London, 03 Feb. 2024

Mrs. Maryam bint Abdullah Al-Attiyah, Chairperson of National Human Rights Committee of Qatar (NHRC), held a series of separate meetings with Mrs. Yasmine Ahmed, Director of Human Rights Watch in the United Kingdom; Mrs. May Romanos and Mrs. Ella Knight, researchers in the Working Group on Migrant Labor of Amnesty International representing Secretary-General of the organization, Agnes Callard. In addition she also held meeting with Ms. Kishore Falkner, Chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, in the British Capital, London.

This comes within the framework of a series of meetings held by NHRC Chairperson, and continuing over a period of 3 days within the framework of introducing the National Human Rights Committee and discussing ways of cooperation.

Mrs. Maryam bint Abdullah Al-Attiyah said in press statement that the three meetings focused on addressing the leadership of international advocacy campaigns for human rights issues that have a global impact, such as the human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, the effects of climate change on human rights, and others. Within the framework of interaction at the international level.

She added that cooperation was discussed in supporting efforts to develop international mechanisms concerned with the protection of human rights, and the possibility of holding conferences, seminars and dialogue sessions with the aim of developing international human rights standards was discussed.

She indicated that the meetings discussed ways to effectively communicate, exchange information, enhance capabilities in all areas of human rights, especially in the areas of preparing reports, enhance the capabilities of workers from different institutions and organizations on human rights topics, according to the target group, inside and outside the country, and exchange experiences with regard to preparing training programs.

During the meeting of the working group on migrant labor affiliated with Amnesty International, the two parties discussed partnership in preparing programs and training manuals directed to school and university students, and cooperation and partnership in formulating manuals and programs with the aim of strengthening cooperation between national human rights institutions and non-governmental organizations.

Children and people with disabilities

AlAttiya said that her meeting with Ms. Kishore Falkner delved into mechanisms for receiving, studying, and addressing individual complaints, measures to tackle discrimination issues, and mechanisms related to the rights of children, persons with disabilities, and migrant workers. Additionally, they discussed the impact of commercial partnerships on human rights implementation.

She said that the NHRC was established in accordance with the Paris Principles adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, and the committee obtained first-class accreditation (A), which is the highest classification given to national institutions when they commit to credibility, independence, and full compliance with the Paris Principles.

She added that it is working to provide free legal advice to workers through cooperation with a number of law firms in the State of Qatar.

Mrs. Al-Attiyah highlighted the National Human Rights Committee’s commitment to promoting and protecting human rights in Qatar, citing its establishment in accordance with the Paris Principles. The committee’s A-class accreditation underscores its adherence to credibility, independence, and full compliance with these principles. Mrs. Al-Attiyah underscored the committee’s provision of free legal advice to workers through collaborations with law firms in Qatar.

In terms of Qatari legislation, Mrs. Al-Attiyah outlined measures undertaken by the state to promote and protect human rights. This includes legislative developments such as setting minimum wages, amending entry and residence regulations for expatriates, and establishing the Labour Dispute Resolution Committee. Further steps involve limiting working hours in outdoor workplaces during the summer and other measures aimed at upholding human rights.