Doha, 07 Jan. 2024

Mrs. Maryam bint Abdullah Al-Attiyah, Chairperson, National Human Rights Committee of Qatar (NHRC), announced that the committee would host a conference titled ‘Food Justice from a Human Rights Perspective: Challenges of Reality and Bets of the Future.’ This disclosure occurred during a meeting with Prof. Dr. Rashid bin Hamad Al Balushi, Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission of Oman, and members of the accompanying delegation. The Omani delegation included Dr. Saleh bin Hamad Al Barashdi, Counselor Jamal bin Salem Al Nabhani, and Hon. Shatha bint Abdul Majeed Al Zadjali.

Al-Attiyah shared that approximately 700 delegates, representing governmental and non-governmental organizations, human rights defenders, special rapporteurs, and experts worldwide, would participate in the conference. The event would be organized in collaboration with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights; Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions; and Arab League.

Providing insights into NHRC Qatar’s activities, Al-Attiyah highlighted their initiatives, such as the annual international conference; a national forum focusing on topics relevant to Qatari citizens, particularly vulnerable groups. She emphasized the committee’s commitment to making recommendations to enhance the rights of these segments and collaborating with relevant authorities to ensure their implementation.

Expressing a commitment to effective cooperation and the exchange of experiences with the Oman Human Rights Commission, Al-Attiyah mentioned as President of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, she works towards strengthening the role of these institutions globally.

She said that NHRC Qatar has achieved ‘A’ classification since 2011 by the International Accreditation Committee (ICC), renewed in 2015 and 2021.

She discussed her role as the president of the Asia Pacific Forum for Human Rights from 2013 to 2015 and her presidency of the Arab Network for Human Rights in 2013.

Al-Attiyah expressed a desire to expand cooperation for comprehensive and effective solutions based on human rights principles, emphasizing the pivotal role of national institutions in translating peace, security, and sustainable development into tangible realities for individuals.

The discussions between the two sides covered topics such as the adoption of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, the foundations of classification, legal perspectives, and alignment with the Paris Principles. They also delved into the mechanism for selecting committee members and the importance of cooperation with other organizations.

Prof. Dr. Rashid bin Hamad Al Balushi commended NHRC Qatar’s achievements and expressed the purpose of his delegation visit was to learn from the Qatari experience, particularly in the context of international classification and bilateral relations.

The Omani delegation later visited the permanent exhibition at NHRC Qatar’s headquarters, showcasing the committee’s role, achievements, awards, conferences, publications, and awareness campaigns related to human rights. The exhibition also highlighted historical milestones, artistic creations, and the committee’s contributions in various sectors and occasions, including training courses and national events.

NHRC Qatar observes its anniversary on the eleventh of November every year.