UN official hails Qatar's steps to protect workers' rights

Date

3/24/2016 9:50:16 PM

(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Officials at Arab Human Rights Day event at Police College. Pic: Baher / The Peninsula

by Sanaullah Ataullah

DOHA: A senior UN human rights official has appreciated the steps being taken by Qatar to protect the rights of foreign workers and its efforts to provide them with easier access to authorities to raise complaints and concerns.

Dr Al Obaid Ahmad Al Obaid Director UN Human Rights Training and Documentation Centre for South-West Asia and Arab region said it is a unique thing that expatriate communities in Qatar can approach the Ministry of Interior directly to raise complaints.

He was speaking at an event organised by the ministry yesterday at Police College associated with Arab Human Rights Day marked on March 16. The event was held under the theme ‘Human Dignity for All’. “ There is a very heavy commitment from Qatar to human rights in general. We have worked directly with the ministry especially the Department of Human Rights.

“We have seen there is commitment openness and transparency. We were able to visit everywhere. This indicates that there is very strong political will to ensure human rights are integrated” said Al Obaid.

He said it is also important that there is possibility for the expatriate communities here to have direct relationship with the ministry and interact among themselves through cultural activities held for them. “I think this is an amazing opportunity for us. It is very good news that there is commitment to improve human rights. I hope the strong political will and openness would be utilised for further improvement of human rights” he added.

Police College aims to prepare qualified cadres to implement justice and equality to protect people’s dignity and freedom in Qatar said Brigadier Mohammed Abdullah Al Muhana Al Marri Director-General of the college.

Peace is not possible without human rights. Qatar’s Constitution and the wise leadership respect human rights of everyone (citizens and expatriates) in the country he added.

Human dignity is an integral part of human rights said Jaber Al Huwail Director Legal Affairs National Human Rights Committee.

“Without justice and human dignity loyalty to the nation is not possible. Some Arab countries are violating human rights and suppressing the freedom of their people” said Al Huwail. “It is a responsibility of all of us to try to protect human rights in the Arab region. NHRC is working hard to protect human rights in Qatar and it will continue in its mission.” Representatives of different expatriate communities attending the event were honoured on the occasion.

The Peninsula

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