New york: The State of Qatar has reiterated its commitment to supporting international efforts aimed at consolidating human rights principles globally. It has pledged to maintain active cooperation and engagement with international partners to accelerate the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, highlighting its dedication to the proactive role it previously played on the Human Rights Council. Qatar emphasized its intent to collaborate with member states to empower the Council in achieving its objectives.
According to Qatar News Agency, this statement was delivered by Her Excellency Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly’s general discussion on the Human Rights Council’s report at the UN headquarters in New York. She noted Qatar’s recent election to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2025-2027 term, a recognition reflecting the trust and respect the international community holds for Qatar as
a credible and effective partner.
Sheikha Alya Al-Thani stressed that Qatar’s policy prioritizes the respect, promotion, and protection of human rights, with human development at its core. This focus is part of a robust constitutional and legislative framework that enshrines human rights and fundamental freedoms for all individuals. Qatar’s commitment to the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) was also highlighted as a mechanism to assess progress, address challenges, and share best practices in human rights. Qatar is set to present its fourth national report to the UPR Working Group during its 47th session in Geneva this November.
Furthermore, Sheikha Alya emphasized Qatar’s ongoing support for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and expressed anticipation for continued collaboration. Since 2009, Qatar has hosted the UN Human Rights Training and Documentation Centre for South-West Asia and the Arab Region, which has effectively addressed regional needs and advanced human rights.
Addressing the Palestinian situation, Sheikha Alya condemned the severe violations faced by the Palestinian people due to the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza. She underscored the Human Rights Council’s grave concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, worsened by repeated Israeli military operations. Her Excellency reiterated Qatar’s condemnation of these violations, labeling them as breaches of international humanitarian and human rights laws, and reaffirmed Qatar’s denunciation of acts targeting civilians and any attempts at forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.