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The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) and the National Committee for International Humanitarian Law (NCIHL) discussed avenues for enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest and developing mechanisms for coordination and integration between both sides.This came during a meeting hosted by the NHRC at its headquarters in Doha, attended by a delegation from the NCIHL, led by its Vice-Chairman Faisal Mohammed Al Emadi, along with several officials from both entities.The meeting discussed the interrelation between international humanitarian law and human rights approaches, in addition to highlighting the efforts of the NHRC in this field, particularly concerning human rights in armed conflicts and support for vulnerable and marginalised groups.Both sides agreed to sign a joint cooperation agreement following a study of shared priorities and annual projects that could be implemented, contributing to the development of coordination mechanisms.They also agreed to form a joint technical team to draft the agreement, which will result in a clear executive agenda for implementing activities and events related to the protection and promotion of human rights.

The first edition of the Arab Moot Court Competition for Human Rights has concluded at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (DI).The competition was organised by the United Nations Human Rights Training and Documentation Centre for Southwest Asia and the Arab Region and hosted by the DI’s School of Social Sciences and Humanities.This pioneering event – the first of its kind in the Arab region – brought together more than 50 law students from Qatar, Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Oman, Palestine, and Syria aiming to develop their legal advocacy and argumentation skills through realistic simulations of international and regional court proceedings, with a particular focus on human rights issues.The closing session, which featured the announcement of the winning teams, was attended by prominent academics and human rights experts, representatives from the UN Human Rights Training and Documentation Centre, and DI faculty and students.The competition was launched by the UN Centre in March of this year, and received 53 applications from universities across the Arab world.The applicants then participated in awareness and training sessions organised by the Centre’s Human Rights Education Unit.Participating teams were required to submit written reports addressing the case topic – both for the applicant and respondent sides.Based on the evaluation criteria, 11 teams were selected to take part in the oral rounds hosted at the DI, as part of the Institute’s ongoing efforts to foster academic dialogue and promote justice and human rights in the Arab region.These efforts align with the goals of the Human Right master’s programme at the School of Social Sciences and Humanities.Following several competitive rounds, the first-place prize was awarded to Sultan Qaboos University, while the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies secured second place.The third place was shared between An-Najah National University (Palestine) and Menoufia University (Egypt).In their closing remarks, the organisers emphasised that this initiative represents a distinctive academic platform for developing students’ legal capacities and strengthening the integration between practical training and academic study in human rights while keeping pace with regional international developments in this vital field.They further noted that the success of this competition underscores its importance as an interactive platform for Arab youth, enabling them to gain the practical skills and experience necessary to advocate for human rights in their professional careers.The high level of engagement and enthusiasm reflected the shared vision of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the DI to continue organising future editions of the competition and foster greater human rights awareness across the region through education and training.

