Madrid: HE Chairperson of National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah, who is also the President of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), convened a meeting with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain, Jose Manuel Albares, in Madrid. The discussions revolved around mutual efforts to enhance human rights standards and address pressing international concerns.
According to Qatar News Agency, during the meeting, Al Attiyah lauded Spain's stance on the aggression in the Gaza Strip and its efforts to foster peace and stability. She appreciated Spain's active role on both the international and European Union fronts, emphasizing its advocacy for coordinated efforts to advance the international human rights protection system and eliminate double standards and impunity.
The NHRC and GANHRI have taken note of Spain's calls for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, its condemnation of settler practices in the West Bank, and its appeals for opening crossings for humanitarian aid. Al Attiyah expressed gratitude for Spain's insistence on applying consistent humanitarian and legal principles, akin to those applied in Ukraine and Gaza. She also highlighted Qatar's role in bolstering efforts to restore stability in Syria and support peaceful power transitions.
Al Attiyah extended an invitation to the Spanish Foreign Minister to participate in an international conference on artificial intelligence and human rights, which is scheduled for May in Doha. She expressed pride in the NHRC's activities in Spain, notably the Human Rights in Islamic Culture Exhibition held in 2017, and showed eagerness to collaborate on future events with Spanish universities, national institutions, and NGOs.
She proposed an annual panel discussion at the European Parliament to address critical global human rights issues, involving GANHRI member institutions. Al Attiyah also discussed NHRC's initiatives and achievements in legislative reform and the development of protection standards, both regionally and internationally.
Further discussions with Spanish officials, including Fernando Fernandez Aguayo, Alberto Cerezo Sobriano, and Lucia Garcia Rico, focused on NHRC's role in promoting international protection standards and enhancing coordination through GANHRI's presidency. They addressed human rights challenges in the Palestinian territories amidst ongoing Israeli attacks, highlighting policies of double standards and impunity.
Al Attiyah emphasized Qatar's proactive role in addressing global challenges like climate change and armed conflicts, and its efforts to support marginalized groups. She underscored Qatar's commitment to international peace and security, including participation in UN peacekeeping missions and support for UN protection mechanisms.
She proposed a joint event to evaluate United Nations human rights mechanisms, involving governmental bodies, treaty bodies, and international experts. Al Attiyah also outlined NHRC's contributions in the Middle East and Qatar's initiatives in education and women's rights, particularly in conflict zones.
The Chairperson reiterated Qatar's efforts to resolve regional conflicts through peaceful means and support relief efforts, emphasizing the right to education and the rights of women and girls in conflict-affected areas.