tag

The travel measures taken by the Israeli occupation at Rafah land crossing have laid bare grotesque violations of the freedom of movement and the fundamental rights of the civilians in the Gaza Strip, Gaza Rights Center said in a statement on Tuesday.The statement called for urgent intervention to end these tightened Israeli-imposed restrictions that marked day one of travel initiation through the crossing between the Gaza enclave and Egypt.The center stressed that these restrictions have obviously demonstrated full Israeli control over the ongoing process at this crossing, in a brazen violation of freedom of movement and fundamental rights.The Israeli occupation authorities have imposed direct control over the travelers' rosters, most of whom are patients and caregivers, approving only the travel of five patients from a total of five individuals, notwithstanding the critical medical conditions of those patients who are sorely in need of traveling abroad, the statement warned.It noted that these actions have literally disrupted the travel of the vast majority of those patients and deprived them of their rights to treatment and healthcare under international humanitarian law and human rights law.The center further emphasized that 12 returnees were subjected to grotesque violations and had been questioned for almost three hours. It held the Israeli occupation authorities fully responsible legally for these abuses as the de facto occupying power controlling the crossings and individual movement.The center called on the European mission participating in the crossing arrangements to assume its legal and moral responsibility.The statement further stressed that any arrangements to administer this crossing must be purely civilian and humanitarian, totally separating the occupation's policies and its security and demographic objectives, thereby ensuring the fundamental rights of the population, foremost among them the right to a dignified life and freedom of movement.

The fourth National Human Rights Forum, organised by the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) in partnership with the Ministry of Interior (MoI), commenced Tuesday under the theme 'Human Rights at the Heart of Combating Drugs: Challenges and Prospects for Sustainable Solutions'.The two-day forum is being held in co-operation with the Ministry of Social Development and Family, Ministry of Education and Higher Education, and Ministry of Public Health, and with the participation of the Public Prosecution, the National Planning Council, the National Cybersecurity Agency, the GCC Criminal Information Centre for Drug Control, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and other relevant official bodies, in addition to the participation of specialised UN agencies, and civil society.The opening session was attended by His Excellency Ibrahim bin Ali al-Mohannadi, Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs; His Excellency Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; His Excellency Ahmed bin Abdullah al-Jamal, Chairman of the General Authority of Customs; Her Excellency Maryam bint Abdullah al-Attiyah, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee; and a number of Their Excellencies, Undersecretaries of Ministries, Ambassadors, and representatives of diplomatic missions in the State, along with officials and experts from state institutions.HE al-Attiyah stated: “Through the fourth Human Rights Forum, we are discussing the challenges and risks associated with drugs, a destructive scourge. We are working to develop sustainable solutions to mitigate its negative impact on human rights and to achieve sustainable development.”She explained that the choice of the forum's theme for its fourth edition comes in response to the challenges the world is facing due to the increasing cases of drug addiction and the indicators of worsening conditions resulting from the weakening of the rule of law due to armed conflicts and unrest in some parts of the world.HE al-Attiyah noted the emergence of new patterns of transnational drug crimes resulting from the illicit use of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. This has contributed to increased social, economic, and security threats and undermined human rights, including the right to life, health, and an adequate standard of living. This necessitates adopting a comprehensive, human rights-based approach to all measures, grounded in the principle that the most effective and sustainable solutions prioritise the preservation of human dignity and the protection of human rights.She expressed her appreciation for the legislative measures, public policies, and procedures adopted by the State of Qatar to address the dangers of drugs and their repercussions. These measures have contributed to achieving the highest levels of safety and freedom from serious risks associated with drugs and dangerous psychotropic substances, according to international reports and indicators.She emphasised the need to review national measures to enhance their flexibility and responsiveness to emerging challenges, particularly digital challenges. This requires empowering youth and children with the right to a safe digital environment free from drug risks, and further promoting rehabilitation and reintegration, as well as protection from stigma and discrimination.She commended the pivotal role of MoI in protecting society from this destructive scourge, expressing her appreciation for the efforts of all national bodies involved in prevention, rehabilitation, and reintegration.“We emphasise the necessity of involving civil society, the media, and other stakeholders in policy development and implementation, based on our belief that social responsibility is the fundamental guarantee for the sustainability of efforts to combat, recover, and reintegrate addiction, in accordance with a human rights approach,” HE al-Attiyah said.The NHRC chairperson continued: “We place great importance on the participation of young people in the work of this forum, listening to their perspectives, and encouraging them to invest their energies in awareness initiatives and peer support, not only as targets of prevention but also as partners in shaping solutions and a fundamental pillar in efforts to combat, recover, and break the cycles of addiction.”She emphasised that this is a battle to protect what is most precious to us—human dignity—and to safeguard the future of our generations. She called for the forum's outcomes to serve as a roadmap for restoring hope to victims and protecting society from the dangers posed by this scourge, thereby solidifying Qatar's pioneering model in this field and contributing to the realisation of the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. 

