Qatar’s partnership with the United Nations Human Rights Council has never been more highlighted than in recent years. Through financial contributions and engaging in awareness activities Qatar’s essential support has helped spread the principle of human rights globally.
Yesterday, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani while addressing 49th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva stressed Qatar’s commitment and support to the UNHRC.
According to the Foreign Minister, the past period has witnessed constant efforts by the State of Qatar to move forward in the promotion and protection of human rights in Qatar, based on the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Second National Development Strategy 2018-2022. Thus, Qatar has achieved many important national achievements, and has taken firm steps to implement the sustainable development goals, as well as maintaining its leading position in many international indicators.
He stressed Qatar’s commitment to the UN Charter and urged global leaders to commit to the Charter and the established principles of international law, including obligations under the Charter to settle international disputes by peaceful means, to refrain from the threat or use of force, and to adhere to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of states.
The FM urged collective work in tackling global issues like the coronavirus pandemic while ensuring “a balanced approach since the beginning of the pandemic, putting the protection of individuals’ human rights at the heart of its COVID response when enacting national measures and policies.”
Last year, Qatar was elected as a member of the UNHRC after amassing 182 to join the body for three years starting in January 2022.
Qatar election further recognizes its wide record of initiatives to bring peace in the world and support mediation and dialogue between countries to resolve conflicts. Qatar was elected on behalf of the group of Asian and Pacific countries.
Besides, through the National Human Rights Council, Qatar’s goal is clearly stated to “protect human rights and protect their dignity, mobilise the capabilities of society to understand and exercise their rights and duties, apply the values of social justice and tolerance, promote equality and non-discrimination, stop human rights violations, announce positions and prepare periodic reports that promote human rights in the State of Qatar.” Recently, Chairperson of the NHRC H E Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah also called for expanding joint work with the UNHRC to promote more human rights culture.
