Under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, Qatar, represented by the Human Rights Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, celebrated the 10th anniversary of the GCC Declaration of Human Rights, in the presence of HE the Minister of State for International Co-operation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad and GCC Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Albudaiwi.

The celebration was held Tuesday in Doha, and coincided with the International Human Rights Day, which is marked on December 10 of each year. It was attended by a number of Their Excellencies ministers, officials and heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Qatar.

On the sidelines of the celebration, Albudaiwi launched a report on the efforts of the GCC countries in supporting and protecting the family entity from a human rights perspective, in a move that reflects the interest of the GCC countries in the family as the basic nucleus of societies.

In her opening speech, HE al-Misnad, considered the GCC Human Rights Declaration, which was adopted during the 35th Gulf Summit in Doha in 2014, a qualitative leap at the level of the GCC countries. Noting that this declaration strengthens the commitment of the GCC countries to human rights as a fundamental pillar for building a bright future. HE al-Misnad highlighted that the declaration represents one of the fundamental pillars for consolidating the values of justice and human dignity, and affirms the unity of destiny and shared responsibility towards preserving human rights. She noted Qatari efforts in establishing institutions concerned with promoting human rights, such as the National Human Rights Committee, which works to spread the culture of human rights and to strengthen regional and international partnerships.

HE al-Misnad referred to what His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani emphasised in his speech before the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in September 2024, when he said, "Qatar will spare no effort in working with its international partners and the United Nations to consolidate the pillars of peace, security, sustainable development, human rights and the rule of law at all levels."

The GCC Secretary-General expressed his thanks and appreciation to His Highness the Amir for hosting this celebration in Qatar. Praising the Qatari leadership's interest in human rights issues and providing the elements of a decent life for the people of the GCC countries. Albudaiwi stressed that the declaration reflects the extent of the GCC countries' commitment to human rights values, which are an integral part of the religious, cultural and social identity of the GCC countries. It was also pointed out about what the Islamic law includes for all the basic elements of human rights and the elements of a decent life.

He said that the GCC Human Rights Declaration is a celebration of authentic Gulf values and reflects the commitment of the GCC countries to promote these values at all national, regional and international levels, stressing that this anniversary is an opportunity to renew the pledge and enhance GCC co-operation in the field of human rights.

The GCC Secretary-General also stressed the tangible achievements made by the GCC countries in promoting and protecting human rights. Including supporting women, children's rights, people with disabilities, and combating human trafficking. He stressed that strengthening these efforts requires continued joint work to achieve further progress and prosperity for the people of the GCC countries.

Dr Reem bint Ali Ibrahim al-Derham, acting director of the Human Rights Department, affirmed Qatar's commitment to supporting and promoting human rights inspired by the country's constitution, noting that Qatar's achievements in the field of human rights include multiple areas, such as education, health and infrastructure, in addition to its humanitarian efforts in supporting refugees and those affected by armed conflicts.

Al-Derham stressed that promoting and protecting human rights represents a strategic choice for Qatar and a fundamental pillar of the comprehensive reform policy pursued by the State, affirming that hosting the 17th meeting of heads of government agencies concerned with human rights in the GCC countries reflects Qatar's keenness to enhance Gulf co-operation in this field.
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