Riyadh: Qatar is keen to enhance the status of human rights as it is a strategic choice and represents a political pillar of human development entrenched in Qatar National Vision 2030 which includes constitutional, economic, social and cultural reforms, said Sultan bin Abdullah Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Justice.
In a paper before a seminar organised by the GCC General Secretariat in Riyadh yesterday, Al Suwaidi said the policy focuses on key issues in the areas of human rights such as education, health and environment, rights of migrant workers and empowerment of women and children.
Through the presence of institutions that maintain the rights and preserve the dignity of all, Qatar has become in a record time one of the most civilised nations where the rule of law prevails in view of the quick and effective response to all issues and concerns in the field of human rights, he said, stressing that this is in support of Qatar’s efforts to achieve human development, consolidate democratisation and the building of civilisation and preserve prosperity and well-being enjoyed by the country.
To promote and protect the rights of women, children and vulnerable groups, he said, a decision was issued to establish Qatar Foundation for Social Action as a higher institution to undertake via a board of directors supervision of Qatar Foundation for the Care of Orphans; Qatar Foundation for the Care of the Elderly; Qatar Foundation for Protection and Social Rehabilitation, which includes Qatar Foundation for Protection of Women and Children and Qatar Foundation for Combating Human Trafficking; Social Rehabilitation Centre, Shafallah centre for children with special needs, Family Consulting Centre; and Social Development Centre.
He said the institution to prepare and develop plans, programmes, policies and strategies needed to achieve the objectives of these civil society institutions and follow up their implementation.
Al Suwaidi said the Permanent Committee for Emergency was formed in accordance with the Cabinet Decision No. 14 of 2011. It seeks to prepare studies, develop plans, take measures to face disasters, determine the channels of communication and take measures to face problems and risks arising from natural disasters.
He also highlighted the Emiri Decision No. 75 of 2011 that established Administrative Control and Transparency Authority to achieve control, transparency and fighting against corruption in all its forms and manifestations.
Al Suwaidi also spoke about Qatar Committee for Alliance of Civilisations which seeks to highlight the role of civilisations in enhancing human development and dialogue, solve conflicts, promote tolerance, solidarity and peace and combat extremism and fanaticism.
He said Qatar has attached utmost importance to the safety of movement and its role in achieving sustainable human development, pointing to the Cabinet Decision No. 33 of 2010 on the formation of National Committee for Traffic Safety by the Ministry of Interior.
He said the National Traffic Safety Strategy 2013-2022 aims to reduce accidents. To strengthen the policy of openness, he said, Qatar hosts annually Doha Forum, Doha Conference for Interfaith Dialogue and US-Islamic World Forum.
He also highlighted Qatar’s keenness to improve the condition of its citizens and residents and develop systems in a way that safeguards their rights and achieves their visions in providing a decent life and fulfilling the principle of justice and equality and said several accomplishments have been made.
He also stressed the importance attached by Qatar to protect and promote the rights of migrant workers and said Article 66 of the Labour Law obliged employers to transfer workers’ salaries to their accounts at financial institutions. QNA
