The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) has launched its strategic plan (2024-2030), on the occasion of Qatar Human Rights Day under the slogan (Human Rights.. A Sustainable Force towards a Better Future), which falls on November 11 of each year.
On this occasion, HE Chairperson of the NHRC Maryam bint Abdullah al-Attiyah said that the interest in approving Qatar Human Rights Day embodies an aspect of the State's interest and keenness to ensure respect for human rights as a fixed strategic option and a fundamental pillar of the sound management of the state of institutions and the rule of law, and an indicator of the advancement and civilisation of societies.
HE al-Attiyah explained during her speech at the inaugural ceremony that approving this occasion on November 11 of each year, which coincides with the date of the establishment of the NHRC, reflects the State's appreciation for the role of the committee in contributing effectively to promoting and protecting human rights at the national level, and supporting the human rights position of Qatar in international and regional forums.
She noted that the celebration of Qatari Human Rights Day this year is of particular importance given that it coincides with the general referendum on the draft constitutional amendments, as these amendments were coupled with the blessing of all Qatari citizens, based on their convictions of their positive impact in promoting the values of equal citizenship, strengthening national cohesion and social fabric and supporting comprehensive development.
She added the NHRC has become a centre of influence and a model to be emulated in the work of national human rights institutions, in the Gulf, Arab and international arenas, given its achievements and best practices, in addition to its commitment to the principles of independence, transparency and pluralism. It has become eligible to obtain accreditation level (A) from the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions for three consecutive sessions from 2010, 2015, 2020, and until 2025.
She pointed out that the NHRC's performance would not have risen to this high position had it not been guided by the principles of modern management and strategic planning, which essentially means (predicting the future) and preparing for it with calculated steps away from spontaneity, coincidence and immediacy.
This explains the committee's adoption of its first plan 2011-2014 and its second plan 2018-2022.
She stressed that the NHRC continues its work on this approach by preparing its third strategic plan 2024-2030. She added that the third strategic plan will provide the NHRC with many opportunities and benefits, perhaps the most prominent of which is: achieving an opportunity to mobilize, attract and coordinate roles and functions in the committee in a way that makes it a stronger force and more effective in implementing its programs and achieving its goals.
She explained in the same context that the plan facilitates the dealings of the concerned parties inside and outside the country with the committee, including civil society organizations, stakeholders and relevant governmental institutions, as well as international organisations concerned with human rights (UN and non-governmental), given the clarity of the vision of the NHRC and its work philosophy.
On the other hand, HE Vice-Chairman of the NHRC Dr Mohammed bin Saif al-Kuwari, said that the NHRC's strategic plan 2024-2030 relied on more than 250 references documented from national legislation such as the Qatari Constitution, legislation and laws, and other Arab charters related to human rights such as the Arab Charter on Human Rights, in addition to regional charters such as the Asian, Pacific, African and European charters, as well as Latin American and others.
He explained in statements to the Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the NHRC relied on all these references, in addition to international standards such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenants on Civil, Political, Cultural, Social and Economic Human Rights, and specialized charters on human rights, for women and children, persons with disabilities, workers' rights and other such charters.
During the celebration of Qatar Human Rights Day, the NHRC honoured HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Dr Khalid bin Mohammed al-Attiyah, as the first chairman of the NHRC since its inception in 2003 until 2009. It also honoured HE the Minister of Labour Dr Ali bin Smaikh al-Marri, the second chairman of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) from 2009 to 2021, for the human rights initiatives and achievements they have presented and achieved during their career at the national, regional and international levels.
