Qatar Participates in Human Rights Forum in Geneva

Geneva, April 02 (QNA) - The State of Qatar is participating in the 2014 session of the Social Forum of the United Nations Human Rights Council which was launched yesterday in Geneva and concludes tomorrow. Qatar is represented at the Forum by Maryam Ibrahim Al Ansari, Director of Research and Development Department at Qatar Foundation for Elderly People Care (IHSAN) Addressing the Forum, Maryam Al Ansari expressed Qatar's keenness to promote the human rights of the elderly, saying the permanent constitution of the State of Qatar and other relevant laws have focused on the need to ensure and promote the human rights of the elderly in all areas , including the right to health, housing and social security. She said the manifestations of concern for the rights of old persons, were not limited only to the legislative field, but went beyond that to include the construction of institutional and strategic policies and programmes, referring in this regard to the and the establishment of a number of institutions and committees concerned with the promotion and protection of the rights of the elderly in its comprehensive concept at both governmental and non-governmental levels, most important of which were Qatar Foundation for care the elderly in 2003 , which aims to house the elderly , who do not have a breadwinner or families caring for them and providing them with health and social care and reintegrating them into society. The Social Forum is a subsidiary body of the United Nations Human Rights Council. It serves as unique space for open and interactive dialogue between the representatives of Member States, civil society, including grass-roots organizations, and intergovernmental organizations on issues linked with the national and international environment needed for the promotion of the enjoyment of all human rights by all. The Chairperson-Rapporteur is appointed for each Forum by the President of the Human Rights Council from candidates nominated by regional groups. In setting the theme and focus of discussion for each Forum, the Human Rights Council underlines the importance of coordinated efforts at national, regional and international levels for the promotion of social cohesion based on the principles of social justice, equity and solidarity as well as of addressing the social dimension and challenges of the on-going globalization process, including based on sharing best practice The Social Forum is open to the participation of representatives of States Members of the United Nations and all other interested stakeholders, such as intergovernmental organizations, different components of the United Nations system, especially mandate holders of thematic procedures and mechanisms of the human rights machinery, regional economic commissions and specialized agencies and organizations, as well as representatives designated by human rights national institutions and non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, and shall also be open to other non-governmental organizations whose aims and purposes are in conformity with the spirit, purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, including newly emerging actors, such as small groups and rural and urban associations from the North and the South, anti-poverty groups, peasants and farmers organizations and their national and international associations, voluntary organizations, environmental organizations and activists, youth associations, community organizations, trade unions and associations of workers, as well as representatives of the private sector, on the basis of arrangements, including Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/31 of 25 July 1996 and practices observed by the Commission on Human Rights, through an open and transparent accreditation procedure, in accordance with the rules of procedure of the Human Rights Council, while ensuring the most effective contribution of these entities. (QNA)