Arab Countries Hail Qatar's Efforts on Human Rights

Geneva, May 07 (QNA) - The Arab countries praised today before the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) the developments and achievements made by the State of Qatar for the advancement of human rights in various fields. For its part, the State of Kuwait commended the efforts of the State of Qatar in order to protect and promote the rights of migrant workers in the framework of international standards of labor law. On his speech during the second round of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), Kuwait's Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva Ambassador Jamal Al-Ghoneim said the report presented by the State of Qatar shows the efforts it made in order to protect and promote the rights of migrant workers established by the labor law, as well as to compel employers to pay the wages of migrant workers in a timely manner, adding that the breach of these requirements may result in punitive action. He pointed out that the Qatari government did not hesitate to protect the rights of workers, and formed a special team for guidance aimed at educating workers about their rights and providing legal advice to them. He hailed the constructive efforts made by the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva under the chairmanship of HE Faisal Bin Abdullah Al-Henzab. Morocco also welcome Qatar's position in dealing with the issue of human rights by ensuring the implementation of its obligations and strengthening the institutional system for supporting and protecting human rights in the areas of family , judiciary and women. For its part, Algeria expressed satisfaction with the development of an institutional framework which is backed by Qatar in the fields of social work and international humanitarian law as well the launching of several national strategies aimed at the development of human rights in the areas of health, education and family development. It also praised the issuance of several laws in this regard, such as the law against human trafficking, social health insurance and the amendment of the Penal Code. For its part, Tunisia commended Qatar's decision to create a standing committee to prepare reports on the UPR, make decisions to ensure the rights of foreign workers and amend the sponsorship law. Tunisia also praised the establishment of numerous structures and bodies on the situation of human rights and the adoption of action plans and strategies with the aim of promoting and protecting them in line of Qatar National Vision 2030. The Sultanate of Oman expressed its appreciation for the important role being played the State of Qatar to protect human rights and taking all necessary legal, political and administrative measures aimed at achieving Qatar's National Vision 2030. In its speech before the UNHRC, Libya, praised Qatar's report, commending in this regard the Qatari delegation's extensive explanation on the steps carried out to implement the recommendations taken during the interactive dialogue with the mechanisms of the United Nations Council for Human Rights. For its part, Mauritania hailed the Qatari efforts to promote a culture of human rights and make Qatar a home shared by everyone, which is reflected in the report before the Council, in addition to Qatar's effective role in the promotion and protection of human rights. Lebanon said the report reflects Qatar's remarkable effort which has been exerted in order to implement the recommendations it has received during the first round of the United Nations Universal Periodic Review, particularly at level of international cooperation to promote human rights through various events and activities. Jordan also praised the efforts being exerted by Qatar in the protection and promotion of human rights at all levels of economic, social and cultural rights, particularly the right to health and education. While Palestine praised Qatar's efforts in continuing to raise awareness of the importance of human rights and promoting efforts in spreading the culture of women's rights and equal opportunities and empowerment of the family. In the same context, Sudan said Qatar's regional and international initiatives reflects its commitment to the principles of human rights, stressing that those initiatives had a positive impact on the regional and international levels over the past decade. He also praised Qatar's role in Darfur peace process. (QNA)