NHRC Highlights Core Priorities in Meeting with US Official

English , Qatar - قطر , Snippets , / Wednesday, December 10th, 2025

Download this post as PDF

Doha – December 2025
Her Excellency Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), underscored that the rights to freedom of opinion and expression and the prevention of discrimination have been among the Committee’s top priorities since its establishment, describing them as fundamental pillars of human rights protection. She noted the NHRC’s active participation in international conferences on freedom of expression, aimed at supporting the development of national legislation aligned with global standards.
Al Attiyah made the remarks during her meeting at the NHRC headquarters with Mr. Jacob Mackgee, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. She stated that combating human trafficking also remains central to the NHRC’s work. The Committee receives individual petitions, engages immediately with relevant authorities to find legal solutions, and highlights any suspected trafficking cases in its official correspondence to ensure proper investigation and victim protection.
She added that the NHRC plays an important role in training and awareness-raising on international conventions, including the Anti-Trafficking Protocol. The Committee conducted 12 specialized training programs for hotel employees during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and continues to train community groups, commercial entities, and university students, in coordination with the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking at the Ministry of Labor. These programs focus on national anti-trafficking laws, business and human rights principles, and reporting mechanisms.
Al Attiyah highlighted recent legislative updates, including December 2024 amendments to the anti-trafficking law that extend detention periods for suspects, allow more time for evidence collection, and facilitate victim referrals to shelters.
She also addressed the rights of priority groups, pointing to the newly issued Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the upcoming Child Law, both aligned with international standards. She emphasized the NHRC’s role in supporting women’s rights and preventing violence and exclusion, noting the strong presence of Qatari women across professions.
Al Attiyah announced that the NHRC recently established four new units dedicated to the protection of women, children, persons with disabilities, and older persons, in line with the Committee’s strategic plan to strengthen services for vulnerable groups.
She further reviewed the NHRC’s work in encouraging ratification of international human rights conventions and monitoring compliance with those already adopted. She affirmed that Qatar continues to meet labor law obligations and uphold workers’ rights consistent with International Labour Organization standards and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, based on the Committee’s monitoring findings.