Doha: The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) held a consultative meeting with United Nations branches, offices, and agencies under the title: “Sustaining Partnership and Integrating Roles: Enhancing Paths of Cooperation through a Human Rights-Based Approach.” The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between the Committee and UN offices, in addition to presenting the Committee’s strategy and highlighting its roles.
The meeting was attended by Ms. Abeer Jamal Al Khuraisha, Director of the United Nations Training and Documentation Centre for South-West Asia and the Arab Region; Mr. Murad Tangiyev, Acting Director of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism; Mr. Anthony MacDonald, Director of the UNICEF Office in Doha; and Ms. Lulwa Salat, Public Health Specialist.
Also attending were Mr. Saher Mohieddin, Protection Officer; Dr. Biplov Choudhury, Head of Office and Technical Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); Mr. Mushfiq Eminov, Project Development Manager; Mr. Mustafa Arten, Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC); Mr. Francesco D’Ovidio, Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Office; and Mr. Dawood Al Masri, Director of the Office of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (UNESCO).
Her Excellency Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee, stated that the meeting represents the culmination of joint efforts and institutional harmony between the NHRC and UN bodies, agencies, and mechanisms. This cooperation has resulted in the organization of numerous international conferences, seminars, forums, and activities aimed at discussing issues and challenges with global human rights implications and contributing solutions consistent with relevant international standards.
She expressed her deep appreciation for the ongoing coordination and constructive collaboration with UN institutions, affirming that the Committee seeks to institutionalize and elevate this partnership in order to enhance the effective enjoyment of human rights and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals 2030.
She added that, in line with the vital role played by the NHRC as a link between national and international standards and as an institutional bridge promoting coordination between national protection systems and relevant regional and international mechanisms, the Committee ensured that its Strategic Plan 2024–2030 aligns with this role, responds to the Paris Principles, and reflects the broad legal mandate entrusted to it. This includes activating partnerships with national, regional, and international stakeholders, foremost among them specialized UN bodies and agencies.
Al Attiyah continued: “We recognize that advancing and protecting human rights requires integrated roles, comprehensive coordination, and effective engagement of all stakeholders. This is what we sought to translate into the objectives of our strategic plan and what we aim to achieve through this meeting and other engagements with civil society and all components of society, including youth and future generations, in embodiment of the pledge to leave no one behind.”
She pointed to the Committee’s orientation toward designing and implementing innovative projects to strengthen the comprehensive human rights-based approach, in compliance with international obligations and in harmony with the Committee’s strategic vision, based on the principles of universality, inclusiveness, interdependence, and indivisibility of human rights.
Al Attiyah highly praised the prominent role played by the State of Qatar in leading humanitarian efforts and supporting United Nations initiatives across all human rights and development fields, affirming that these consultations seek to keep pace with this approach and broaden its horizons.
She said: “We extend our sincere thanks to all participants in this consultative meeting and renew our commitment to building a pioneering model of integration between national human rights institutions and the United Nations system. We hope our discussions will lead to a unified vision for enhancing institutional coordination in all areas of common interest and to developing effective mechanisms for implementing these ambitious aspirations.”
She added: “We commend your tireless efforts and trust in your belief in the noble mission entrusted to us all. We rely on our shared determination to confront global challenges and move forward with firm resolve toward a future that ensures the sustainability of human dignity and consolidates justice for all.”
She explained that the consultative meeting aims to assess the current state of partnership between the NHRC and the United Nations House, explore future avenues of cooperation, and examine ways to sustain them.
She noted that the discussion sessions focused on supporting the implementation of the NHRC Strategic Plan through exchanging experiences, expertise, and technical support to help establish a legislative environment aligned with international human rights standards, strengthen human rights protection mechanisms, and develop the advisory dimension of the Committee’s work.
She added that discussions also focused on promoting a culture of human rights, building capacities in relevant fields, and strengthening joint regional and international action, including advancing discussions on global human rights challenges and seeking decisive solutions to mitigate their negative impact on the enjoyment of rights and freedoms, while emphasizing the importance of coordination in supporting the capacities of multiple stakeholders, foremost among them civil society.
She stressed that the topics raised during the consultative meeting represent fundamental pillars for advancing partnership prospects and developing future projects, thanking representatives of UN branches, offices, and specialized agencies for their active participation.
H E Salah Khaled, UNESCO Representative to the Gulf States and Yemen, stated in a speech delivered on behalf of UN agencies and offices in Doha that the work of the United Nations is grounded in the fundamental principle that human rights are not optional but rather an inherent obligation. Based on the UN Charter and international law, the protection and promotion of human rights remain guiding pillars for all UN efforts in peace, security, development, and humanitarian action.
He referred to several principles framing joint action, including the universality and indivisibility of human rights, emphasizing that all categories of rights must be treated equally without diminishing any of them. He noted that primary responsibility lies with Member States, while the role of the United Nations remains supportive of national efforts, thereby enhancing accountability and the rule of law.
He stressed the need to integrate human rights into all programmes and policies through a principled, evidence-based, people-centered, and preventive approach that anticipates risks and prevents violations.
He added: “Human rights due diligence constitutes a core component of UN efforts worldwide. This requires assessing risks threatening human rights, taking mitigation measures, and continuously monitoring compliance.”
Khaled praised the NHRC Strategic Plan 2024–2030, describing it as a shared framework that enables the unification of national efforts and UN expertise to achieve tangible results.
He continued: “In Doha, we have a unique opportunity to move from coordination to an effective partnership. While the United Nations provides expertise and international standards, the National Human Rights Committee offers deep understanding of the national context and direct engagement with society. Through this integration and partnership, principles can be translated into tangible practical impact.”
He noted that the consultative sessions addressed the exchange of views on ways to enhance cooperation between the NHRC and UN agencies and offices in Doha, reviewing existing partnerships and identifying means to strengthen and expand them.
He highlighted several priorities for joint action, including exploring innovative approaches to integrating human rights into development efforts, humanitarian assistance, and policies; enhancing the exchange of expertise and best practices; examining sustainable coordination and follow-up mechanisms; supporting monitoring, documentation, and international reporting; and expanding awareness and training programmes, ultimately leading to the development of a clear roadmap for future cooperation.
The consultative meeting also included a discussion session entitled: “Institutional Partnership and Prospects for Joint Cooperation in Light of the National Human Rights Committee’s Strategic Plan,” which focused on mapping sustainable paths of coordination and cooperation between the NHRC and the United Nations system.
The meeting further featured a presentation by Mr. Saeed bin Jarallah Al-Sumaykh Al Marri, Head of the Strategic Planning and Quality Unit, on the NHRC Strategic Plan 2024–2030.
Discussions focused on opening new horizons of cooperation between the NHRC and the United Nations system in order to formulate practical approaches for transforming strategic objectives into realistic programmes and tangible outcomes that strengthen joint efforts toward safeguarding human dignity, ensuring the full realization of human rights, and achieving development goals.
Source: NHRC