Qatar has proved that there is no conflict between Islam, development, good governance and human rights, HE the Assistant Foreign Minister and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lolwah Rashid AlKhater has said noting that the country is now one of the fastest growing economies in the region due to Qatar National Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy (2012-2017) and the Second National Development Strategy (2018-2022).

Speaking during a panel discussion organised on the sidelines of the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on good governance and human rights, HE AlKhater said Qatar has been classified by the United Nations as a country with very high human development, among the best countries in the region and around the world on many indicators, pointing out that the issue of the promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of a strategic vision that puts human beings as the top priority.

HE AlKhater said that Qatar is a key international actor in many areas, including mediation, conflict resolution, humanitarian assistance, development co-operation and partnerships.

She further explained that Qatar, based on its firm belief in the importance of international co-operation and multilateralism for development, has spared no effort in providing development assistance to many countries and supporting its efforts towards the implementation of development programmes.

She also pointed out that Qatar has managed to overcome the negative effects of the unjust blockade imposed on it by some neighbouring countries since June 2017, especially the economic impact, by strengthening its resilience and partnership with friendly countries, as well as continuing to implement strategic projects.

HE AlKhater explained that Qatar attaches great importance to the promotion and protection of women's rights, as well as the issue of gender equality, considering it a catalyst to ensure equal participation of both men and women in the national development process.

She pointed out that Qatari women have gained access to influential decision-making positions and have become important players in the civil service and the private sector, thanks to the encouraging role of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, in supporting women to achieve equal rights and improve the promotion of women's position and role in society.

The event was held under the patronage of the permanent delegation of Qatar and the permanent mission to Malaysia and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC,) with the participation of members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of governments and international organisations, in addition to civil society representatives.

HE AlKhater said that discussing the topic of good governance and human rights is a timely issue, as it highlights the pressing challenges that define the world, and is critical and important in linking key mutually-dependent aspects, such as supporting human rights, development and the fight against corruption.

She noted that Qatar and Malaysia tried in their experiment to reconcile adherence to Islamic teachings while keeping pace with the times.


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