Qatar Celebrates 10th Anniversary of GCC Human Rights Declaration

GCC Human Rights Declaration

Under the patronage of HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, the State of Qatar, represented by the Human Rights Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, celebrated the tenth anniversary of the GCC Human Rights Declaration. The event was attended by HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, and HE Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), Jasem Mohamed Abdullah Albudaiwi.

The celebration, which took place on Tuesday in Doha, coincided with International Human Rights Day on December 10. The event was attended by Their Excellencies several ministers, officials, and heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the country.

On the sidelines of the event, HE Albudaiwi launched a report detailing the GCC member states' efforts to support and protect family unit from a human rights perspective, underscoring the Council's focus on family as the fundamental pillar of society.

In her opening remarks, HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad described the GCC Human Rights Declaration, which was adopted at the 35th GCC summit in Doha in 2014, as a major milestone for member states. She emphasized that the declaration strengthens commitment of the GCC countries to human rights as a foundational pillar for building a bright future.

Her Excellency highlighted that the declaration is a cornerstone in establishing the values of justice and human dignity, reaffirming the shared responsibility of the GCC states to protect human rights. She also acknowledged Qatar's efforts in establishing institutions like the National Human Rights Committee, which works to spread the culture of human rights and enhance regional and international partnerships.

Her Excellency pointed to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's speech at the 79th United Nations General Assembly in September 2024, reaffirming Qatar's commitment to working with international partners and the United Nations to promote peace, security, sustainable development, human rights, and the rule of law at all levels.

In his remarks, HE GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Abdullah Albudaiwi expressed his appreciation to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani for hosting the event and praised the Qatari leadership's strong focus on human rights and providing the necessary means for a dignified life for people of the GCC states.

His Excellency emphasized that the declaration reflects the GCC member states' deep commitment to human rights, which are an integral part of their religious, cultural, and social identity. He noted that Islamic Sharia upholds all the fundamental aspects of human rights and dignified living.

He also pointed out that the GCC Human Rights Declaration is a celebration of the Gulf's core values and reflects the commitment of GCC states to promote these values at national, regional, and international levels. He stated that this anniversary is an opportunity to renew commitment and strengthen joint cooperation in human rights within the Gulf.

HE Secretary-General of the GCC further highlighted the tangible achievements of the GCC member states in advancing and protecting human rights, including support for women, children's rights, the rights of persons with disabilities, and the fight against human trafficking. He stressed that continuing these efforts will require ongoing collaboration to ensure further progress and prosperity for people of the GCC.

Acting Director of the Human Rights Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Reem bint Ali Ibrahim Al Derham affirmed Qatar's ongoing commitment to supporting and advancing human rights, as outlined in the country's constitution. She noted that Qatar's human rights achievements span various areas, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and humanitarian efforts supporting refugees and those affected by armed conflicts.

She concluded by emphasizing that the protection and enhancement of human rights is a strategic choice for Qatar and a fundamental pillar of its comprehensive reform policy. She also highlighted that hosting the 17th meeting of the heads of governmental human rights agencies of GCC states reflects Qatar's dedication to strengthening cooperation within the Gulf in this important field.

(QNA)