Latest news with #NationalHumanRightsCommittee
Qatar Tribune
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
New Zealand official urges global AI framework to protect human rights
Ashraf Siddiqui Doha Chief Human Rights Commissioner of New Zealand Dr. Stephen Laurence Rainbow has underscored the significance of the discussions that took place at the recently held two-day International Conference on AI and Human Rights in Doha. Talking to Qatar Tribune on the sidelines of the conference, he noted that the forum offered a nuanced examination of AI's promise and the challenges it poses to human rights and social stability, emphasising the importance of international cooperation, particularly for countries like New Zealand, which may be geographically distant but are eager to forge meaningful partnerships to address pressing global challenges. Dr. Rainbow noted that while AI is already influencing various facets of life worldwide, there remains a gap in developing robust frameworks to balance its opportunities and risks. He highlighted the need for a comprehensive global framework to address the human rights implications of AI. 'This conference is significant because it brings people together to discuss one of the greatest challenges of our time — artificial intelligence and technological disruption,' he said. Dr. Rainbow praised the conference organisers, particularly Qatar's National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), for their excellent preparation and dedication to ensuring the event's success, calling it an essential contribution to the global conversation on human rights in the era of AI. He also noted that the recent visit of the Qatar Human Rights Committee to New Zealand highlighted the potential for ongoing collaboration in safeguarding human rights and leveraging AI in a responsible manner. Reflecting on a panel discussion he participated in, Dr. Rainbow observed that it offered a balanced exploration of AI's positive impacts, such as in healthcare and education, alongside the serious risks to personal privacy and other fundamental rights. He expressed deep gratitude to Qatar's NHRC for their warm hospitality and for fostering meaningful dialogue that inspires future collaborations and thoughtful responses to the rapidly evolving technological landscape. This event marked Dr. Rainbow's first visit to Qatar, and he took the opportunity to explore some of the city's cultural highlights, including the Museum of Islamic Art and the vibrant Souq Waqif. He was particularly struck by the Souq's energetic atmosphere, bustling with food vendors and serving as a major wholesale market that beautifully reflects Qatar's rich traditions.
Qatar Tribune
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
NHRC vice-chairperson discusses human rights cooperation with Australian officials
CANBERRA: National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) Vice-Chairperson Dr Mohammed bin Saif Al Kuwari has discussed further human rights cooperation with Australian officials in Sydney. The talks with Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) President Hugh de Krester, Senior Assistant Ombudsman NSO (Commonwealth Ombudsman) Kate Anderson, and Director of the Asia-Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF) Kieren Fitzpatrick explored potentials for cooperation and expertise-sharing to serve and enhance both sides' common goals. In this sphere, a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) was inked between the NHRC and APF to further collaborate on information, legislation, and publications that reflect the nature of their work and competencies, as well as the principles guiding their performance. They will also hold workshops and consultative meetings and interactive dialogues. Under the deal, members of both parties will engage in mutual conferences, seminars, and cultural activities related to the promotion and protection of human rights, and to establish joint research projects and training programs to disseminate a culture of human rights and boost capacity building. There will also be a possibility of creating an e-platform for the exchange of opinions, information, and experiences. During his meeting with Fitzpatrick, Al Kuwari emphasized the importance of cooperation with Australia on human rights and all related aspects, and the development of a framework for cooperation in the field of strengthening and building capacity with relevant authorities in this regard. He highlighted the roles played by the State of Qatar and Australia in maintaining international peace and security, and in mediating to resolve disputes through peaceful means. He commended the two countries' roles in promoting dialogue among civilizations, tolerance, and coexistence among peoples. The talks with Hugh de Krester culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding expanding cooperation, exchanging official visits, and inviting guests to major events they organize, as well as enhancing joint action in all areas of human rights. The two sides agreed that joint cooperation would include the exchange of expertise in protecting individual rights, developing educational programs, and monitoring human rights regionally and globally. They would also organize joint events to raise awareness of human rights, exchange progress reports, and support legal initiatives that promote human rights in both countries. Al Kuwari said the meeting discussed collaboration to organize joint training programs with the aim of enhancing institutional capabilities and the ability to address human rights issues from a legal and social perspective. He added that this cooperation could include training staff on best practices for handling complaints and resolving disputes. The two parties could also cooperate in overseeing international human rights commitments, work together to enhance the Arab region's participation in international forums, exchange experiences on how to effectively implement international human rights agreements, and coordinate the submission of joint reports to international bodies. At the conclusion of the meeting, Al Kuwari invited de Krester to participate in the international conference on artificial intelligence and human rights, which the NHRC will organize on May 27 and 28. In another context, during his meeting with Anderson, Al Kuwari provided an explanation of NHRC's national, regional, and international efforts, highlighting the most significant developments and updates witnessed in the State of Qatar in the field of human rights. The two sides agreed to cooperate, particularly with regard to receiving complaints and protecting individual rights. This will be achieved by organizing workshops and periodic meetings between the complaints teams of both parties to exchange best practices in methods for receiving and evaluating complaints. They will also explore the possibility of developing a joint procedural guide to enhance efficiency and transparency in handling complaints, and exchanging statistical data on the nature of recurring complaints, which will contribute to monitoring trends and proposing preventive policies.
