New york: The State of Qatar affirmed that respecting, promoting, and protecting human rights constitutes a fundamental pillar of its policy, and that human development and the protection and promotion of human rights are among its priorities. The State of Qatar explained that it spares no effort to support efforts aimed at consolidating concepts and culture of human rights by adopting an approach based on the rule of law, transparency, justice, and human dignity.
According to Qatar News Agency, this declaration was made in a statement delivered by the Second Secretary at Qatar's Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Sheikha Al Maha bint Mubarak Al-Thani, during the General Debate of the Third Committee of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, held at the UN headquarters in New York.
The Second Secretary noted the country's pride in its current membership in the Human Rights Council for the period 2025-2027, and in the position it has built over the years as an effective and credible partner at the international level. She affirmed that Qatar will continue its effective and positive role in this important international forum, and its constructive cooperation to enable the Council to continue its vital role in promoting and protecting human rights.
She highlighted the serious human rights violations faced by the Palestinian people, particularly in the Gaza Strip, which is experiencing an unprecedented humanitarian disaster due to ongoing Israeli aggression. This situation has led to a catastrophic humanitarian, social, and economic crisis. She stressed that Qatar continues to dedicate its efforts and diplomatic endeavors to achieving an end to the war and human suffering, and remains committed to its policy of solidarity with the Palestinian people by providing various forms of support and striving for security and stability in the region.
Sheikha Al Maha expressed confidence that the upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development, to be held in Doha on November 4-6, will provide a pivotal opportunity to advance discussions on important topics within the Third Committee's framework. These include promoting sustainable social development, eradicating poverty, enhancing productive employment, and building inclusive societies that enable full participation by all, including women, youth, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. She emphasized Qatar's eagerness to welcome participants from around the world to the conference.
She pointed out that Qatari women continue to achieve significant accomplishments across various fields, thanks to the State of Qatar's policy of empowering women and enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the country's development.
Sheikha Al Maha also mentioned the launch of the Ministry of Social Development and Family's national strategy for 2025-2030, titled 'From Welfare to Empowerment.' This strategy represents a shift from traditional support to a focus on empowering target groups through specialized training programs and promoting social entrepreneurship.
She emphasized the importance of the family in Qatar's social development policies, noting that the country has adopted comprehensive programs to support families and has prioritized family issues from an early stage.
Qatar has also made significant progress in promoting and protecting children's rights, aligning with its obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Second Secretary highlighted Qatar's partnership with the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, including support for the office's core resources and hosting its Analysis and Communications Centre in Doha.