His Excellency Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ibrahim bin Ali al-Mohannadi issued a decision regulating the Preliminary Real Estate Register, defining its data and procedures, as part of the executive measures of Law No. (6) of 2014 regulating the real estate sector and its amendments.The move is intended to consistently keep pace with the national vision aimed at driving the real estate sector forward and strengthening its role within the ecosystem of sectors supporting national development.The decision specified the components of the Preliminary Real Estate Register, which shall consist of a set of real estate title records designated for off-plan real estate units, along with the supplementary registers thereto, containing applications, contracts and their legal instruments, architectural designs, and engineering plans for the project duly approved by the competent authorities.The decision further stipulates that the Preliminary Real Estate Register shall record, for each off-plan real estate unit, the area details, the original property number, the approved project data, the off-plan unit number, its area, boundaries, specifications, any common parts where applicable, and the designated purpose thereof.It shall also record the data indicating the identity of the owner, or the owners in cases of co-ownership of the off-plan real estate unit, the share of each, the cause of acquisition and the cause of termination of ownership, daily register entries, ancillary real rights, related restrictions, and the manner and grounds for their cancellation.To mark this occasion, Assistant Undersecretary for Real Estate Registration and Authentication Affairs Amer Saeed al-Ghafri underscored the importance of issuing the ministerial decision regulating off-plan sale procedures.He noted that it comes within the ministry's commitment to finalizing the executive decisions of the laws governing real estate registration and keeping pace with the nation's real estate development plan, particularly in light of the effectuation of Law No. (6) of 2014 regulating the real estate sector and its amendments.He explained that the decision is aligned with the latest practices applied in the real estate sector, particularly with regard to regulating off-plan sales (sales under construction), in a manner that boosts confidence in the local real estate market.These ownership interests will be registered in the Real Estate Register and granted the necessary legal protection, al-Ghafri outlined, noting that among the most significant provisions of the decision is granting holders of preliminary title deeds the right to mortgage and transfer them, whether by sale or gift, and to conclude all ownership-transferring dispositions, in accordance with the laws in force in the State of Qatar.He also stated that, as part of facilitating procedures, the decision allows for the electronic submission of applications for the registration or recording of off-plan real estate units in the Preliminary Real Estate Register, following approval by the Real Estate Regulatory Authority "Aqarat" and in accordance with the procedures prescribed under Law No. (5) of 2024 regulating real estate registration.Al-Ghafri applauded the level of co-operation and partnership between the Ministry of Justice and Aqarat in providing a supportive legislative environment that stimulates the growth of the real estate sector and promotes its investment attractiveness.Pursuant to the decision, the Real Estate Registration Department at the Ministry of Justice shall issue a Preliminary Title Deed for each off-plan real estate unit, based on the data recorded in the Preliminary Real Estate Register, with an annotation made on the original title record of the project land to that effect. 

