australia on human rights and all related aspects, and the development of a framework for cooperation in the field of strengthening and building capacity with relevant authorities in this regard. He highlighted the roles played by the State of Qatar and Australia in maintaining international peace and security, and in mediating to resolve disputes through peaceful means. He commended the two countries' roles in promoting dialogue among civilizations, tolerance, and coexistence among peoples. The talks with Hugh de Krester culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding expanding cooperation, exchanging official visits, and inviting guests to major events they organize, as well as enhancing joint action in all areas of human rights. The two sides agreed that joint cooperation would include the exchange of expertise in protecting individual rights, developing educational programs, and monitoring human rights regionally and globally. They would also organize joint events to raise awareness of human rights, exchange progress reports, and support legal initiatives that promote human rights in both countries. Al Kuwari said the meeting discussed collaboration to organize joint training programs with the aim of enhancing institutional capabilities and the ability to address human rights issues from a legal and social perspective. He added that this cooperation could include training staff on best practices for handling complaints and resolving disputes. The two parties could also cooperate in overseeing international human rights commitments, work together to enhance the Arab region's participation in international forums, exchange experiences on how to effectively implement international human rights agreements, and coordinate the submission of joint reports to international bodies. At the conclusion of the meeting, Al Kuwari invited de Krester to participate in the international conference on artificial intelligence and human rights, which the NHRC will organize on May 27 and 28. In another context, during his meeting with Anderson, Al Kuwari provided an explanation of NHRC's national, regional, and international efforts, highlighting the most significant developments and updates witnessed in the State of Qatar in the field of human rights. The two sides agreed to cooperate, particularly with regard to receiving complaints and protecting individual rights. This will be achieved by organizing workshops and periodic meetings between the complaints teams of both parties to exchange best practices in methods for receiving and evaluating complaints. They will also explore the possibility of developing a joint procedural guide to enhance efficiency and transparency in handling complaints, and exchanging statistical data on the nature of recurring complaints, which will contribute to monitoring trends and proposing preventive policies.
