Wellington: HE Vice-chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) Dr. Mohammed bin Saif Al Kuwari commended Qatar’s initiatives in promoting equality through enhancing Qatari women’s participation in economic and political spheres, as well as their involvement in legislative and executive authorities. He acknowledged their remarkable achievements in various constitutional positions and their equal access to government employment opportunities.
According to Qatar News Agency, this was articulated during Dr. Al Kuwari’s meeting in Wellington with HE Chief-Human Rights Commissioner at the New Zealand Human Rights Commission, Dr. Stephen Rainbow, and HE Divisional Manager of the United Nations, Human Rights and Commonwealth Division at New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Angela Hassan-Sharp.
Al Kuwari expressed NHRC’s willingness to partner with New Zealand’s human rights institutions by exchanging experiences and best practices, and by coordinating efforts in United Nations Human Rights Council sessions. He also shared insights on both nations’ international commitments and the Universal Periodic Review mechanisms.
During his discussions with Dr. Rainbow, Al Kuwari presented NHRC’s national, regional, and international roles, shedding light on Qatar’s recent human rights advancements, including labor law reforms such as the implementation of a minimum wage, the abolition of the sponsorship (Kafala) system, and the establishment of a Labor Dispute Resolution Committee.
Both parties concurred on the significance of collaboration in human rights, particularly in safeguarding workers’ rights in Qatar and migrant workers in New Zealand. They emphasized strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing national human rights institutions to address current challenges.
In his meeting with Angela Hassan-Sharp, Al Kuwari advocated for collaboration in examining the ethical and legal impacts of artificial intelligence on human rights, an agenda item for NHRC’s upcoming international conference on May 27-28.
His Excellency also underscored the importance of cooperation on issues such as freedom of expression, women’s and workers’ rights, sustainable development, and supporting mutual initiatives within the United Nations and Commonwealth frameworks. Both sides highlighted the value of exchanging visits and experts, technical training, and hosting joint workshops and seminars.
Separately, Al Kuwari lauded New Zealand’s balanced approach in supporting international efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Gaza Strip, urging for civilian protection, adherence to international humanitarian law, ending the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, and ensuring the immediate and safe delivery of humanitarian aid.
He expressed gratitude for the roles of Qatar and New Zealand in maintaining international peace and security, and their mediation efforts for peaceful conflict resolution, emphasizing their contributions to fostering cultural dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence globally.