OIC Condemns Israel Decision to Bar 37 Aid Groups from GazaEU says Israel suspending GazaThe UN rights chief described Wednesday Israel's threat to suspend dozens of aid groups from operating in Gaza from January as "outrageous", calling on states to urgently insist Israel shift course."Israel's suspension of numerous aid agencies from Gaza is outrageous," Volker Turk said in a statement."Such arbitrary suspensions make an already intolerable situation even worse for the people of Gaza," he warned.His comment came after Israel said that 37 aid organisations will be banned from operating in Gaza starting Thursday, unless they comply with its new guidelines requiring detailed information on Palestinian staff.Israel has singled out international medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF), alleging that it had two employees who were members of Palestinian fighter groups.Apart from MSF, some of the 37 NGOs to be hit with the ban are Norwegian Refugee Council, World Vision International, CARE and Oxfam, according to the list given by Zwick.Several NGOs have told AFP the new rules will have a major impact on aid distribution in Gaza, with humanitarian organisations saying the amount of aid entering the region remains inadequate."This is the latest in a pattern of unlawful restrictions on humanitarian access," Turk said, pointing to Israel's ban on the UN agency supporting Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, and "attacks on Israeli and Palestinian NGOs amid broader access issues faced by the UN and other humanitarians"."I urge all States, in particular those with influence, to take urgent steps and insist that Israel immediately allows aid to get into Gaza unhindered," he said.The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said he wanted to "remind the Israeli authorities of their obligation under international law to ensure the essential supplies of daily life in Gaza".This, he stressed, includes "allowing and facilitating humanitarian relief".EU CONCERNThe EU warned Wednesday that Israel's threat to suspend several aid groups in Gaza from January would block "life-saving" assistance from reaching the population, AFP reported from Brussels."The EU has been clear: the NGO registration law cannot be implemented in its current form," EU humanitarian chief Hadja Lahbib posted on X, after Israel said several groups would be barred for failing to provide details of their Palestinian employees."IHL (international humanitarian law) leaves no room for doubt: aid must reach those in need," Lahbib wrote.NGOs had until December 31 to register under the new framework, which Israel says aims to prevent "hostile actors" operating in the Palestinian territories, rather than impede aid.The Israeli government told AFP earlier this month that 14 NGO requests had been rejected as of November 25.Several NGOs said the new rules will have a major impact on aid distribution in Gaza, with humanitarian organisations saying the amount of aid entering Gaza remains inadequate.While an accord for a ceasefire that started on October 10 stipulated the entry of 600 trucks per day, only 100 to 300 are carrying humanitarian aid, according to NGOs and the UN.Cogat, the Israeli defence ministry body responsible for Palestinian civilian affairs, said last week that on average 4,200 aid trucks enter Gaza weekly, which corresponds to around 600 daily.OIC CONDEMNSThe Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC) has strongly condemned an Israeli decision to prevent 37 international NGOs from operating in the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly the Gaza Strip, QNA reported from Jeddah.In a statement issued Wednesday, the OIC's general secretariat said the NGOs played a vital and irreplaceable role in easing the humanitarian and medical crisis in Gaza.It warned that the arbitrary measure would significantly worsen what it called the territory's already catastrophic humanitarian situation, citing Israeli restrictions that it said were limiting the flow of sufficient humanitarian and medical assistance into Gaza.The OIC said the decision was illegal and amounted to a serious violation of international humanitarian law. It also referred to an advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice, which it said obliges an occupying power to facilitate the work of international and humanitarian organisations and to allow the unimpeded delivery of adequate aid to Gaza.The organisation called on the international community to take action and apply effective pressure on Israel to reverse the decision. 

The decision taken by the Israeli occupation to suspend the operations of nearly 37 international relief organisations operating in the Gaza Strip is perilous and would aggravate the depth of the humanitarian crisis and anguish in the enclave that has been gripped by a two-year war of annihilation, politicians and human rights advocates, as well as representatives of Palestinian civil society institutions said.Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), they stressed that this decision to deny those international institutions from operating in Gaza is a destruction to a core and significant part of the relief operation in Gaza, a menace that threatens the daily life of roughly 2mn Gazans amid the ongoing ramifications of the war of annihilation and non-recovery, primarily the Israeli intransigence and non-response to humanitarian needs.As such, they implored the UN, the international community, and donors to spring into action, halt all Israeli-imposed restrictions on the international and civil organisations' operations, and allow the flow of all kinds of humanitarian aid to ensure the continuation of their operations, bolster humanitarian response, and make sure that humanitarian action is independent.