The first edition of the Arab Moot Court for Human Rights competition kicked off Tuesday at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (DI). The event is organised by the United Nations Center for Training and Documentation in the Field of Human Rights for Southwest Asia and the Arab Region of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and hosted by the School of Social Sciences and Humanities at the DI. Students from various Arab universities are participating in this competition, which is the first of its kind in the region, and aims to enhance awareness of human rights issues and develop pleading and moot court skills.The opening session, attended by distinguished academic and human rights figures, was opened by Dr. Amal Ghazal, Dean of the School of Social Sciences and Humanities, welcoming the participants and stressing that this competition reflects the School’s deep interest in promoting the principles and culture of human rights, not only as an academic subject, but also as an ethical and professional commitment. Dr. Ghazal pointed out that the event aligns with the school’s mission to strengthen students' practical abilities in legal analysis, formulating arguments, advocacy, and applying critical thinking towards issues of justice and equality, locally and globally.Dr. Abdelwahab El-Afendi, President of the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, highlighted in his speech the importance of experimental legal education in preparing a generation of Arab youth capable of defending human rights at the national, regional and international levels.In her speech, Dr. Abeer Al-Kheraisha, Director of the UN Human Rights Training and Documentation Centre, explained that this competition is a leading interactive educational platform, designed to enable students to gain integrated practical experience in the field of international human rights law. It provides them with a unique opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-life cases that mimic contemporary legal and humanitarian challenges, by engaging in in-depth legal research and analysis, formulating legal arguments and pleadings, working in a team spirit, and enhancing communication and defense skills.Al-kheraisha pointed out that the competition contributes to consolidating awareness of the principlesDr. Moataz El-Fujairy, Head of the Human Rights Program at DI and Moderator of the opening session, emphasised that the competition represents a practical step in linking academic knowledge with professional practice. He explained that organising moot court competitions in the field of Human Rights is a well-established tradition in European Universities, and it strengthens students’ capabilities in comparative law, advocacy, and strategic litigation. Dr. El-Fujairy also said that there is an urgent need to institutionalise this tradition in the Arab region to help establish a regional human rights protection system that safeguards individuals’ rights and is based on independent judicial mechanisms. Dr. Ahmed Khalifa, Academic Advisor of the competition, explained that the idea of the moot court was conceived to enhance students’ research and legal analysis skills, and to provide them with hands-on experience in advocacy. He added that this competition is unique as it offers a realistic and interactive learning environment that uses competition to motivate learning through inquiring, analysing, developing an opinion and clearly expressing it orally as well as in writing. Dr. Khalifa clarified that the ultimate objective is to help create a new generation of lawyers capable of defending human rights through a conscious understanding of the protected interests and by applying coherent reasoning based on critical thinking that enables them to analyse legal issues and view them from multiple perspectives. Following the opening session, a panel discussion titled "The Future of the Human Rights System and Regional Guarantees in the Arab World" was held, with the participation of Mr. Sultan Al-Jamali, Secretary-General of the National Human Rights Commission in Qatar, and Hindam Rajoub, Human Rights Officer at the United Nations Training and Documentation Centre. The session was moderated by Bushra Elias, Coordinator of the Education and Awareness Unit at the Centre.This was followed by a second session on "The Future of the Human Rights System and the Changing Reality of International Politics", in which Fadl Abdel Ghani, President of the Syrian Network for Human Rights, participated alongside Dr. Moataz Al-Fujairi, and was moderated by Dr. Abdul Karim Amankai, Professor of Comparative Politics at the DI.After the sessions, the oral competition began with a special session that included an explanation of the rules and evaluation mechanisms, as well as distribution of the participating teams into advocacy rounds. The competition continued for two days, with the first and second rounds being held on Wednesday, followed by the announcement of the teams qualifying for the semi-finals. The final round and the closing ceremony will be held on Thursday, in which the winning team will be announced and certificates of participation will be distributed. The Doha Institute's hosting of this event reflects its academic efforts to consolidate a culture of human rights and promote human rights dialogue in the Arab region, as part of the activities of the master’s program in Human Rights. This initiative supports the efforts of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in the field of education, through a realistic simulation of international and regional court procedures, offering students a unique practical experience that builds their confidence and ability to defend rights and freedoms.The organisers described the competition as a significant addition to academic and human rights activities in the region, and a clear message about the importance of investing in university youth as opinion leaders and agents of change in their communities.

The UN Human Rights Council in Geneva has unanimously adopted a resolution presented by Qatar to protect the rights of women and children in conflict and post-conflict settings. Qatar tabled the resolution, which seeks to ensure justice, remedies, and reparations for the victims, on behalf of a core group that also includes Costa Rica.The resolution received broad support, with more than 70 countries co-sponsoring it across various regional blocs. In presenting the resolution, HE Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva, Dr Hind Abdulrahman al-Muftah, highlighted the alarming rise in armed conflicts worldwide - estimated at 130 by the International Committee of the Red Cross - and the disproportionate impact on civilians, particularly women and children.She stressed that these groups often suffer grave violations of their fundamental rights due to the disregard for international humanitarian and human rights law, and that existing mechanisms for justice and reparations remain inadequate amid growing impunity. HE Dr al-Muftah described the resolution as a sincere call for practical measures to better protect women and children in conflict zones and ensure their voices remain central in justice and accountability processes. The resolution drew strong praise from member states during the adoption session. Five countries spoke on behalf of regional groups - Kuwait (Gulf Co-operation Council), Algeria (Arab Group), Indonesia (OIC), Cyprus (EU), and Kyrgyzstan (Turkic-speaking states) - alongside 15 other countries, all of whom underscored the resolution’s timeliness and its comprehensive approach to protecting vulnerable populations in conflict and post-conflict settings, in line with international legal obligations.

