Geneva: The State of Qatar has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting equality, combating racism, fostering tolerance, and encouraging acceptance. It has highlighted the measures it has implemented to ensure a safe and pluralistic societal environment, free from tension, hatred, and discrimination. Qatar’s population includes individuals from over 80 countries, representing various ethnicities, religions, and cultural backgrounds.
According to Qatar News Agency, Sheikh Sultan bin Khalid Al-Thani, Second Secretary of Qatar’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations Office in Geneva, delivered a statement during a session commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This session also marked the 60th Anniversary of the Adoption of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, held under item 9 of the agenda of the 58th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
He emphasized that even 60 years after the adoption of the Convention, the principles and standards it set forth remain crucial in addressing global challenges, especially as new forms of racism and discrimination affect specific societal segments based on nationality, ethnicity, or religion.
Sheikh Sultan also highlighted the daily violations faced by migrants, refugees, and minority groups, including threats to their right to life due to hate speech and hostile behavior. He further noted that the State of Qatar established the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue to promote dialogue and encourage peaceful coexistence and mutual acceptance among followers of different religions and civilizations.