Geneva: The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) concluded the activities of the exhibition it held at the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva, entitled: “Human Rights and Football”, on the sidelines of the 49th session of the Human Rights Council.
The five-day exhibition, which was held in cooperation with the permanent delegation of Qatar to the UN Office and other organisations in Geneva, witnessed a large turnout of representatives of diplomatic missions, participants in the 49th session of the Human Rights Council.
Secretary-General of NHRC, Sultan bin Hassan Al Jamali, said that the exhibition sought to link the concepts of human rights with the practice of football, at all levels, from encouragement and playing to training, and even the establishment of facilities for that sport. He added in a speech on the occasion of the conclusion of the exhibition, which was painted by Qatari artist Ahmed Al Maadheed, that the success of the experiment in Geneva will encourage the NHRC to organise copies of the exhibition in the rest of the capitals in the near future, in order to spread the messages, values and goals, especially in light of the growing interest in football within societies with different cultures, beliefs and ethnicities.
Al Jamali stressed the need for the world to ensure that international sports tournaments leave a valuable social and human impact that will benefit future generations, noting that the NHRC seizes the opportunity to organise the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 to be a real catalyst for bringing about positive, tangible changes in the field of human rights. and achieving social justice.
He said NHRC has always worked tirelessly to protect workers’ rights in general, as well as protect the rights of World Cup project workers and preserve their health and safety, noting that the committee has made great achievements, which it is proud of. He also noted the agreement signed by the NHRC and the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, saying it will contribute to strengthening the commitment to protecting human rights.
UN Human Rights Chief of OHCHR Asia, Pacific, Middle East and North Africa branch, Francesco Motta, described the exhibition as an opportunity, through which lofty values were expressed, which is the respect for others through the practice of football and respect for human rights laws and charters, adding that this would support human rights as well as support fair play and encourage all those who play football to respect others and respect human rights.
