HE the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) Maryam bint Abdullah al-Attiyah affirmed that Qatar National Day is a precious and cherished occasion that fills every Qatari with pride and honour. She noted that this year’s celebration comes amidst the State’s ongoing comprehensive renaissance and major achievements in various fields, including economic, social, health, cultural and developmental sectors, among others.HE al-Attiyah said in an exclusive statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the celebration of the National Day reinforces national unity in light of the constitutional amendments made last month. It also reflects the progress and enhancement of all human rights for everyone living in Qatar, in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030. This underscores the establishment of a state of law and institutions, thanks to the wise leadership and visionary guidance of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.The celebration of Qatar’s National Day underscores the national identity of the State and its great history, which has always been and will remain a symbol of loyalty, solidarity, unity, noble values, and the lofty principles for which Qatari society has been known throughout the ages. These values were instilled by the Founder, and have been upheld by successive generations, becoming a legacy.Qatar confronts all challenges with resilience, and overcomes them with strong will and self-confidence, serving its people and nation, working towards sustainable development, and striving to achieve security, peace, and stability in the region and the world, she added.The NHRC chairperson explained that the celebration of National Day is also a celebration of the achievements and accomplishments realised across various levels. She highlighted, in this regard, the accomplishments of the Committee, which has become a model for national human rights institutions at the Gulf, Arab, and international levels.This status enabled it to secure an “A” accreditation rating from the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) for three consecutive cycles (2010, 2015, 2020) and until 2025, in recognition of its achievements, best practices, and adherence to the principles of independence, transparency and pluralism. This year, the National Human Rights Committee continued its efforts and responsibilities aimed at promoting and ensuring human rights for everyone under Qatar’s jurisdiction.This was achieved in co-operation with various governmental and non-governmental entities, as well as through presenting necessary proposals and recommendations to safeguard human rights in the country. These efforts were detailed in the Committee’s 2024 Annual Report, she said.She affirmed that the Committee spared no effort in addressing complaints from citizens and residents, co-ordinating with the relevant authorities in the State. It also conducted numerous visits to monitor the human rights situation, addressing any violations or abuses and following up on the necessary measures to achieve this goal, including resolving issues or referring them to the competent authority to halt or rectify their impacts.In the context of raising awareness and educating about human rights, HE al-Attiyah pointed out that the NHRC organised numerous events, most notably the conference titled “Food Justice from a Human Rights Perspective: Challenges of Reality and Future Stakes”, held in February of this year. This conference served as a unique platform for bringing together experts and stakeholders from various sectors to discuss the challenges facing the achievement of food justice at both local and global levels. The aim was to enhance awareness of the importance of food justice and contribute to the development of effective policies and strategies to achieve it.She added that the National Human Rights Committee also organised a conference in co-operation with the European Ombudsman Institute on “Protecting Children and other vulnerable groups”, held in Doha on October 14 of this year. This event provided an important platform to promote dialogue and exchange knowledge on safeguarding children and other vulnerable groups.Additionally, the Committee held the “Inaugural Business and Human Rights Dialogue in the Arab States Region” conference on October 28, in partnership with the Arab Network of National Human Rights Institutions, the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Unicef. The event was held under the theme “Charting the Course for Responsible Business Practices in the Arab States Region” in the field of international co-operation to promote human rights, HE al-Attiyah stated that the National Human Rights Committee signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) this year with various entities.These include the African Union Commission, the National Human Rights Commission of the Republic of Mauritania, the Penal Reform International organisation in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines and the Institute for Democracy and Human Rights in the Republic of Azerbaijan.One of the key achievements of the National Human Rights Committee this year was the launch of its third strategic plan (2024-2030), which aligns with Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy (2024-2030).The Committee’s strategy aims to contribute to the establishment of a legislative environment that complies with international human rights standards, strengthen mechanisms for human rights protection and enhance the advisory role of the Committee.The strategy also focuses on promoting the culture of human rights on the widest possible scale, consolidating Arab, regional, and international co-operation and partnerships at the national level in the field of human rights, supporting civil society organisations and building their capacities in this area, and improving both the institutional and individual performance of the Committee.HE al-Attiyah concluded her statements to QNA by saying that everyone in Qatari society has the right to feel proud and honoured for the comprehensive renaissance the nation has achieved in all fields and sectors, as well as for the prestigious position the state has attained regionally and internationally, under our wise leadership.