**media[399621]**Director General of the Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations Network (PNGO), Amjad Shawa, said the move will further increase the humanitarian tragedy, degenerating into a catastrophic level, in addition to deepening the impending menace for Gazans.The situation engulfing Gazans following a two-year war prompts those relief organisations to ramp up their relief programmes, Shawa highlighted, adding that the decision would exacerbate the crisis and disrupt a critical portion of this magnanimous work, as included in the rejected Israeli decision.Shawa deemed the move dangerous in terms of content and timing, terminating the operation of those relief organisations amid the very difficult situation facing the Palestinians in Gaza with the relentless genocidal impacts, as well as the crippled situation facing all components of human life.This Israeli move won't only disrupt the operation of dozens of relief organisations but rather extend to harm thousands of domestic and international workers who operate within their crews, he cautioned.As such, Shawa added that, consequently, the Israeli occupation will later deny the entry of international workers, namely physicians, administrators, and personnel to Gaza, stressing that there would be no alternative other than these organisations to fill the gap, especially after banning the operation of UNRWA.Secretary-General of the Palestinian National Initiative, Dr Mustafa Barghouti, said the Israeli move is a new breach of international norms and laws, stressing that banning the operation of 37 international organisations in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as blocking UNRWA, are part of the full Israeli fascist attack to destroy the life of Palestinians.The Israeli occupation forces would not have reached the degree of rudeness if Western governments had been defending not only international law and UN institutions, but their countries' institutions per se, Barghouti concluded.Head of the International Commission to Support Palestinians' Rights (ICSPR), Dr Salah Abd Alati, stressed that this decision comes within a methodical occupation policy to disband the entire international humanitarian operation to yield to the Israeli logic of dominance and political extortion, and ultimately erode the independence of those organizations and disrupt their critical role in protecting civilians and meeting humanitarian needs.This move, which had been taken with the intent of abrogating the licenses of several of those international organisations, constitutes a methodical policy and an international crime against them and human values, Dr Abd Alati noted.Abd Alati clarified that the Israeli measures are intended to impose a reality that ends in re-registering those institutions to operate for the occupation authorities and then compel them to disclose the sensitive and private information of their operators, in addition to imposing security and administrative conditions that curtail their operations and put hindrances in the way of human rights monitoring of Israeli abuses.The new Israeli occupation order in registering NGOs operating since March 2025 is leveraged as a political and security tool to take over the humanitarian activity, imposing a reality that compels those relief workers to disclose sensitive information about their workers, Abd Alati warned.In essence, this Israeli move against those organisations and UNRWA comes concomitantly with a humanitarian tragedy engulfing Gazans who fundamentally rely on aid in many key services such as relief, health, and emergency, which has ultimately engendered worsening living conditions with rampant unemployment, poverty, and famine among the Palestinians.Israel has so far declared the suspension of the operations of the humanitarian organizations in the Gaza enclave under the pretext of non-compliance with rules and laws.These institutions include a host of fabled international relief organisations operating in the Gaza Strip, namely Oxfam, ANERA, CARE International, the Norwegian Refugee Council, and the globally widespread Doctors Without Borders.In a statement, the latter confirmed that it provided care to nearly half a mn people during the two‑year war on Gaza and warned that its de-registration by the Israeli occupation would result in the withholding of life‑saving medical aid from hundreds of thousands. 

The Secretary-General of the Doha-based Arab Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ANNHRIs), Sultan bin Hassan al-Jamali, said that the siege and daily suffering endured by the Palestinian people, along with attempts to erase their identity and rights, place a collective responsibility on all parties to unify efforts, activate international legal mechanisms, and ensure accountability for all human rights violators without exception. Speaking during a ceremony organised by the ANNHRIs to honour Arab League Secretary-General Dr Ahmed Aboul Gheit at the League’s headquarters in Cairo, al-Jamali reaffirmed the network’s commitment to standing by the Palestinian people in their legitimate struggle, working to lift injustice against them, and defending their right to self-determination in a manner that restores the values of freedom and justice and reinforces regional and global peace and security. In this context, the ANNHRIs also organised in Cairo the sixth edition of the “Mohamed Fayek Course” on human rights, in co-operation with Egypt’s National Council for Human Rights. At the opening of the course, the secretary-general stated that national human rights institutions occupy a unique position within the international system, serving as a vital link between the state and civil society on one hand, and between the state and international mechanisms on the other. He added that these institutions play a central role in bridging the gap between international obligations and national practices, ensuring alignment of legislation with human rights standards, issuing recommendations, monitoring their implementation, and engaging constructively with international mechanisms. Al-Jamali noted that the network launched the Mohamed Fayek foundational course six years ago to deepen understanding of these roles, strengthen co-operation among stakeholders, and develop the skills of new members, contributing to the building of a coherent national human rights system and enhancing the capacity of institutions and defenders to influence public policy in line with international standards. For his part, Vice-President of Egypt’s National Council for Human Rights Mahmoud Karem said that naming the annual training course after Mohamed Fayek reflects recognition of him as a comprehensive intellectual school and a source of deep practical expertise that serves as a reference for new generations working in the field of human rights. He added that the course derives particular importance from being held amid a highly complex regional and international context marked by escalating armed conflicts, worsening violations, and deepening economic and social challenges, underscoring the urgent need to prepare young cadres equipped with deep awareness, scientific tools, and the capacity for analysis and responsible action in the field of human rights. 

