Qatar, European External Action Service hold talks on human rights

The fifth meeting on human rights issues between Qatar and the External Action Service of the European Union was held in Doha on Thursday. Director of Human Rights Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Turki bin Abdullah al-Mahmoud headed the Qatari delegation, while Head of Division MENA 4 (Arabian Peninsula and Iraq) at the External Action Service Anna-Maria Panagiotakopoulou led the European Union delegation.During the meeting, the latest developments in human rights in Qatar were reviewed, with a particular focus on women's affairs, migrant labour, as well as various topics of mutual interest, including refugee issues in Europe, combating hate speech and Islamophobia, joint efforts in combating human trafficking, and digital rights.Dr al-Mahmoud, during his opening statement, expressed his satisfaction with the fifth meeting of the Human Rights Working Group between Qatar and the European External Action Service. He emphasised Qatar's strong commitment to advancing and safeguarding human rights in various areas, such as education, healthcare, environmental protection, labour rights, women's empowerment, and children's rights.These efforts are considered a strategic choice and a crucial element contributing to Qatar's economic, social, cultural, and environmental progress. Qatar's recent accomplishments in various sectors serve as evidence of its dedication to upholding and preserving human rights.He also expressed optimism that this meeting, much like previous ones, would feature open and constructive discussions on the agenda topics. These discussions aim to align with our shared objectives of improving and safeguarding human rights. Dr al-Mahmoud expressed his hope that the meeting's proceedings will be productive and successful.Representatives from various Qatari government entities participated in the meeting, including the Supreme Judicial Council, the Public Prosecution, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Ministry of Social Development and Family Affairs, the Ministry of Labor, and Qatar's Mission to the European Union in Brussels.