Qatar’s National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) Chairperson, Maryam bint Abdullah al-Attiyah, met with United Nations Under-Secretary-General Guy Ryder at the UN headquarters in New York to discuss strengthened collaboration on human rights initiatives. The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation in protecting and promoting human rights, building the capacities of national institutions, and supporting their engagement within United Nations bodies.

Al-Attiyah highlighted the critical role of a robust international human rights protection framework, underpinned by independent national institutions and an active civil society operating at both domestic and global levels. She acknowledged the United Nations Secretariat’s key role in advancing efforts to safeguard fundamental rights and freedoms worldwide.

During the discussion, al-Attiyah outlined the NHRC’s history and achievements, noting its establishment in 2002 in line with the Paris Principles, which set standards for national human rights institutions. The NHRC earned an “A” accreditation—the highest rating—from the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) in 2010, with renewals in 2015 and 2021. This classification recognizes the committee’s commitment to independence, professionalism, and adherence to international human rights standards.

Al-Attiyah affirmed the committee’s ongoing commitment to maintaining this high level of accreditation through continuous development of its practices and ensuring impartial, professional work in serving human rights. She described the NHRC’s broad mandate to protect and promote the rights of all individuals under Qatar’s jurisdiction, encompassing citizens, residents, and visitors. The committee pursues this through awareness campaigns, educational activities, protection and support services, and capacity-building efforts in the human rights sector.

The chairperson also detailed NHRC’s support for establishing independent human rights institutions in the Gulf region, providing technical assistance to countries including Oman and Kuwait to align with the Paris Principles and international norms.

Notably, al-Attiyah referenced recent legislative reforms in Qatar aimed at improving labour rights and protections. These reforms include the abolition of the sponsorship system and exit permits, the introduction of the Wage Protection System, approval of a minimum wage, the creation of labour dispute resolution committees, the Workers Support and Insurance Fund, and a Domestic Workers Law. The NHRC has signed a memorandum of understanding with Qatar’s Ministry of Labour to monitor the implementation of these reforms, identify challenges, and collaborate in addressing them.

Ryder praised the NHRC’s initiatives and al-Attiyah’s leadership at both national and international levels. Drawing on his background as former director-general of the International Labour Organization, Ryder emphasized the need to closely monitor the practical impact of labour reforms on workers. He also highlighted ongoing challenges in the recruitment of workers from labour-exporting countries, including illegal practices such as fraudulent employment contracts and the imposition of recruitment fees that can lead workers into cycles of debt.

Concluding the meeting, al-Attiyah proposed expanding future cooperation with the United Nations, stressing the importance of increased participation by national human rights institutions in the work of the UN Economic and Social Council and other relevant bodies.