NHRC Chairperson: True Democracy Requires Equality and Human Rights Protection

English , Qatar - قطر , Snippets , / Tuesday, August 26th, 2025

Download this post as PDF

rki.news
Geneva, August 26, 2025 – The Chairperson of Qatar’s National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), H.E. Maryam bint Abdullah Al-Attiyah, emphasized that democracy cannot be separated from respect for human dignity, the protection of freedoms, and the fight against racism.
Speaking during a high-level panel discussion in Geneva, held between sessions of the UN Human Rights Council under the theme “The Link Between Democracy and Combating Racism”, Al-Attiyah stressed that while every country has its own context and circumstances in practicing democracy, the core principles of equality, justice, and human rights remain universal.
“Democratic transformation may face challenges or require time, but what must remain constant is the commitment to fundamental values—respecting human dignity and strengthening institutions that foster civic participation,” she said.
Al-Attiyah underlined that democracy is incomplete without ensuring equality and justice for all members of society, providing opportunities for effective participation without discrimination or exclusion. “Whatever its form or model, democracy should embrace diversity and guarantee representation for everyone,” she added.
Highlighting NHRC’s role, Al-Attiyah reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote dialogue, mutual understanding, and a culture of rights and citizenship, while opposing all forms of discrimination.
“We hope this panel serves as an opportunity to share experiences and lessons,” she noted. “True democracy cannot be detached from the protection of human rights and the fight against all manifestations of racism.”
The session gathered global human rights experts and policymakers to exchange views on strengthening democratic values while addressing racial discrimination. Al-Attiyah concluded by calling for collective efforts to integrate equality and justice into democratic systems, ensuring they respond to the needs of all communities without prejudice.