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.

Qatar has affirmed full support for the Libyan political process, relevant Security Council resolutions, and all peaceful solutions that preserve Libya's unity, stability, and sovereignty as well as achieve the aspirations of the Libyan people for security, peace, development, and prosperity.This came in Qatar's statement delivered by third political researcher at the International Organisations Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Salman al-Hammadi during his participation in the interactive dialogue on the report of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on technical assistance and capacity-building to improve human rights in Libya, Item 10, within the framework of the 60th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.Al-Hammadi welcomed the efforts and activities implemented by the OHCHR, in co-operation with the Libyan authorities, to provide support, technical assistance, and capacity-building to improve the protection of human rights and address challenges, especially during this transitional period the country is undergoing.Having reviewed the report, Qatar, he noted, condemns all violations committed against the Libyan people and calls on all Libyan parties to respect their obligations under international laws and agreements, promote national reconciliation and transitional justice, and ensure accountability for all violations committed against Libyans.Al-Hammadi urged the international community and the Office of the High Commissioner to continue providing technical assistance and coordinating with Libyan authorities and institutions to identify needs and priorities and ways to respond to them, thus contributing to achieving positive results and assisting Libya in implementing its international human rights obligations.Meanwhile, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Nada al-Nashif, stressed that any sustainable political settlement in Libya must be grounded in justice, human rights, and address the root causes of conflict and weak governance, while also establishing legitimate institutions.Speaking during the interactive dialogue, al-Nashif said Libya is at a critical turning point. She noted that the UN Support Mission's political roadmap, announced in August, has renewed hope after years of political stalemate.She added that the roadmap paves the way for national elections, unified institutions, and structured dialogue, but warned that the country still faces major challenges stemming from a longstanding legacy of serious human rights violations.Al-Nashif emphasised the need for the effective participation of all groups, including minorities, to ensure an inclusive national dialogue capable of moving Libya forward.She also referred to a recent report detailing the activities of the UN Human Rights Office in Libya, highlighting efforts to bring together stakeholders from both eastern and western Libya to reach consensus on a legislative framework for transitional justice and national reconciliation, as well as a law to prevent violence against women.

The National Committee for the Preparation of the National Human Rights Action Plan (2026-2030) held its second meeting, chaired by Acting Director of the Human Rights Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Vice Chairperson of the Committee Sarah Abdullah Al Saadi. During the meeting, the Committee reviewed the latest developments in its work related to preparing the national plan. It also discussed the completed phases and upcoming implementation steps in implementation of the decision of the esteemed Cabinet. The Committee stressed the importance of continuing coordination and joint efforts to implement the plan, as it is a pivotal national strategy for consolidating the State of Qatar's commitments in the field of human rights, in line with the priorities of Qatar National Vision 2030.

The Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) announced that it will hold an emergency meeting on Thursday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to review the serious humanitarian and human rights repercussions of the unlawful Israeli attack on the State of Qatar on Sep. 9. The attack is considered a blatant violation of the United Nations Charter, international law, and international humanitarian law, as well as a threat to the security, safety, and stability of the region. In a statement, the Commission said that, based on the strong condemnation of the brutal attack by OIC Member States and in line with the outcomes of the extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit held in Doha on Sep. 15, 2025, the emergency meeting will focus on the human rights and humanitarian dimensions of the crisis. It will assess the situation on the ground and issue urgent recommendations that serve the interests of OIC Member States. The IPHRC reaffirmed its commitment to working with all Member States and relevant stakeholders to uphold the fundamental rights of civilians and to ensure accountability for the flagrant violations of international law.

