Ottawa: HE Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah, emphasized the committee's pivotal role in protecting and promoting human rights across the Arab region, given its status as one of the pioneering Arab institutions founded under the Paris Principles. She expressed aspirations to establish a collaborative partnership with Canadian institutions focused on training and institutional development in human rights, particularly in integrating human rights education into school curricula.
According to Qatar News Agency, her remarks were made during meetings in Ottawa with HE Assistant Deputy Minister at Global Affairs Canada, Alexander Levesque, and Tabitha Tranquilla, Director of Policy, Research, and International Relations at the Canadian Human Rights Commission. Al Attiyah reiterated the NHRC's dedication to bolstering cooperation between Qatar and Canada, amidst strengthening bilateral relations across multiple fields.
She outlined the committee's monitoring and advisory roles, which include observing human rights conditions, submitting recommendations, providing legal support to petitioners, and fostering awareness of human rights culture in society. Emphasizing the importance of integrating human rights concepts into educational curricula, Al Attiyah expressed hope for shared knowledge and expertise exchange with Canadian counterparts.
In discussions with the Canadian Human Rights Commission's Director, Al Attiyah shared insights into the committee's primary focus areas, including the protection of rights for women, children, and persons with disabilities, alongside ongoing efforts to embed human rights culture in formal education. She voiced the NHRC's intent to explore cooperation with Canadian institutions, particularly in education and human rights within educational settings.
Al Attiyah highlighted the committee's development of educational materials and training toolkits for teachers, as well as programs for airport staff and cadets at the National Service Academy. Additional efforts are in progress to introduce a human rights course at Qatar University, along with academic and training programs for master's students specializing in human rights. The committee also works with Qatari universities on human rights research and specialized education.
She noted the NHRC's organization of regular events in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), with aspirations to extend collaboration with Canadian entities through a memorandum of understanding for enhanced joint training and exhibitions.
Levesque, in response, expressed Canada's interest in deepening cooperation with Qatar and commended the NHRC's progress since its inception, particularly Qatar's legislative reforms in labor laws. He affirmed Canada's readiness to work with the NHRC and maintain open channels for joint initiatives.
Tranquilla underscored the visit's significance in strengthening and expanding cooperation between the two parties. She provided an overview of the Canadian Human Rights Commission's roles and responsibilities, highlighting its active engagement in international forums, especially within the United Nations and GANHRI.