The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), in co-operation with the General Secretariat of the Arab Network of National Human Rights Institutions and the UN Center for Training and Documentation in Human Rights for South-West Asia and the Arab Region, organised a talk in celebration of Human Rights Day.The talk aimed to highlight human rights as not merely slogans or rigid legal texts, but as the foundation of daily interaction between individuals and societies. It also reaffirmed that the defense of rights is a collective responsibility that requires integrated efforts between governments, institutions, and civil society, in addition to calling for the transformation of principles into practical policies that ensure a dignified life for every human being.In this context, His Excellency Vice-Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee Dr Mohammed bin Saif al-Kuwari said that this occasion marked a pivotal moment in modern human history. He said that today we witness an advanced level of awareness of the concept of human rights thanks to this universal document, and that the principle of equality has become a fundamental pillar of most international conventions and national constitutions. He noted that just over seven decades ago, the world viewed large segments of humanity as being of lesser value and dignity than others. He also emphasised that one cannot speak of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights without recalling the Arab contribution to it.He pointed out that the complex global challenges the world faces today, whether climate change, environmental degradation, digital transformation, terrorism, and armed conflicts, result in widespread violations of human rights. He stressed that addressing them requires collective international action that ensures that the fruits of scientific progress and development are shared by all humanity without discrimination.He reaffirmed that this global occasion has particular significance in Qatar, as it represents an opportunity to reiterate that human rights are not merely theoretical texts but a practical tool enabling individuals and societies to build a better future.He said that this year’s theme clearly aligns with Qatar’s Permanent Constitution, which emphasises the preservation of human dignity in many of its provisions, and that this principle is consistent with Sharia, the main source of legislation. He also highlighted the State’s commitment to implementing the human rights conventions to which it is a party. He said that the National Human Rights Committee plays a pivotal role in promoting a culture of human rights, drawing on the Islamic civilisational heritage grounded in justice, equality, noble ethics, and respect for human dignity. He noted that the Committee has made continuous efforts to raise awareness and to protect these rights, participated in numerous international forums, and achieved a distinguished global standing.He affirmed the continued work of the Committee across many areas, including education, health, labour, environment, and the rights of vulnerable groups such as children, women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. He highlighted the Committee’s role in ensuring that no individual was deprived of their rights during key events and major activities hosted by Qatar in recent years, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and major sporting events.HE Secretary-General of the Arab Network of National Human Rights Institutions Sultan bin Hassan al-Jamali said the High Commissioner’s selection of this year’s theme was a clear call to rediscover the essence of human rights in the details of our daily lives, as these details form the basis for building the human dignity everyone seeks.In his speech during the event, he said that national human rights institutions play a pioneering role in transforming international commitments into tangible reality as they bridge the gap between the obligations undertaken by states and what citizens experience on a daily basis and serve as a living link between civil society and governments. 

Her Excellency Minister of State for International Co-operation Dr Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad met Wednesday with the visiting UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk. Discussions during the meeting dealt with co-operation between Qatar and the United Nations in the areas of human rights protection and human development. They also discussed the human rights situation in crisis zones, mechanisms for supporting the most vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, and a number of other topics of mutual interest. During the meeting, the Minister of State for International Co-operation affirmed the Qatar's commitment to supporting UN efforts aimed at promoting human rights and strengthening multilateral partnerships to achieve more effective responses. For his part, the UN high commissioner for human rights commended the Qatar's role in humanitarian and diplomatic work and its efforts in supporting protection and promoting human rights at the international level. 

