National development tied to protecting workers’ rights: NHRC Chairperson

Doha: The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) Chairperson, Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah, has emphasised that occupational safety and health are pillars of sustainable development in all developed societies and communities that look forward to achieving the desired outcome. 

Speaking during the Occupational Safety and Health Conference hosted by the Ministry of Labour, Al Attiyah said a country’s development could only be achieved by caring for the workers and providing a safe and healthy work environment. She noted the responsibility of maintaining occupational safety and health as a collective effort between the State, the private sector and the workers themselves.

The conference themed “Occupational Safety and Health - Commitments and Responsibilities” was held under the patronage of the Minister of Labour H E Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, in cooperation with the NHRC, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the International Federation of Building and Wood Workers (BWI) as part of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, marked on April 28 annually. 

Al Attiyah indicated that if the State is committed to providing legislative tools and playing a supervisory role in achieving occupational health and safety for workers, employers must adhere to these tools and devote a culture of training to ensure the application of safety procedures and requirements in work sites.

She praised Qatar’s efforts and its successes in ensuring and achieving occupational health and safety standards. She pointed out that it has reduced work accidents and prevented multiple occupational risks, all based on the State’s keenness to ensure and enhance the rights of citizens and expatriate workers.

Al Attiyah said that ensuring occupational safety and health constitutes an essential human right for the body’s safety and the right to life, noting that the NHRC spares no effort in performing its desired role through cooperation with government agencies in promoting and strengthening the rights and protection of workers.

She appreciated the efforts made by the Minister of Labour, during his presidency of NHRC since 2009, noting that the Committee will continue its partnership with governmental and non-governmental authorities in the country to enhance the right to occupational health and safety. 

The conference was attended by Qatar Chamber Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani; Head of the Project Office of ILO in Qatar, Max Tuñón; Deputy-President of BWI, Dietmar Schäfers; representatives of several relevant ministries and government authorities, and diplomats.