Israel undermined regional peace and stability in its attack last week on Hamas leaders who had been in Qatar to negotiate a ceasefire, the United Nations rights chief said during a debate at the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Tuesday."Israel's strike on negotiators in Doha on 9 September was a shocking breach of international law, an assault on regional peace and stability, and a blow against the integrity of mediation and negotiating processes around the world," UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk told delegates.The airstrike risked undermining negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza's nearly two-year-old war, he said.The strike, which Hamas says killed five of its members but not its leadership, has prompted Gulf Arab states to close ranks. Arab and Islamic states held a summit in Doha on Monday to back Qatar.Qatar urged council members to hold Israel accountable. The Israeli strike on Doha amounted to "state terrorism" and a direct threat to regional stability, Minister of State for International Cooperation, Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, told the Tuesday's debate.Saudi Arabia's envoy in Geneva, Abdulmohsen Majed Binkhothaila, said: "Israeli actions are no longer sporadic violations, they constitute a systematic behaviour based on the indiscriminate killings ... and forced displacement in violation of all international norms and laws."Algeria and Pakistan joined Qatar in condemning Israel, while the European Union expressed its solidarity with Qatar.Separately on Tuesday, a UN Commission of Inquiry concluded on Tuesday that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, accusations Israel strongly rejected as it launched a long-threatened ground assault on Gaza City.

The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Monday unanimously adopted a resolution to hold an emergency debate today, on Israel's September 9 attack against Qatar. This emergency debate was requested during the 60th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva by Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN in Geneva Bilal Ahmad, on behalf of the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Group and Permanent Representative of the Kuwait Naser Al Hayen, on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

The UN rights chief accused Israeli officials on Monday of using overt "genocidal rhetoric" about Gaza and called for decisive international action to "end the carnage".In a speech to the UN Human Rights Council that was criticised by Israel, Volker Turk said the occupied Palestinian territory was already "a graveyard".He accused Israel of inflicting "indescribable suffering and wholesale destruction"."I am horrified by the open use of genocidal rhetoric and the disgraceful dehumanisation of Palestinians by senior Israeli officials."The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights did not provide examples, but his spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told AFP that "shocking and dehumanising language" has been used by a number of high-level officials, stressing that "this is not a case of one senior official mouthing off".A number of countries have sanctioned far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who has urged "total extermination" in Gaza, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who has called for opening the "gates of hell on Gaza (to) encourage Gazans to emigrate".Shamdasani also pointed to Israeli Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman's assertion in March that the "only solution for the Gaza Strip is to empty it of Gazans".And Heritage Minister Amichay Eliyahu said during a radio interview in July that "the government is racing to have Gaza erased".Turk stressed that nearly two years after the war erupted following Hamas's deadly attack on Israel, "the region is crying out for peace".The Israeli army bombed a Gaza City residential tower block on Sunday -- the third in as many days -- and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the military was "deepening" its assault on the Gaza Strip's key urban centre.The UN estimates nearly one million people remain in and around Gaza City, where it officially declared a famine last month."Further militarisation, occupation, annexation and oppression will only feed more violence, retribution and terror," Turk warned.He insisted Israel had "a legal obligation to take the steps ordered by the International Court of Justice to prevent acts of genocide, punish incitement to genocide and ensure enough aid reaches Palestinians in Gaza".The UN rights chief said the international community was "failing the people of Gaza."Where are the decisive steps to prevent genocide," he asked.

The Investment and Trade Court has signed a cooperation agreement with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), aimed at strengthening partnership and exchanging expertise in the field of intellectual property rights protection.The agreement was signed by President of the Investment and Trade Court Judge Khalid bin Ali al-Obaidli and Director of the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center Ignacio De Castro Llamas, in the presence of Director of the Intellectual Property Rights Protection Department at Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) Abdulbasit al-Ajji, along with a number of judges and court officials.The agreement focuses on supporting the development of an advanced judicial environment capable of keeping pace with best international practices, thereby enhancing the court’s role in protecting intellectual property rights and improving the investment climate in the State of Qatar.Al-Obaidli stated that the agreement reflects the Investment and Trade Court’s commitment to engaging with leading international institutions and benefiting from their expertise, which strengthens Qatar’s position as a developed centre for intellectual property protection and the resolution of commercial and investment disputes.Following the signing, the WIPO delegation toured the court’s facilities, where they were briefed on its various departments and the mechanisms it employs to adjudicate commercial and investment cases.They praised the advanced capabilities and infrastructure they observed, which reflect the court’s status as a pioneering judicial institution both locally and internationally.