Qatar affirms commitment to respecting and protecting human rights as cornerstone of its policy

The State of Qatar affirmed that respecting, promoting, and protecting human rights constitutes a fundamental pillar of its policy, and that human development and the protection and promotion of human rights are among its priorities. The State of Qatar explained that it spares no effort to support efforts aimed at consolidating concepts and culture of human rights by adopting an approach based on the rule of law, transparency, justice, and human dignity.

This came in a statement delivered by the Second Secretary of Qatar's Permanent Mission to the United Nations (UN), Sheikha Al Maha bint Mubarak Al-Thani, before the General Debate of the Third Committee of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, held at the UN headquarters in New York.

The Second Secretary at Qatar's Permanent Mission to the UN noted the country's pride in its current membership in the Human Rights Council for the period 2025-2027, and in the position it has built over the years as an effective and credible partner at the international level. She affirmed that Qatar will continue its effective and positive role in this important international forum, and its constructive cooperation to enable the Council to continue its vital role in promoting and protecting human rights.

She highlighted the serious human rights violations faced by the brotherly Palestinian people, particularly in the Gaza Strip, which is witnessing an unprecedented humanitarian disaster due to the ongoing Israeli aggression, causing a catastrophic humanitarian, social and economic situation. She also pointed out that Qatar continues to dedicate its efforts and diplomatic endeavors to achieving an end to the war and human suffering, and continues its unwavering policy of solidarity with the brotherly Palestinian people, providing them with various forms of support, and making every effort to achieve security and stability in the region.

Sheikha Al Maha stressed that Qatar is confident that the Second World Summit for Social Development, to be held in Doha on November 4–6, will constitute a pivotal opportunity to advance many of the topics being discussed within the framework of the Third Committee, including accelerating international efforts to promote sustainable social development, eradicate poverty, enhance productive employment, and build inclusive societies that enable the meaningful and full participation of all, including women, youth, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. She stressed that Qatar looks forward to welcoming participants from all over the world to the conference.

She pointed out that thanks to the State of Qatar's wise and clearly defined policy to enhance the role of women and enable them to make significant contributions, Qatari women continue to achieve inspiring and commendable accomplishments in various fields, noting that they are today active partners in the country's developmental renaissance.

Sheikha Al Maha referred to the launch of the Ministry of Social Development and Family's national strategy for the period 2025-2030, under the slogan 'From Welfare to Empowerment,' which represents a qualitative shift that goes beyond providing support, but rather focuses on empowering target groups through specialized training programs and encouraging social entrepreneurship.

She emphasized that Qatar places family at the heart of social development, and noted that the country has adopted policies and programs aimed at supporting families through an integrated and comprehensive approach, and has sought from an early stage to highlight family issues and give them the attention they deserve.

She also explained that Qatar has made significant strides in promoting and protecting children's rights, and has taken numerous legislative and executive measures and procedures in various fields and sectors, in line with its obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Second Secretary at Qatar's Permanent Mission to the UN indicated that Qatar has strengthened its close partnership with the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict by providing support for the office's core resources, as well as hosting the Office's Analysis and Communications Centre in Doha.