QNHRC Signs MoU with Asia-Pacific Forum

New Delhi, September 06 (QNA) - Qatar National Human Rights Committee (QNHRC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Asia-Pacific Forum (APF) to strengthen regional cooperation and coordination in the protection and promotion of human rights, and to further advance awareness and observance of the human rights in the developing countries in Asia-Pacific region.    The agreement was signed by QNHRC Chairman Dr Ali Bin Smaikh Al Marri and Director of the APF Secretariat Kieren Fitzpatrick.    Under the memo, the two parties share the strategic objectives with respect to the support of national human rights institutions in the Asia-Pacific region, and encourage the creation of new institutions in accordance with international standards "Paris Principles". The memo seeks to meet the forum's role as coordinator of the regional human rights organizations in the Asia-Pacific region, strengthens regional cooperation on human rights issues, advances national human rights institutions in the Asia-Pacific region, encourages the creation of new institutions in accordance with international standards, supports the strategic plan for years to come, and embarks on a the activities contained in the annual plan. Meanwhile, QNHRC Chairman met on the sidelines of the ongoing 19th APF Annual Meeting with vice president and consultant in Canadian international charity Karen and Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission in India Justice Shri K.G. Balakrishnan, where they discussed mutual cooperation and exchange of expertise in different human rights areas. (QNA)