Maryam Al-Attiyah Strengthens Human Rights Ties with Canadian Officials

RKI.news
Ottawa – April 22, 2025 – Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) of Qatar, H.E. Maryam bint Abdullah Al-Attiyah, highlighted the growing human rights partnership between Qatar and Canada, focusing on the importance of human rights education and institutional development. During her recent visit to Canada, Al-Attiyah held key meetings with Canadian officials, including H.E. Alexander Leveque, Assistant Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Tabatha Tranquilla, Director of Policy, Research, and International Affairs at the Canadian Human Rights Commission.
Al-Attiyah reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to human rights and the NHRC’s role as one of the first institutions in the Arab world established in line with the Paris Principles. The NHRC safeguards and promotes human rights through advisory and monitoring functions, including issuing recommendations, providing legal support to petitioners, and promoting public awareness.
During her meeting with Leveque, Al-Attiyah discussed Qatar’s efforts to integrate human rights concepts into educational curricula. She emphasized that this initiative is part of Qatar’s broader strategy to build a socially responsible society. Al-Attiyah highlighted the NHRC’s work with Qatari universities in human rights research and education, noting the development of educational materials and training toolkits for teachers, airport staff, and National Service Academy students. The committee has also introduced human rights as a subject at Qatar University, alongside developing master’s level programs in human rights.
In her discussion with Tranquilla, Al-Attiyah outlined the NHRC’s focus on protecting women’s rights, children’s rights, and the rights of persons with disabilities. She emphasized the NHRC’s efforts to address gender equality barriers and improve access to education, which remain central to its mandate.
Al-Attiyah expressed interest in collaborating with Canadian institutions to develop human rights education programs, particularly in organizing joint seminars, workshops, and exhibitions. A potential Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the NHRC and the Canadian Human Rights Commission would formalize cooperation in training, research, and knowledge sharing.
Al-Attiyah’s visit also focused on aligning Qatar’s legislative frameworks with international human rights standards. She outlined Qatar’s efforts to review and improve its legal systems to better protect human rights, particularly regarding labor rights and the rights of migrant workers.
Leveque expressed his appreciation for Qatar’s proactive approach to human rights, commending the NHRC for its significant contributions to the region. He emphasized the visit of H.H. the Amir of Qatar to Canada, which expanded the scope of bilateral cooperation. Leveque highlighted the NHRC’s role in labor law reforms and its impact on regional human rights development. He affirmed Canada’s genuine desire to work with Qatar on human rights issues, particularly in human rights education, legislative reforms, and capacity building.
Tranquilla also welcomed Al-Attiyah’s delegation, underscoring the importance of the visit in strengthening relations and enhancing cooperation between the two countries. She discussed the Canadian Human Rights Commission’s efforts to promote human rights through education, legal reforms, and advocacy, and emphasized the importance of international collaboration.
The meetings concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to building a strong and effective partnership in human rights. Al-Attiyah expressed gratitude for the constructive discussions and looked forward to future opportunities for collaboration. The signing of the MoU will be a significant milestone in strengthening the bilateral ties between Qatar and Canada in human rights education, research, and institutional development.
Al-Attiyah’s visit not only reflects Qatar’s dedication to promoting human rights within its borders but also underscores its commitment to fostering strong international partnerships to make a meaningful impact on global human rights standards. Through continued cooperation with Canadian officials and institutions, Qatar aims to strengthen its role as a leader in human rights in the Arab world and beyond.