The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) participated in the 29th Annual General Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Forum, held in the Thai capital, Bangkok, from Sep. 24 to 25.
HE Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah, who is the Chairperson of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) and Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), said that the United Nations Summit for the Future will provide participating countries with the opportunity to consolidate cooperation among themselves, define goals accurately, and plan the necessary steps and appropriate measures to protect the rights and interests of future generations.
In her online speech, Her Excellency revealed that the Global Alliance will issue a statement prior to the Summit on the Future, which is hosted by New York City in the United States of America with the attendance of world leaders this week. She said that, in its statement, the Global Alliance will calls on governments to affirm their commitment to human rights,
the Sustainable Development Goals, and the United Nations Charter, and to support the establishment of a renewed multilateral system centered on improving the quality of people’s lives.
Her Excellency called on national human rights institutions to cooperate with their governments to discuss the importance of human rights in implementing the charter for the future that will be adopted in the outcomes of the summit, and to provide their support as national human rights institutions to contribute to achieving this.
Her Excellency stressed the need for mutual cooperation between national human rights institutions to ensure their adequate readiness to deal with the contemporary challenges facing us in the field of human rights.
She said that these challenges were complex, and often shared in different regions, including crises and conflicts in addition to climate change and the shrinking of civil space. Her Excellency noted that this requires joint efforts to defend fundamental rights and freedoms in a world s
uffering from various forms of discrimination and inequality. As a result, Her Excellency added, the world faces a major challenge to promote and protect human rights under the current circumstances.
GANHRI Chairperson said that it is in these difficult times that the role of national human rights institutions must involve engaging local communities, combating discrimination, supporting marginalized groups, protecting both civic space and human rights defenders; and advocating for those in power who fully respect human rights.
She noted that GANHRI’s top priority remains to support its members as they continue to play their challenging roles in protecting human rights during current crises.
The Chairperson of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions said that the Human Rights Council was currently discussing two important initiatives related to national human rights institutions in Geneva. The first initiative focuses on persons with disabilities, while the second addresses national human
rights institutions and the mechanisms for monitoring, reviewing, implementing, and following up. Her Excellency explained that the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions contributed a paper on this matter, urging all national institutions to collaborate with their governments to ensure strong outcomes that enhance collective efforts. She also highlighted that in November of last year, the 14th International Conference of National Human Rights Institutions, saw the adoption of the Copenhagen-Kyiv Declaration by the members, who agreed to take effective practical steps to prevent and combat torture and other forms of ill-treatment. She added that the alliance will implement this year an action plan aimed at supporting national human rights institutions in their efforts to implement the Copenhagen-Kyiv Declaration and strengthen cooperation with key UN bodies, civil society organizations, and other partners. She further emphasized that with the 40th anniversary of the United Nations Convention Ag
ainst Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment approaching in 2024, the time has come for everyone to remain advocates for the prohibition of torture at all times and in all places. On climate change, Her Excellency said that addressing the impacts of climate change on human rights is a top priority for the alliance and its members. Her Excellency added that building on successful advocacy efforts at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 28), and as an observer to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Global Alliance was preparing a series of activities and events this year to support members in their participation at the COP 29 conference in Baku, Azerbaijan. On partnerships, Her Excellency said that they play a critical and significant role, especially in the difficult circumstances faced today. Her Excellency expressed her pride in the steadfast support and close partnership from UN partners, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
, and the United Nations Development Programme through the tripartite partnership supported by Norway. Her Excellency also highlighted the significant support provided by the European Commission through the NHRI.EU projects, which support the work of the Global Alliance and the four regional networks of national human rights institutions, including the Asia Pacific Forum. She praised the pivotal role that national human rights institutions play in their societies, calling for the highest levels of effectiveness and impact through the exchange of expertise, mutual support, and collaboration in defending human rights. Her Excellency added that, with this approach, the world come closer to achieving its shared vision of a world where everyone enjoys their full human rights.
Source: Qatar News Agency
