The first Qatar National Human Rights Forum began yesterday with officials highlighting strides made by Qatar in protecting human rights. The two-day event, which concludes today, is being held under the theme, “The role of law enforcement agencies in protecting human rights during FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.”
The event is hosted by the Qatar National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) in partnership with the Ministry of Interior (MoI), Ministry of Labour (MoL), Ministry of Sports And Youth, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), and the United Nations Human Rights Training and Documentation Centre.
Speaking at the opening of the forum, NHRC Chairperson H E Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah said as the country awaits the World Cup, the first to be hosted in the Middle East and Arab region, Qatar reaffirms its commitment to the value of human rights. She also noted the role of law enforcement in promoting human rights and implementing the country’s constitutional provisions for human rights, especially during the November 20 to December 18 tournament.
“This event (FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022) is an ample opportunity for us to work towards implementing sustainable development and protecting human rights. As an agency, we aim to highlight human rights issues globally and tackle them. As part of our mandate, we work tirelessly to ensure we channel all towards protecting human rights,” the NHRC head stated.
The forum will host several sessions which will discuss 11 working papers. The sessions aim to spread awareness of the need to approach human rights in law enforcement institutions within the framework of national performance to ensure a successful World Cup enriching the Qatari human rights practice.
Al Attiyah added that the NHRC, in coordination with its partners, looks forward to meeting the goals of the forum. The committee has also carried out several workshops and training for its staff and law enforcement to build capacity on how to handle spectators during the World Cup while ensuring a friendly tournament.
Meanwhile, Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Affairs at MoL, Mohammed Hassan Al Obaidly, said Qatar had undertaken significant reforms to protect workers’ rights in the country in line with the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs) and Qatar National vision 2030.
“We are proud that we are always keen to work for a brighter future for the three production parties (governments, employers, workers). We also carried out comprehensive reforms concerning labour laws and regulations to guarantee and protect migrant workers.
Brig Gen Saad Salem Al Dosari, Assistant Director, Department of Human Rights at MoI, said, “We want to highlight the work of law enforcement in maintaining security in sports places. We also want to assure you that we will make all efforts to ensure the safety of the World Cup.”
He noted that the Ministry is keen to maintain human rights and praised the NHRC’s role in promoting human rights and respect for human dignity. He said the forum would provide knowledge of how the government protects human rights, especially in preparation for the World Cup.
Mohammed Al Hajri, Compliance and Audit Manager, Workers Welfare Department at the Supreme Committee, emphasised that protecting human rights is part of the pillar of the SC’s mandate.
“Labour protection is important to achieving success in World Cup plans. We have held several workshops and implemented measures to protect labour rights.”
He added that the SC is working hard to ensure workers’ safety and remuneration according to the law and is in partnership with relevant bodies and FIFA to correct any mistakes as the World Cup approaches.
Dr. Abeer Jamal Al Khuraisha, Director of the UN Center for Training and Documentation in the Field of Human Rights for Southwest Asia and the Arab Region, also noted that the World Cup could drive change across several platforms.
She added, “It’s important to work with stakeholders, especially security, to build capacity as such events can be a force to promote and build human rights. States must develop legislation to help law enforcement achieve human rights goals. Through sports, we can promote tolerance, shared values, and a more peaceful society that highlights human dignity, irrespective of their religious background and ideology.”
An exhibition on human rights titled ‘Human rights and football’ and ‘Human rights in the culture of Islam’ is also being held alongside the forum.
On the forum’s opening day, the NHRC signed a memorandum of understanding (Mou) with the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies.
