Doha: The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) signed a cooperation agreement with the Ombudsman Office of the Republic of Turkiye to support cooperation and strengthen partnership between the two parties, utilizing their expertise and capabilities to achieve a sustainable and effective response to all humanitarian and human rights activities within their competence.
According to Qatar News Agency, the agreement was signed by HE Chairperson of NHRC Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah and HE Chief Ombudsman of Turkiye Mehmet Akarca. The NHRC stated that the agreement aims to intensify joint cooperation, develop strategies and action plans, and exchange technical and institutional experiences. It stipulates that the parties should work together to achieve common goals and visions in strengthening the national legislative framework in accordance with international agreements, participate in human rights training programs, conduct joint research, and enhance coordination to facilitate the implementation of their countries’ international obligations in the field of human rights.
The agreement includes the exchange of information, laws, legislations, analytical materials, and literature in promoting and protecting human rights. It also covers assistance in human rights issues for citizens of both countries and the implementation of joint programs and projects aimed at conducting research on the protection of human rights and freedoms. The parties will organize joint activities, mutual visits, training programs, workshops, conferences, and seminars on human rights issues, and publish joint publications on promoting and protecting human rights and freedoms.
HE Chairperson Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah expressed pride in the cooperation with the Turkish Ombudsman and emphasized the importance of developing cooperation in mutual areas of interest. She highlighted Turkiye’s leadership in women’s rights legislation and proposed organizing a joint training course on countering domestic violence and violence against women. Al Attiyah also provided an overview of NHRC’s work and strategic plans, emphasizing its international interactions and leadership roles.
Al Attiyah met with HE Advisor to the Turkish President and former Chief Ombudsman of Turkiye Seref Malkoc, stressing the NHRC’s readiness to cooperate with Turkish human rights institutions. She called for cooperation in strengthening legislative bodies and human rights institutions and expressed pride in the roles of Qatar and Turkiye in promoting international peace, security, and dialogue among civilizations.
During the meeting, Al Attiyah reviewed human rights challenges in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and the efforts of NHRC and the Arab Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ANNHRI) in addressing these issues through communication with international officials to end violations against the Palestinian people.