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TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK
DOHA
The Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF) has praised the Qatar National Human Rights Committee for performing its mandate diligently during the current Gulf crisis.
In a letter dated 29 August 2017, to Ali Bin Samikh Al-Marri, Chairperson, Qatar National Human Rights Committee, Jamsran Byambadorj, Chairperson of APF, has stated that his organization stands ready to support Qatar's NHRI.
'Please feel free to contact myself or the Director of the APF if you require any assistance,' Jamsran Byambadorj has written in the letter.
APF is the UN-recognised umbrella body of national human rights institutions (NHRIs) in the Asia Pacific.
The AFP notes in the letter that Qatar's National Human Rights Committee is internationally recognised by the UN as Qatar's NHRI, and has been accredited by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), as an 'A' status institution following a rigorous accreditation process that is carried out by GANHRI under the auspices of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights acting as secretariat.
This 'A' status is only granted to NHRIs that comply fully with the Principles relating to the Status of National Institutions (commonly referred to as the Paris Principles), which were adopted by General Assembly Resolution 48/134 of 20 December 1993. The Paris Principles set out the necessary guarantees of independence that are required in order for the NHRI to be regarded as truly independent, points out the letter.
About the diligent role played by Qatar's NHRI, Jamsran Byambadorj writes in his letter:
'In line with the domestic mandate of your NHRI, I have subsequently been in receipt of your regular reports commenting on the human rights dimension of this issue {Gulf crisis}, in particular civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including rights to freedom of movement, family, education, work, freedom of opinion, health, residence and private property.
He adds: 'I have noted the significant increase in complaints received by your NHRI and the impact this issue is having on the daily lives of ordinary people. I was particularly concerned about the forced separation of family members and the wellbeing of thousands of nationals of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates living in Doha, and for Qataris living in the Gulf region.
The NHRIs, he points out, are expected to promote and ensure respect for human rights and strengthening the rule of law in all circumstances without exception. This may include issuing public statements and releasing regular and detailed reports through the media in a timely manner to address urgent human rights violations, he notes.
