Workshop on Universal Periodic Review Mechanism on Human Rights

Workshop on Universal Periodic Review Mechanism on Human Rights

Doha / Information Office / April 10  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Department of Human Rights held today at the ministry's headquarters a workshop in cooperation with Geneva Institute for Human Rights, the UN Human Rights Training Centre for South-West Asia and the Arab Region. The workshop was on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism adopted by the UN. Representatives of different ministries, institutions, and civil society organizations are taking part in the event.

The two-day workshop will see lectures by experts in the field, who will aim to provide the participants with information and sources on the international law for human rights. They will also provide a brief overview of the international agreements that Qatar joined. The workshop will look to develop skills to perform the Universal Periodic Review. It will also enhance their ability in discussing the state's report presented to the mechanism's working group.

HE Director of Department of Human Rights at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Faisal Al Henzab said in a speech that organization of the workshop comes within the framework of the state's preparations for discussing its third periodic report before the Universal Periodic Review's working group in May. He noted that UPR is a new mechanism, established with UN Human Rights Council in 2006. It aims to improve the human rights situation by assessing state records and reports on the matter. It also aims at providing technical assistance to states to help them strengthen their capacity to effectively address human rights challenges, as well as to share the best practices in the field of human rights between States and other stakeholders. He pointed out that the interest of the State of Qatar in the universal periodic review mechanism comes within the framework of its full commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, which comes alongside human development at the top of the country's priorities. He highlighted that this interest was reflected in Qatar National Vision 2030, as well as in its two developmental strategies (2011-2016, 2018-2022), and the recent legislations issued.

Al Henzab said that the commitment to human rights has also taken into account the observations and recommendations of the international mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human rights, including the Universal Periodic Review mechanism.