Daily Tribune
05-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Lauded as Global Model for Peace and Tolerance
Bahrain's Foreign Minister and Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, has praised the Kingdom as a pioneering global model in promoting humanitarian values and peaceful coexistence among religions, cultures, and civilizations. Speaking on the occasion of the International Day of Conscience—established by the United Nations on Bahrain's initiative and observed annually on April 5—Dr. Al-Zayani highlighted Bahrain's steadfast commitment to a visionary humanitarian approach inspired by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and supported by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Prime Minister. In his remarks, Dr. Al-Zayani expressed pride in Bahrain's leading role, which is deeply rooted in its rich historical heritage and noble human and civilizational values. He emphasized the nation's tireless efforts in fostering peace, tolerance, and the rejection of fanaticism and hatred, all aimed at building a sustainable world marked by respect, justice, harmony, and solidarity. These initiatives include the promotion of a culture of peace, conflict prevention through dialogue and negotiation, the organization of global forums for interfaith and intercultural dialogue, and the launch of significant awards such as the 'King Hamad Award for Coexistence and Tolerance.' Additional accolades recognize contributions in areas supporting women, youth, education, and humanitarian service. The Kingdom has also embraced the 'Bahrain Summit' for royal initiatives, which calls for an international conference on peace, the provision of essential health and educational services to those affected by conflicts, and cooperation in digital innovation and transformation. Moreover, the United Nations has endorsed the King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance's initiative to designate an 'International Day of Peaceful Coexistence.' Looking ahead, Dr. Al-Zayani reaffirmed Bahrain's commitment to playing an active role on the international stage. As the Kingdom currently chairs the Arab League's Council of Arab Universities and seeks a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2026-2027 term, Bahrain remains dedicated to strengthening global peace and security, fostering tolerance and solidarity, and upholding religious and cultural diversity. These efforts are part of the National Human Rights Plan (2022-2026), which aligns with international charters and the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.
Bahrain News Gazette
29-03-2025
- Politics
- Bahrain News Gazette
Foreign Ministry Conducts Second Workshop on National Human Rights Plan (2027-2031)
Manama: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held the second workshop on the development of the National Human Rights Plan (2027-2031), attended by Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al Asfoor, Minister of Social Development. The event, conducted via videoconference, included officials and representatives of relevant ministries and entities part of the National Human Rights Committee. Ambassador Dr. Arwa Hassan Al Sayed, Chief of the Human Rights Affairs Sector at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, moderated the workshop. According to Bahrain News Agency, participants included Bahrain's diplomatic and consular corps abroad, ambassadors of accredited countries to the Kingdom of Bahrain, representatives of UN offices, and civil society organisations. During the opening session, the Minister of Social Development expressed pride in the progress made by national institutions and civil society organisations in protecting and promoting human rights in Bahrain. He credited these achievements to the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the guidance of the government led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He also highlighted the significant role played by civil society in strengthening human rights. Introductory remarks were delivered by Ambassador Dr. Yousef Abdulkarim Bucheeri, Director General of Legal Affairs and Human Rights at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GGC). The first session, focusing on the role of civil society through partnerships, featured contributions from Ali Ahmed Al Derazi, President of the National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR); Fiona Walker, Deputy Head of Mission of the United Kingdom to Bahrain; and Amina Al Jassim, Acting Director of the NGOs Directorate at the Ministry of Social Development. The second session addressed the role of civil society in protecting and promoting the rights of various groups, with remarks by Dr. Houria Abbas Al Dairi, Member of the Board of Commissioners and Commissioner for Child Rights; Dr. Farid Ghazi from Mabade'a Society for Human Rights; Ahlam Ahmed Rajab from the Bahrain Women Union; Yaqoub Yousef Mohammed from the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions; Adel Sultan Al Mutawa from the Bahrain Mobility International Centre; and Mona Almoayyed from the Migrant Workers Protection Society. The third session examined the importance of civil society engagement at the local, regional, and international levels, featuring contributions from Dr. Abduljabbar Al Tayeb from the Bahrain Jurists Society; Mohsen Ali Al Ghurairi from the Bahrain Observatory for Human Rights; Faisal Fulad from the Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society; and Ahmed Al Hajeri from the Bahrain Human Rights Society. The workshop concluded with a discussion on proposals and recommendations to further enhance the active role of civil society organisations in Bahrain.
