The State of Qatar, represented by the Human Rights Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, celebrated the International Human Rights Day, which falls on Dec. 10 of each year, the day adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948 for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
In a speech at the opening of the ceremony, HE Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi noted what HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani emphasized in his speech before the United Nations General Assembly at the 74th session of the State of Qatars commitment to protect Human rights, and its adoption of a firm policy to protect and promote human rights, based on Arab and Islamic values that exalt the value of the human beings.
HE said that Qatar’s celebration of the International Human Rights Day comes under the patronage of HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani.
His Excellency stressed that the issue of promoting and protecting human rights represents a strategic choice for the State of Qatar, and forms the backbone of the comprehensive reform policy pursued by the country, noting that human development and the protection and promotion of human rights are at the forefront of Qatar’s priorities. His Excellency added that this was emphasized in the Qatar National Vision 2030, which was detailed in the first national development strategy 2011-2016 and the second national development strategy 2018-2022, which included important axes that touch on the main issues of human rights in the fields of education, health, environment, rights of expatriate workers, womens empowerment, childrens rights and people with disabilities as well as the elderly.
His Excellency the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out that the increasing attention paid by the state to the issue of promoting and protecting human rights was reflected in the state’s accession to seven of the basic human rights conventions, the latest of which was Qatar’s accession to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
His Excellency pointed out that the State of Qatar has achieved an advanced classification of 100 percent for the countries that submit their reports to international mechanisms, according to the statistical indicators issued by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
His Excellency noted that Qatar’s celebration of the International Human Rights Day aims to raise local and global awareness of human rights and present the state’s achievements in the field of promoting and protecting human rights through the accompanying exhibition in which the concerned authorities in the state and civil society organizations have contributed. It also confirms the availability of political will and a supportive climate for the promotion and protection of human rights in the State of Qatar.
His Excellency noted that the State of Qatar has achieved remarkable gains in a short period of time, but maintained that there needs to be more work done and stressed that the country will continue to be an active member of the international community. His Excellency expressed his thanks to the Human Rights Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for organizing this celebration and the governmental and non-governmental organizations that participated and contributed to the celebration.
For his part, Director of Department of Human Rights Dr. Turki bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud said that today’s celebration comes as a reminder on the importance of empowering the weakest segments. He stressed that the State of Qatar’s belief in human rights stems from the Islamic and Arabic culture which honored human beings, highlighting that Qatar protects human rights in implementation of its constitutional duties. He said that the achievements of the State of Qatar in the field of human rights are not limited to one aspect, but extend to education, health, security, safety, infrastructure, environment, hygiene, work, parks, gardens, roads, stadiums, public libraries and other rights.
His Excellency stressed that the State of Qatar, as a member of the Human Rights Council, plays an active role in promoting human rights at the local and international levels by promoting international peace, settling disputes, assisting developing countries and supporting initiatives that promote and protect human rights and support the values and principles of human rights and fundamental freedoms without discrimination – as well as effectively addressing human rights violations committed around the world.
In this regard, Al Mahmoud affirmed that the State of Qatar will spare no effort in continuing its efforts to promote and protect human rights at all national, regional and international levels.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar