A delegation from the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), headed by NHRC Deputy Chairman Dr Mohamed bin Saif al-Kuwari, toured a number of labour-exporting countries, during which the delegation met representatives of the local human rights commissions (HRC).
The tour came within the framework of enhancing co-operation and the exchange of expertise between the NHRC and HRCs abroad on the protection and promotion of workers' rights.
During his meeting with the chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India, Arun Kumar Mishra, in the Indian capital New Delhi, Dr al-Kuwari affirmed that the NHRC considers the protection of workers' rights as one of its priorities and focus of attention.
Dr al-Kuwari was given a detailed explanation on the work and role of the NHRC of India and its efforts to monitor and train staff for the goal of providing distinguished work.
The two sides agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to frame joint co-operation in supporting and promoting human and workers' rights between both countries.
Dr al-Kuwari also met the undersecretary at the Indian ministry of external affairs, Ausaf Sayeed, who praised Qatar's efforts in promoting human rights.
The two sides reviewed the conditions of Indian workers in Qatar, in addition to the operations of Qatar Visa Centres in India.
In the Nepalese capital Kathmandu, the Qatar NHRC delegation headed by Dr al-Kuwari met the chairman of the NHRC of Nepal, Top Bahadur Magar, and exchanged views on protecting and promoting workers’ rights.
The Qatar NHRC delegation presented the Nepalese commission with 100 copies of the workers' rights pocket booklet in the Nepali language, which includes all the rights of a worker in Qatar in a simplified and easy language.
The delegation also visited the Qatar Visa Centre in Nepal and learned about its operations, and provided it a 100 copies of the aforementioned book.
The Qatar NHRC and the NHRC of Nepal signed an MoU for strengthening co-operation.
The MoU also aims to educate workers, employers, executives, recruiters, capacity-building agencies, labour associations, and diplomatic missions on issues of expatriate worker rights, existing legislation and relevant international agreements, in addition to labour agreements issued by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), as well as working with the competent judicial authorities for the prevention of trafficking in persons and forced labour.
The tour of the Qatar NHRC delegation is scheduled to include a number of Asian and African countries, including the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Kenya.
These visits are aimed at concluding and renewing MoUs for co-operation, to closely get acquainted with the most important aspects of co-operation, and to exchange experiences in order to protect and promote workers' rights.
