Ashraf siddiqui
Doha
Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee and President of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), HE Maryam Al-Attiyah, has highlighted the region’s economic opportunities alongside the urgent need to address the impact of business on human rights, particularly for the vulnerable population groups.
Delivering the opening address on the first day of the ‘Inaugural Dialogue on Business and Human Rights in the Arab Region’, Al-Attiyah emphasised the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. These principles provide a framework for state responsibility in protecting rights, corporate accountability, and victim redress.
The two-day symposium, convened by Qatar’s National Human Rights Committee in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other international human rights bodies, is themed ‘Charting the Course for Responsible Business Practices in the Arab States Region’. Around 200 participants, including representatives from national human rights institutions, international experts, and academia, gathered to address responsible business practices in an evolving economic landscape with pressing human rights challenges, especially for vulnerable groups.
Al-Attiyah noted that national human rights institutions (NHRIs), with their unique mandates, serve as crucial links between governments, businesses, civil society, and affected communities. NHRIs play an essential role in fostering accountability, advocating for laws and policies aligned with international human rights standards, and raising awareness. They empower communities and ensure that businesses adopt human rights-aligned practices. Collaboration among NHRIs, regional networks, and UN partners is critical in embedding human rights into business operations.
Sultan Al-Jamali, secretary-general of the Arab Network of National Human Rights Institutions, remarked that this dialogue lays a collective foundation for businesses to align with universal human rights principles. He highlighted the Network’s efforts with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to strengthen NHRIs’ capacities in monitoring economic, social, and cultural rights, particularly in challenging socio-economic environments within Arab states.
Dr Mohammed Al-Kuwari, vice chair of Qatar’s National Human Rights Committee, identified regional challenges, stressing that certain business practices continue to overlook marginalised populations. He proposed establishing a permanent network to unify stakeholders—businesses, civil society, and governments—to strengthen collaboration, align efforts, and develop national plans to address present and future human rights issues.
From a global perspective, Prof Damilola Sunday Olawuyi of the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights called for greater emphasis on economic diversification, clean technologies, and access to sustainable solutions within the region. He expressed optimism that the dialogue would lead to actionable steps to advance the UN Guiding Principles regionally, focusing on vulnerable populations.
UNDP Technical Representative Biplov Chowdhury noted the dual impact of businesses on human rights—positive in promoting decent working conditions but often negative in cases of worker exploitation and transparency gaps. Chowdhury emphasised the importance of raising awareness in the Arab region to foster sustainable and inclusive business practices.
Engineer Ali Al-Darazi, chairperson of Bahrain’s National Institution for Human Rights, praised the dialogue for nurturing a culture of human rights, urging businesses to respect workers’ rights and protect citizens’ interests. He highlighted the conference as a key platform for promoting corporate accountability and countering criticisms of human rights issues in the region.
This dialogue is a significant step toward aligning Arab business practices with human rights principles, emphasizing transparency, innovation, and collaboration. As HE Maryam bint Abdullah Al-Attiyah stated, the outcomes of this dialogue will resonate beyond Arab countries, contributing to shaping a global approach that integrates human rights into business, thereby promoting a future where dignity and safety are accessible to all individuals.
This dialogue symbolizes a step forward in aligning Arab business practices with human rights principles, emphasizing the need for openness, innovation, and cooperation. As HE Maryam bint Abdullah Al-Attiyah stated, the outcomes of this dialogue will influence not only Arab countries but also contribute to shaping a global approach to integrating human rights in business, ultimately promoting a future where all individuals can lead dignified and safe lives.