NHRI Showcases Commitment To Equality At Doha Human Rights Forum

A delegation from the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI), led by Maqsoud Kruse, attended the Regional Dialogue Forum on Human Rights in Doha. The forum, held from 15th to 16th July 2024, focused on promoting equality and combating discrimination in migration contexts. It was organised by Qatar's National Human Rights Committee in collaboration with the UN Human Rights Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa (ROMENA) and the Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions (ANNHRI).

The forum featured sessions discussing mechanisms to combat racial discrimination. These included legal frameworks for migration in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and workers' living conditions. Gulf human rights bodies, committees, and international experts from the United Nations Human Rights Commission participated. Abdulaziz Al Obathani, NHRI's Head of International and Regional Organisations, took part in the concluding session as a member of the recommendations drafting committee.

During a session on best practices, Maqsoud Kruse presented NHRI's experiences. He discussed its establishment phase, expertise gained through mutual visits with other human rights institutions, training workshops, and retreats with relevant agencies. This approach has helped develop strategic directives for key areas such as workers' rights, women's rights, children's rights, disability rights, and health and mental health initiatives.

Maqsoud Kruse also highlighted UAE's efforts in promoting equality and combating discrimination at various levels. He noted that these efforts span legislative, legal, institutional, and programmatic domains. The UAE has been proactive in addressing these issues comprehensively.

On the sidelines of the forum, Maryam bint Abdullah Al-Attiyah of Qatar's National Human Rights Committee met with Maqsoud Kruse to discuss mutual cooperation on human rights issues. Additionally, Sultan bin Hassan Al Jamali of ANNHRI welcomed Kruse to explore joint cooperation areas.

NHRI Delegation Members

The NHRI delegation included Mohamed Al Hammadi from the Board of Trustees, Amro Al Qahtani from the Chairperson’s Office, Fajer Al Haidan from International Affairs Section, and Abdulaziz Al Obathani from International and Regional Organisations.

The forum provided a platform for sharing best practices among national human rights institutions. It facilitated discussions on improving human rights practices regionally and internationally through collaboration.

The event underscored the importance of collective efforts in addressing human rights challenges related to migration. It highlighted how regional cooperation can lead to significant improvements in promoting equality and combating discrimination.

With inputs from WAM