DOHA: The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) has signed a cooperation agreement with the Ombudsman Office of the Republic of Turkiye with the aim of supporting cooperation and strengthening partnership between the two parties, through utilizing the expertise and capabilities available to them, to achieve a sustainable and effective response to all humanitarian and human rights activities within the competence of the parties.
The agreement was signed by Chairperson of National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) HE Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah and Chief Ombudsman of Turkiye HE Mehmet Akarca.
The NHRC said that the agreement aims to intensify cooperation and develop strategies and action plans for each party, as well as the exchange of technical and institutional experiences between them, adding that the agreement stipulated that the parties, in compliance with the rules, regulations and directives in force in their countries, should cooperate to achieve common goals and visions in the areas of strengthening the national legislative framework in accordance with international agreements, participating in training programs on human rights issues, conducting joint research, as well as conducting information and awareness-raising activities of common interest, and enhancing coordination between the parties to facilitate the implementation of their countries' international obligations in the field of human rights.
The statement explained that both parties agreed that the implementation of cooperation between the parties should include the exchange of Information, laws and legislations, analytical materials and literature in the field of promoting and protecting human rights, as well as the exchange of experiences in the implementation of the parties' international obligations in the field of human rights, assistance in human rights issues and freedoms for citizens of the Republic of Turkiye in the State of Qatar, and citizens of the State of Qatar in the Republic of Turkiye in addition to mutual assistance in the field of promoting and protecting human rights and freedoms for citizens of both countries, in accordance with the competencies of the parties.
NHRC added that the agreement also covers the implementation of joint programs and projects aimed at conducting research on the protection of human rights and freedoms, and meeting mutual invitations to conferences, workshops, meetings, and other activities organized by the parties on the promotion and protection of human rights, pointing out that the agreement included organizing joint activities at the level of international organizations and networks of national human rights institutions, planning mutual visits, organizing training programs and workshops, holding international conferences and seminars, round tables and training courses on human rights issues, as well as preparing and publishing joint publications on issues of promoting and protecting human rights and freedoms, holding regular bilateral consultations on the promotion and protection of human rights, and assistance in developing communication with civil society institutions in Qatar and Turkiye.
In a related context, Al Attiyah, during her meeting with Akarca, reviewed the joint efforts between the committee and the office, noting that the agreement between the two parties will ensure the continuation of cooperation and building an effective partnership, expressing pride of cooperation with the Turkish Ombudsman, and confirming keenness to continue and develop cooperation in various fields of mutual interest.
She added that Turkiye is one of the leading countries in the field of legislation related to women's rights, as it has signed the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), as well as the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, in addition, it has amended its constitution and laws to ensure the protection and promotion of women's rights in various fields, noting that the State of Qatar has also ratified the convention on the elimination of discrimination against women, adding that it pays great attention to the development of the human rights situation of women, and the promotion of their rights.
During the meeting, Al Attiyah proposed organizing a joint training course focused on countering domestic violence and combating violence against women, with the aim of exchanging experiences and effective legislation between the two countries, enhancing awareness about ways to protect women from violence, supporting the capabilities of professionals working in this field, as well as organizing a second specialized event highlighting these topics, to exchange knowledge and enhance dialogue on justice and human rights issues, expressing her aspiration that this event will be an opportunity to provide new insights by discussing ways to promote justice and human rights in the context of contemporary legal issues.
Relatedly, Al Attiyah also met with Advisor to the Turkish President and former Chief Ombudsman of Turkiye Seref Malkoc, where Al Attiyah stressed the Committee's readiness to cooperate with all governmental, national and non-governmental mechanisms and institutions concerned with human rights in Turkiye through the exchange of experiences, expertise and best practices.
