Geneva: The State of Qatar concluded its discussion of its combined report covering the second to fourth periodic reports on the implementation of the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, during the interactive dialogue with the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, held in Geneva on Aug. 12 and 13.
According to Qatar News Agency, in the concluding statement, HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad expressed her sincere thanks and appreciation to the Chair and members of the Committee for the constructive dialogue held during the discussion. She commended the contributions of representatives of national entities, non-governmental organizations, technical bodies of the United Nations in Geneva, interpreters, and all those who facilitated and enriched the dialogue.
Her Excellency affirmed that dialogue and the exchange of views and experiences are crucial for achieving progress in human rights, noting that the interactive dialogue offers a valuable opportunity to build understanding and international cooperation. This contributes to safeguarding human dignity and achieving justice and comprehensive sustainable development.
She explained that Qatar plans to use the dialogue outcomes, concluding observations, and recommendations from the Committee to develop legislation, policies, and national programs for the rights of persons with disabilities. This approach is grounded in respect for human dignity, equality, nondiscrimination, effective participation, accessibility, transparency, and accountability.
Her Excellency reiterated that Qatar prioritizes the promotion, protection, and realization of human rights as a fundamental pillar of its reform and development efforts. Cooperation with United Nations human rights mechanisms complements Qatar's efforts to promote and protect human rights.
In this context, the Minister expressed Qatar's aspiration to strengthen cooperation with the United Nations Training and Documentation Center for Human Rights for South-West Asia and the Arab Region. This aims to develop training and awareness programs for national entities, raising awareness of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, supporting national capacity development, and integrating the disability perspective into legislation, policies, programs, and public services.
Her Excellency encouraged the Committee's experts to benefit from the diverse experiences of States, while considering differences in legal systems, policies, and national specificities. This diversity should be reflected in the Committee's work, including general comments and guidelines that assist States Parties in understanding and implementing the Convention's provisions.
She concluded by affirming Qatar's belief in international cooperation as the optimal means of achieving sustainable progress in human rights. Qatar aspires to continue working with the Committee, the international community, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders to address challenges threatening human rights, ensuring no one is left behind.