Qatar Wraps Up UN Review of Disability Rights Report in Geneva

Qatar has concluded discussions with the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities over its combined second, third and fourth periodic reports on implementing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The interactive dialogue took place in Geneva on August 12 and 13, bringing together Qatar’s delegation and members of the UN committee to review progress, policies and national efforts related to the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Qatar Highlights Value of International Dialogue

In her concluding remarks, Minister of State for International Cooperation HE Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad thanked the committee and participants for what she described as a constructive and objective exchange.

She said dialogue and the sharing of experiences are important tools for advancing human rights, building international cooperation and exchanging expertise and best practices.

Committee Recommendations to Guide Future Work

Qatar said it intends to draw on the outcomes of the dialogue, as well as the committee’s concluding observations and recommendations, as it continues developing legislation, policies and national programmes concerning persons with disabilities.

The government said this work will continue through a human-rights-based approach centred on dignity, equality, non-discrimination, full and effective participation, accessibility, transparency and accountability.

Human Rights Remain a National Priority

Al Misnad reaffirmed that promoting, protecting and realising human rights remains a priority for Qatar and forms part of the country’s wider reform and development efforts.

She added that cooperation with United Nations human-rights mechanisms complements Qatar’s national and international efforts to strengthen human-rights principles and protections.

Focus on Training and Awareness

Qatar also expressed its intention to strengthen cooperation with the United Nations Training and Documentation Center for Human Rights for South-West Asia and the Arab Region.

The proposed cooperation would support training and awareness programmes for national institutions, improve understanding of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, strengthen implementation capacity and help integrate disability considerations into legislation, policies, programmes and public services.

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