Britain's foreign minister Yvette Cooper plans to introduce sanctions relating to human rights violations and abuses in war-torn Sudan, she said Tuesday, stressing the need for sustained efforts for a ceasefire. "I've instructed my officials to bring forward potential sanctions relating to human rights violations and abuses in Sudan," Cooper told lawmakers, amid global efforts to end the war in the east African nation.The conflict erupted in 2023 amid a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). RSF's recent takeover of Al-Fashir, one of Sudan's largest cities, has raised grave concerns about mass killings. Both sides have increasingly relied on drone strikes in recent months.Cooper said that the international community had turned its back on Sudan for "far too long". "We may need to make sure teams can get in to investigate these atrocities and hold the perpetrators to account," she said. Last year, Britain imposed sanctions on three businesses which it said were funding military groups behind the Sudanese war.

The first consultative session to prepare the National Human Rights Action Plan (2026-2030) convened in Doha Sunday. The session was attended by His Excellency the President of the Supreme Judiciary Council and President of the Court of Cassation Dr Hassan bin Lahdan al-Hassan al-Mohannadi, His Excellency the Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ibrahim bin Ali al-Mohannadi, His Excellency the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi, His Excellency the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ahmed bin Hassan al-Hammadi, Her Excellency the Minister of State for International Co-operation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad, and Her Excellency the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) Maryam bint Abdullah al-Attiyah. Also attending were several officials and representatives of government agencies and national institutions, as well as a top tier of experts and representatives of civil society. The session is intended to weigh in on the key themes of this action plan, identify challenges and gaps, and listen to the attendees' views and feedback that would literally help prepare a holistic plan that reflects the community's needs and aspirations. **media[382705]** Overall, the session features deliberations that highlight the priorities for the upcoming period within the national framework for human rights. In her opening remarks, HE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Chairperson of the national committee for preparing the National Human Rights Action Plan Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad welcomed the participants, affirming that their participation underscores Qatar's enduring commitment to the values of human dignity, justice, equality, and the rule of law, values that essentially shape the essence of Islamic Sharia, Qatar's Permanent Constitution, and Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV2030). The preparation of this plan is neither a procedural action nor a tradition the world simply intends to pursue, but rather a national vision that expresses the collective will to bolster the system of rights and freedoms and the principles that place humans at the core of development and its aims, HE al-Misnad underscored. She added that from this position the plan, which needs invaluable contributions in terms of preparation and execution, represents a practical road map that primarily aims to transform values into legislation and policies and principles into measurable realistic practices, and at the end of the day human rights become a guiding approach in planning and crafting public policies in a variety of fields. **media[382706]** The move, she adds, comes in the wake of accelerating challenges the world is witnessing today in terms of climate change and digital transformation, as well as the resulting complexities that affect people’s lives and daily affairs. HE al-Misnad noted the Doha Political Declaration issued at the Second World Summit for Social Development 2025, which underscores the inextricable link between achieving social justice and reinforcing respect for human rights. The declaration, she said, calls for a rights based approach to shaping and advancing social policies, upholding the rule of law and good governance, ensuring unencumbered access to justice, and building effective institutions. It also emphasizes broadening community participation for all stakeholders so that development remains human centered, affirming that social protection is a right, not a largesse. This plan represents an opportunity to translate the substance of the Declaration at the national level and to embody the nation's commitment to social justice and the Sustainable Development Goals SDGs anchored in human dignity, justice, and solidarity both domestically and within the international community, she points out. She further noted that the committee responsible for drafting this plan is laser focused on ensuring that the drafting process is grounded in five core principles, chiefly the universality, indivisibility, complementarity, and interdependence of human rights. This is literally the approach that binds their promotion, protection, and fulfillment to the shared religious, human, constitutional, and international values that underpin them, and to transparency and openness in sharing information and assessing the current landscape with all its achievements and challenges, and to broad based partnership and community participation through the engagement of state institutions, civil society, the private sector, academia, the media, and all stakeholders, reaffirming the principle of leaving no one behind, she outlines. Al Misnad stressed that institutional integration is essential to ensure the effective execution of the agreed upon actions, supported by continuous follow up and periodic evaluation to refine performance and safeguard the sustainability of the gains that have been achieved. In addition, Her Excellency expressed her profound belief that these five principles serve as a springboard for crafting a realistic, actionable, and impact sustained National Plan, one that stands in lockstep with QNV2030, which places the human being at the core of development, and with the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030, which foregrounds good governance, human empowerment, and the preservation of social justice within a balanced national framework. The aspiration is for this plan to emerge as a unifying document that captures the shared vision of both the nation and society and becomes a national role model rooted in rights based planning, Her Excellency noted. She elaborated that the success of these consultative sessions hinges on engagement, constructive criticism, unencumbered reflections, inspiring ideas, and insightful proposals. This collective input, she highlights, will flip the script from mere textual commitments to a results driven plan whose impact is concrete in people’s lives, not confined to rhetoric. Al Misnad extended her profound gratitude to all partners from ministries, governmental and national bodies, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector for their support and their engagement that is capped by success. Her Excellency further extended her profound gratitude to global partners for their steadfast engagement and for lending depth to this national endeavor, affirming that she looks forward to the outcomes of their constructive dialogue that confidently redound to the benefit of the cherished nation and valued society. Through collective effort, human rights are firmly anchored within the nation and the future of the coming generations is safeguarded, she stated. The assigned committee underscored that convening this session forms part of a participatory approach that reinforces transparency and ensures the broad inclusion of all relevant stakeholders in shaping the plan. This aligns with the Permanent Constitution of Qatar, QNV2030, the Third National Development Strategy, and international human rights standards. The committee noted that the session reconvenes Monday to continue discussions on the remaining pillars of this plan. It adds that additional thematic and forward looking sessions are held to guarantee the engagement of all segments of society in the formulation process, a step intended to ensure that no one is left behind and that the effort is capped by success in every conceivable way.

