Qatar's commitment on human rights issues highlighted

Secretary-General of National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), Maryam bint Abdullah al-Attiyah, has reaffirmed that Qatar has become a pioneer in human rights in a short time by implementing its international obligations. Speaking on the occasion of the anniversary of Qatar's Human Rights Day, Maryam bint Abdullah al-Attiyah pointed out that the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council had commended the rule of law that characterises Qatar and appreciated the presence of institutions that preserve human rights in the country.She added that Qatar's recent accession to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights had been positively reflected on Qatar's national strategies, policies and laws, most notably Qatar National Vision 2030, which included a package of reforms based on human rights, in addition to adopting a policy of gradual transition from an approach based on providing social services that guarantee citizens their rights to an enabling approach that stimulates active citizenship and popular participation.Al-Attiyah said that this annual national event underscores the interest of the leadership and people of Qatar in promoting human rights and enhancing Qatar's involvement in international and regional efforts to protect and promote these rights through its commitment at the national level, and its full conviction of this option at the local, social and economic development level.Al-Attiyah added that since its establishment, Qatar has pledged its commitment to the global system of human rights and has endeavoured since the first building block of the state to make it a foundation in the process of economic and social renaissance, which reflected positively on the Qatari society through the promotion of rights as well as the empowerment of citizens without discrimination on the basis of colour, gender, race or any other discrimination. She pointed out that Qatar National Development Strategy 2018/2022 states that the social development strategy is rights-based and people-centered, and is based on the directives of the leadership and the aspirations of Qatar National Vision.Maryam bint Abdullah al-Attiyah stressed that NHRC is one of the leading institutions, in parallel with the state's efforts, to protect and promote human rights in Qatar. She added that NHRC also monitors the commitment of the Qatari government to fulfill its international and regional commitments on human rights issues. She pointed out that NHRC seeks, in accordance with the provisions of decree-law No 17, specifically Article 3, to raise awareness and education on human rights and freedoms and to consolidate its principles at the level of thought and practice.As part of NHRC activities to commemorate Qatar's Human Rights Day, al-Attiyah said that NHRC organised, in co-operation with the Fire Station, an art exhibition.The exhibition showcased many paintings by artists in Qatar, representing a unique mix between the fine arts and human rights, dealing with issues related to human rights, such as child's rights, women's rights, freedom of opinion and expression and the effects of the unjust siege on Qatar from the point of view of human rights, indicating that the paintings embodied all these subjects and reflected an artistic message of rights and freedoms.Fire Station Director Khalifa al-Obaidli said that the various works and paintings presented on this occasion concerned with the security and stability of humanity on this planet and demonstrated the awareness and commitment to the principles of human rights of all nationalities and races.Al-Obaidli added that these works of art and the meanings they carry reflected the awareness and commitment to the message reached by art and artists in Qatar and their influential role in society.The celebration of Qatar's Human Rights Day marks the 11th anniversary of the establishment of NHRC on November 12 in 2002.