"The repercussions of the blockade and the coercive measures imposed on my country by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the Arab Republic of Egypt since 2017 are still causing many violations of human rights related to religious and educational rights, freedom of movement and fundamental freedoms", HE the Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Official Spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry Lolwah Rashid AlKhater, has said.
Participating in the meetings of the high-level segment of the 43rd session of the UN Human Rights Council, in Geneva, HE AlKhater said: "Of particular concern is the fact that these violations are targeting Qatari citizens on the basis of their Qatari nationality, which constitutes a grave and direct violation of all human rights instruments, particularly the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination."
HE AlKhater referred to the two decisions of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on jurisdiction and admissibility to consider complaints filed by Qatar against both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. "I also recall the International Court of Justice's Interim Measures regarding the discrimination suffered by Qatari citizens, as the court is still considering the case filed by the State of Qatar against the UAE in this regard," she said.
Addressing the meeting, HE AlKhater said: "Qatar's national efforts have not only enhanced the role of the State's institutions, but have also strengthened the legislative framework in many areas, most notably the issuance of the Amiri Decision establishing a higher committee to prepare for the Shura Council elections, the cabinet's decision to form a committee to align national legislation with the international covenants, the cabinet's decision to establish the National Committee for Women, Children, the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities. In addition, Qatar has continued to develop and reform the legislative system that aims at protecting and promoting the rights of expatriate workers."
"At the international level, Qatar's external relations are characterised by constructive co-operation and positive engagement with countries and international organisations. In 2019, the State of Qatar signed an agreement to establish in Doha a centre for analysis and communication that is affiliated to the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, an agreement to establish an office for the United Nations Development Program, an agreement to open the United Nations Office for the Alliance for Civilizations in Doha, and an agreement to establish an office to coordinate humanitarian affairs. The State of Qatar has also continued to provide humanitarian, developmental and relief assistance to those affected by disasters and conflicts. In this respect, Qatar has spent nearly two and a half billion US dollars during the last three years in the areas of economic development, education, health and infrastructure. In addition, Qatar has continued its mediation role to bring views closer together, avoid escalation and find sustainable solutions to conflicts and disputes. The most recent is the State of Qatar's mediation between the United States of America and the Taliban, which we hope will prove successful in achieving the long-awaited sustainable peace in Afghanistan."
HE AlKhater stressed that the Palestinian cause is exposed to many dangers, such as the biased unilateral decisions and projects, including the so-called "Deal of the Century", which violates all agreed laws and agreements, and encourages the Israeli occupation to continue committing further gross violations.
She stressed that the only and best way to reach a just, comprehensive and lasting solution should be based on human rights, the rules of international law, international legitimacy resolutions and the Charter of the United Nations in order to achieve security, stability and enable the Palestinian people to realise their full legal and historical rights, including the right of return and the establishment of an independent State according to the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
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