Doha: HE Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah, held separate meetings on Saturday with key international figures, including HE Vanessa Frazier, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, HE Richard Bennett, the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, and HE Dr. Ali Salehabadi, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Qatar.

According to Qatar News Agency, Al Attiyah’s meeting with Vanessa Frazier focused on the NHRC’s dedication to protecting the rights of children, particularly those with disabilities, and empowering vulnerable groups. She highlighted the significant move by Qatar in enacting the Law on Persons with Disabilities, underscoring the country’s commitment to integrating these groups into society. The discussions also covered Qatar’s support for UN efforts in safeguarding children in conflict areas, and explored collaboration opportunities such as joint workshops and training programs in Doha.

In her discussion with Richard Bennett, Al Attiyah addressed various human rights issues in Afghanistan, with an emphasis on the rights of women and girls, along with the protection of minorities and press freedom. Both parties deliberated on potential cooperation in human rights expertise exchange and supporting international accountability efforts. Al Attiyah assured NHRC’s willingness to offer support in the areas of awareness and training.

The meeting with Dr. Ali Salehabadi, Ambassador of Iran, revolved around NHRC’s initiatives to enhance migrant workers’ rights and improve work conditions in Qatar. Al Attiyah stressed the importance of bilateral cooperation to foster expertise exchange and capacity building, particularly in children’s rights concerning education, protection, and healthcare. Discussions also included potential joint training programs to advance human rights legislation and protection mechanisms.