Qatar’s National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) has engaged in discussions with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) to explore ways to enhance human rights protections within counter-terrorism policies and law enforcement. The talks took place on the sidelines of the 2026 Global Security Forum held in Doha.
HE Maryam bint Abdullah al-Attiyah, Chairperson of the NHRC, met with Nigel Lazarus, a law enforcement official at UNOCT, alongside other senior representatives from the UN office. Their dialogue focused on integrating international human rights standards into counter-terrorism frameworks, supporting victims, reviewing relevant legislation, and safeguarding privacy and personal data.
The participants also examined the responsible application of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, within law enforcement and counter-terrorism operations. HE al-Attiyah explained the NHRC’s mandate as an independent national institution operating under the Paris Principles, holding the highest accreditation, “A” status, among national human rights bodies.
This meeting followed earlier discussions held in May between the NHRC and the UN office’s Doha branch. Throughout their engagement, both parties underscored the importance of legal safeguards that should accompany counter-terrorism measures, citing protections such as the right to liberty and security, fair trial guarantees, prohibition of torture and ill-treatment, and adherence to the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to territories where they may face persecution or serious harm.
Ensuring that national laws and practices align with international human rights obligations was a consistent theme, alongside the role of national human rights institutions in promoting accountability for violations related to counter-terrorism measures. Participants also emphasized these institutions’ responsibility in monitoring adherence to international standards and raising public awareness about legal protections.
Concerns related to privacy and personal data protection in the context of AI and other modern technologies were highlighted, reflecting broader global discussions on how to balance security with fundamental rights in an evolving technological landscape.
To further strengthen collaboration, the two sides discussed establishing a coordination and follow-up mechanism involving the UN office’s Doha branch. This mechanism aims to identify priorities, plan activities, and detail implementation steps to ensure effective cooperation going forward.
These discussions take place amid ongoing international efforts to address the human rights implications of counter-terrorism policies, striving to ensure that security measures comply fully with international legal standards.