Al Attiyah calls for Strengthening National Human Rights Institutions amid global challenges

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Thursday, March 13th, 2025

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Geneva, March 13, 2025 – Chairperson of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) and Qatar’s National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah, has called for urgent measures to protect national human rights institutions (NHRIs) and defenders facing increasing global threats.
Speaking at the GANHRI Assembly at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, Al Attiyah highlighted a recent survey revealing widespread violations against human rights defenders, including arbitrary arrests, harassment, defamation campaigns, physical threats, and restrictive laws. She stressed that many institutions themselves face reprisals for cooperating with the UN and regional bodies.
GANHRI’s report on reprisals includes key recommendations such as strengthening institutional capacity, fostering international cooperation, and forming strategic partnerships to safeguard defenders at risk. Al Attiyah emphasized, “National institutions cannot protect human rights unless they are strong, supported, and shielded from external threats.”
She also discussed GANHRI’s increased collaboration with the United Nations Committee Against Torture and the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture, as well as a six-part webinar series with the Association for the Prevention of Torture. She reaffirmed the Alliance’s commitment to the absolute prohibition of torture in all circumstances.
On women’s rights and disability rights, Al Attiyah noted persistent challenges despite decades of global commitments. Women continue to face higher poverty rates and rampant gender-based violence, while persons with disabilities remain marginalized despite the UN Convention on their rights. She underscored that many national human rights institutions are prioritizing these issues.
Turning to global conflicts, Al Attiyah warned of the devastating impact of wars, which strip away fundamental rights and fuel division. She noted that some political leaders exploit public fear to spread hate and division, urging NHRIs to combat misinformation and discrimination through evidence-based advocacy and education.
She praised GANHRI’s regional networks for their efforts in equipping national institutions with the resources needed to navigate these challenges. “The Global Alliance remains steadfast in its mission to support, strengthen, and protect national institutions, ensuring they uphold the Paris Principles and contribute to the global human rights agenda,” she concluded.