GCC Countries Renew Commitment to Protecting Human Rights

Dr. Hind bint Abdulrahman Al Muftah

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have reiterated their commitment to promoting and protecting human rights and their support for the work of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and his office.

This statement was delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN Office and other international organizations in Geneva Dr. Hind bint Abdulrahman Al Muftah, on behalf of GCC countries, with Qatar holding the presidency of the 44th session of the Supreme Council of the GCC. The statement was made during the Interactive Dialogue on the Annual Report of the High Commissioner as part of the 56th session of the Human Rights Council.

The GCC countries emphasized the importance of considering national specificities and historical, cultural, and religious backgrounds in any discussion or application related to human rights. They expressed their categorical rejection of the inclusion of any controversial topics or concepts that do not constitute part of the human rights standards and principles stipulated in international human rights agreements.

The GCC countries also highlighted that the international human rights system and the multilateral system are currently facing unprecedented challenges due to the ongoing war waged by Israel on Gaza, which has resulted in thousands of civilian casualties and widespread destruction. They warned that these circumstances place shared values and the international legal system under a critical test, cautioning that there is no hope of restoring confidence in the current international system if the international community does not address the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

(QNA)