Doha: The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) has entered into two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights in Doha.
According to Qatar News Agency, the agreements were signed with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Republic of Azerbaijan’s Social Research Center. HE Chairperson of NHRC, Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah, executed the signings, emphasizing the NHRC’s commitment to expanding its global network to enhance human rights protection.
The NHRC stated that the MoU with the ILO is a strategic step aimed at reinforcing social justice and improving workers’ rights, focusing on vulnerable groups such as migrant workers, women, older persons, and persons with disabilities. HE Al Attiyah highlighted that the collaboration with the ILO will aid in developing awareness tools, training, and community engagement, aligning with Qatar’s national development plans and NHRC’s strategic objectives.
The agreement with Azerbaijan’s Social Research Center aims to expand academic and research collaborations. It seeks to facilitate the exchange of experiences in aligning national laws with international treaties and strengthening monitoring and documentation mechanisms. Al Attiyah remarked that this cooperation indicates NHRC’s dedication to working collaboratively with international peers.
The MoU with the ILO, signed by Max Tunon, head of the ILO Office in Doha, sets a formal cooperation framework to promote human rights and labor rights, especially for migrant workers, in line with Qatar’s national human rights strategy 2024-2030. The cooperation will include awareness campaigns, training materials, and workshops relevant to human rights and international labor standards. It also focuses on promoting equal opportunities and combating discrimination in the labor market.
The MoU with the Social Research Center, signed with Chairperson Zahid Oruj, is designed to enhance expertise exchange on aligning national laws with international treaties. It involves joint training and research programs, strengthening monitoring and documentation mechanisms, and coordinating the protection of citizens’ rights in each country. The agreement also covers reciprocal visits, publication exchanges, and joint research on current human rights issues.
Both parties agreed to refer to international human rights law and the 1993 Paris Principles as the cooperation framework, respecting national legislations while balancing them with international standards. The agreement includes appointing coordinators to manage direct communication and monitor activities, ensuring flexibility and regular evaluation through detailed annual reports.
The MoUs reflect a commitment to sound governance and regular evaluation, as both parties will prepare comprehensive annual reports outlining achievements and challenges.