Qatar, which has been at the forefront of helping people around the world who are in need, has renewed its commitment to enhance and protect human rights. The country also promised to actively contribute to the work of the Human Rights Council in the coming years.

Sheikha Al Maha bint Mubarak Al Thani, Second Secretary at Qatar’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, made this promise on the country’s behalf while addressing the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

She was speaking about Agenda Item 66 — Human Rights Council Report —at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Thursday.

The State of #Qatar Renews Commitment to Enhancing Human Rights. #QNA https://t.co/CNBdBY33t3 pic.twitter.com/LtDkf5FE5k

— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) November 1, 2023

Sheikha Al Maha said Qatar highly valued its membership in the Human Rights Council. She said the international community had great confidence in Qatar’s active and positive role in protecting and promoting human rights and related issues.

She highlighted Qatar’s commitment to implementing the pledges and voluntary commitments it has made, including continuing to develop and align national legislation with international human rights law.

She said Qatar was working on implementing all agreements, covenants, and international treaties to which it is a party.

She noted that Qatar recently presented its initial report in Geneva on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, under Article 40. The report emphasized extensive developments in legislative, institutional, policy, and strategic levels aimed at enhancing and strengthening human rights infrastructure since Qatar’s accession to the Covenant in 2018.

Sheikha Al Maha said Qatar received 100% rating among countries submitting reports to international mechanisms according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. She added that the country was getting ready for the Human Rights Council’s comprehensive periodic review scheduled for November, 2024.

She reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to supporting the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. She also promised continued support for the activities of the United Nations Center for Human Rights Training and Documentation for Southwest Asia and the Arab Region, hosted by Qatar.

Emphasizing that human rights were essential in achieving sustainable development, she said Qatar, through its developmental and humanitarian aids, aims to promote and protect human rights, particularly the rights to development and education.

Sheikha Al Maha said the Human Rights Council’s report included resolutions regarding the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories. It addressed the ongoing and adverse consequences in the Gaza Strip.

She renewed the call for all parties to de-escalate the situation, leading to a complete cessation of hostilities, the immediate release of all prisoners, especially civilians, ensuring the urgent delivery of aid to Gaza, and opening safe passages to allow humanitarian aid.

She reiterated that Qatar condemns all forms of targeting civilians, especially women and children, rejecting the policy of collective punishment and attempts to forcibly displace the Palestinian people from the Gaza Strip, forcing civilians to flee to neighbouring countries, which is a blatant violation of international laws.

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