Qatar reaffirmed its firm position in support of the unity of Sudan, the integrity of its territory, and the right of its brotherly people to enjoy security, stability, and a dignified life. This came in Qatar's statement delivered by Her Excellency Permanent Representative of Qatar in Geneva Dr Hend bint Abdulrahman al-Muftah, during the 38th Special Session of the Human Rights Council on human rights situation in and around El-Fasher, Sudan held in Geneva.Her Excellency al-Muftah reiterated Qatar's ongoing commitment to promoting and protecting the human rights of the Sudanese people and rejecting any form of interference in Sudan's internal affairs, particularly those that fuel the ongoing armed conflict and contribute to its prolongation.She expressed Qatar's shock and strong condemnation of the atrocities committed by the Rapid Support Forces in the city of El Fasher following the recent attack, calling for an end to these violations and crimes and for the perpetrators to be held accountable.She also renewed Qatar's call for an end to the war in Sudan and for a peaceful resolution that ensures the country's unity, preserves its institutions, and safeguards its territorial sovereignty.She stressed that the time has come for the world to pay attention to this humanitarian tragedy and work seriously to end it, as each passing day reveals more atrocities that are paid for by innocent civilians, as witnessed in El-Fasher and its surroundings, with fears of recurrence in other areas unless swift action is taken to stop them.Her Excellency al-Muftah reaffirmed Qatar's solidarity with the Sudanese people during this critical humanitarian situation and its continued provision of all forms of support to alleviate the crisis.She called on the international community to intensify its efforts and respond by providing humanitarian aid to meet the growing needs of the Sudanese people.At the conclusion of its special session, the Human Rights Council adopted, without a vote, a resolution calling for an urgent investigation into recent violations and abuses of international human rights law and violations of international humanitarian law committed in El-Fasher and surrounding areas.

Kuwait has called for adherence to international law and the principles of human rights as the only way to maintain international peace and security. This came in a statement delivered by the Diplomatic Attache of Kuwait's Permanent Mission to the UN, Abeer Al Methen, before the third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) of the UN General Assembly, during discussions on item (71) regarding the promotion and protection of human rights, as part of the 80th session of the General Assembly.She said that the world stands at a critical crossroads amid growing violations and declining respect for international conventions, noting that recent UN reports underscore the urgent need to strengthen global solidarity in confronting humanitarian crises, achieving sustainable development, and promoting just and lasting peace, according to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).Al Methen added that Kuwait continues to play a leading role in humanitarian work through relief and development initiatives that have reached numerous affected countries, pointing to the dispatch of 19 humanitarian air bridges to Palestine, a reflection of Kuwait's steadfast foreign policy based on supporting afflicted peoples and alleviating their suffering.She welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, expressing Kuwait's hope that it will serve as a step toward ending the long-standing humanitarian suffering. She reiterated that a just and lasting solution lies in the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative.Furthermore, she underscored the importance of respecting the sovereignty of Lebanon and the occupied Syrian Golan, reaffirming Kuwait's firm stance rejecting any measures that violate international law or undermine regional peace and security.