Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee H E Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah with UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights H E Ilze Brands-Kehris.
New York: Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) H E Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah met on Wednesday in New York with UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights H E Ilze Brands-Kehris.
During the meeting, Al Attiyah expressed her appreciation for the ongoing cooperation between the NHRC and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
She emphasised the Committee’s commitment to strengthening constructive dialogue with the United Nations on developing legislation and policies in line with the State’s international obligations.
She stressed the Committee’s dedication to fulfilling its role as an active partner within the UN system by preparing and submitting shadow reports to treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review mechanism.
She also highlighted the Committee’s efforts to enhance cooperation with the OHCHR in building national capacities in reporting and monitoring the implementation of international recommendations. H E Al Attiyah commended the OHCHR’s efforts and the ongoing communication channels between the Committee and the Office.
The NHRC affirmed its commitment to strengthening technical cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner and exchanging expertise to ensure the practical implementation of legislation, thereby achieving a tangible impact on the ground.
The Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) stated that the State of Qatar has witnessed significant progress in labour reforms in recent years, in cooperation with the International Labour Organisation (ILO). These reforms include the abolition of the sponsorship system, the implementation of a minimum wage, and the improvement of grievance mechanisms.
These reforms reflect a genuine commitment to protecting the rights of migrant workers and ensuring a fairer and more equitable work environment. Her Excellency noted that the amendments to labour laws have greatly benefited workers, who constitute a large segment of Qatar’s population.
She commended the efforts of the state’s regulatory bodies and their diligent work in monitoring the performance of all governmental and private institutions and ensuring their adherence to the rights guaranteed by the state to workers, which has contributed to achieving numerous positive indicators.
She noted that the NHRC works to support women’s rights in all areas and enhance their participation in public life and decision-making, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the international conventions to which the State has acceded. She noted that Qatar has made significant strides in supporting women’s rights, noting the Committee’s commitment to supporting these initiatives, including the flexible work arrangements now available to women in Qatar.
