Geneva: HE Chairperson of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) and Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah, met with HE the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, during the GANHRI annual conference in Geneva. The conference, titled "The Role of National Human Rights Institutions -- or NHRIs -- in Promoting Gender Equality and Advancing the Human Rights of All Women and Girls," served as a platform for discussions on the pivotal role of GANHRI in upholding international law and supporting NHRIs globally.
According to Qatar News Agency, Her Excellency discussed the complexities of the current global scene and the formidable challenges they impose on the operations of the United Nations. She noted that these challenges are compounded by severe financial crises, which have led to budget cuts and the closure of numerous programs, directly affecting efforts to protect human rights.
Her Excellency stressed the growing need for fostering partnerships and effective collaboration amid these unprecedented challenges. She expressed concern about the financial crisis's impact on the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and its ability to support GANHRI and NHRIs. This support is crucial for technical assistance, the Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA), and other meetings and established programs.
HE Al Attiyah highlighted the fundamental role of GANHRI's SCA in enhancing the independence of NHRIs and ensuring their ability to efficiently fulfill their duties. She emphasized the importance of unwavering support from OHCHR, GANHRI, its regional networks, and national institutions in protecting human rights at the national level.
Her Excellency also engaged with the OHCHR's vision and strategies for addressing crises and ensuring the sustainability of human rights work. She expressed a keen interest in strengthening cooperation between OHCHR and GANHRI to protect human rights and enhance the role of NHRIs in various contexts.