Doha: The Shura Council confirmed that human rights remain a primary focus in its legislative and oversight functions, aligning with Qatar's commitment to human rights under the guidance of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Council's statement on the International Day of Parliamentarism, observed annually on June 30, emphasized that human rights are integral to parliamentary work. This includes enacting legislation, exercising oversight powers, and monitoring public policies to strengthen the rule of law, promote public participation, and support sustainable development.
The Council reiterated Qatar's established commitment to human rights, reflecting this through its legislation and national policies, which enhance human dignity, reinforce justice and the rule of law, and align with the country's comprehensive development goals.
Human rights are central to the Council's legislative and oversight responsibilities, encompassing the approval of rights-protecting legislation, public policy discussions, and government agency performance monitoring. These efforts aim to develop the national legislative framework, improve public services, and enhance institutional efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
The Shura Council also highlighted its active participation in regional and international parliamentary forums, emphasizing parliamentary diplomacy's role in exchanging expertise, fostering dialogue, and supporting international human rights efforts while respecting state sovereignty and cultural differences.
In conclusion, the Council renewed its dedication to its constitutional duties, aiming to further evolve its legislative and oversight framework to promote human rights, preserve dignity, and meet Qatar's aspirations for a just, law-abiding, and sustainably developed society.
HE Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim underscored the crucial role of parliaments, particularly the Shura Council, in human rights protection and legislation reinforcing these rights. He cited Islamic Sharia principles and Qatari traditions as the foundation for upholding human rights.
During a panel discussion by the General Secretariat of the Shura Council for the International Day of Parliamentarism, His Excellency highlighted Qatar's leading role in human rights protection and legislation. The panel featured contributions from Shura Council Members HE Dr. Muna bint Abdulrahman Al Muslemani and HE Essa bin Ahmad Al Nassr, addressing topics such as legislative roles in promoting human rights, parliamentary diplomacy, women's and youth rights, and healthcare quality enhancement.
The discussion underscored human rights protection as a key parliamentary function, reinforcing justice and the rule of law and supporting Qatar's comprehensive development. It also highlighted parliamentary diplomacy's growing role in promoting global dialogue and cooperation for human rights advancement.
The session emphasized developing legislation and policies for women and youth rights and enhancing healthcare quality, recognized as fundamental human rights locally and globally. Attendees provided interventions and discussions, enriching dialogue on enhancing parliamentary human rights work.
The panel reaffirmed parliaments' central role in protecting rights and freedoms, consolidating participation, accountability, and the rule of law principles, and contributing to human rights advancement nationally and internationally.
The International Day of Parliamentarism, globally observed on June 30, commemorates the Inter-Parliamentary Union's founding in 1889. Recognized by the United Nations in 2018, it highlights parliaments' roles in representation, accountability, legislation, government oversight, and supporting women's and youth participation in legislative bodies.