NHRC Chairperson Highlights 'Human Rights and Football' Art Exhibition's Success in Introducing Rights Concepts

Doha, December 21 (QNA) - HE Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah said that the 'Human Rights and Football' Art Exhibition managed to introduce human rights concepts by linking human rights and humanitarian principles with football. On the occasion of the conclusion of the exhibition held in the garden of the new Sheraton Hotel on the Doha Corniche, as part of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022-associated events, Her Excellency highlighted the NHRC's keenness to interact with local and international events related to human rights issues. The exhibition was held as recommended by the First National Forum on Human Rights on the need to approach the concept of the "right to sport" and the values and principles included in the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Human Rights Council and the Olympic Charter. It came also within the framework of cooperation with the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, in a bid to promote a culture of human rights through the exercise of sports. Her Excellency hailed sports as a vital means of rapprochement, enhancing understanding between peoples and cultures, establishing values of tolerance and respect for the other, and the need to empower vulnerable groups, and facilitate their access to sports services and facilities, including enabling the blind to follow sports tournaments. The paintings of the exhibition reflected important messages to the World Cup fans and established concepts that affirm that sport is a right for all, and it is an inherent human right. The paintings also highlighted the importance of achieving sustainable development, preserving the environment, contributing to building a footballing future through voluntary teamwork, and deepening familiarity between people, Her Excellency added. Her Excellency hailed the paintings as creative and distinctive demonstrations of the exercise of the right to sports without discrimination, gender equality, the right of everyone to practice sports, especially those with disabilities, and the importance of enabling them to participate fairly and equitably in recreational and sports activities. The State of Qatar presented a wonderful example and documented historical moments in which the different nationalities and cultures of the world coalesced under one goal, Her Excellency added, highlighting sports' role to unite peoples, as positively demonstrated in the local and international media, amid the State of Qatar's great care, protection and facilities offered to fans of different nationalities and religions. The exhibition is a cultural and artistic platform that contributes to promoting a culture of human rights, respect for human diversity and human coexistence, and spreading tolerance, peace and joint cooperation, as a destination within the purposes and objectives of sport, Her Excellency said. The paintings that went on display expressed the rights of workers, people with disabilities, and other groups. They also reflected the principles of human rights in the practice of sports in general and football in particular, and sent many messages related to the rights and duties of fans such as rejecting in-stadium racism, spreading a culture of tolerance and peace, and providing benefits for the most vulnerable groups in practicing and attending sporting events. The exhibition saw a great fan turnout during Qatar's historic organization of the World Cup tournament. (QNA)