The 25th session of the Arab Charter on Human Rights Committee concluded on 22 October at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, following two days of deliberations on 21 and 22 October. The session was dedicated to reviewing the third periodic report of the State of Qatar as a party to the Arab Charter on Human Rights, with a high-level Qatari delegation in attendance, led by Her Excellency Loloa bint Rashid Al-Khater, Minister of State for International Cooperation.
The session was opened by Counsellor Jaber Al-Marri, who asserted the significance of regional cooperation in advancing human rights across the Arab world. He lauded the efforts of many state parties while underscoring the need to overcome shared challenges that hinder progress in this field. Counsellor Al-Marri also extended his congratulations to the State of Qatar on its recent election to the United Nations Human Rights Council, expressing optimism that this achievement would further bolster Qatar’s commitment to promoting human rights on the global stage. He additionally expressed profound concern regarding the deteriorating human rights situations in Lebanon and Palestine, highlighting the critical need for civilian protection and for addressing human rights violations with utmost seriousness.
His Excellency Ambassador Ahmed Rashid Khattabi, Assistant Secretary-General of the League of Arab States and head of the Media and Communications Sector, commended the Charter Committee’s tireless efforts in enhancing human rights protection, affirming the League’s commitment to supporting these initiatives by providing both expertise and logistical resources. He also emphasised the importance of collaboration with civil society organisations to ensure comprehensive follow-up on the Committee’s recommendations. Expressing concern over ongoing human rights violations in parts of the Arab region, including the situation in Lebanon and the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Ambassador Khattabi called for intensified Arab and international efforts to deliver urgent humanitarian aid and to address these grave violations.
His Excellency Ambassador Talal Al-Mutairi, Chairman of the Permanent Arab Committee, affirmed that the session takes place at a pivotal moment when the issue of human rights demands heightened attention from society. Reflecting on the third periodic report of the State of Qatar, His Excellency underscored that the report represents a tangible manifestation of Qatar’s ongoing efforts in the human rights domain. He further commended the space provided by the Charter Committee during its sessions to envision the future of human rights in the region and to explore strategies for their promotion and protection.
In her address, Her Excellency Minister Loloa bint Rashid Al-Khater delivered a comprehensive presentation on the key reforms implemented by the State of Qatar in the field of human rights. She reaffirmed Qatar’s unwavering commitment to human rights principles and its dedication to maintaining a constructive partnership with the Committee. Her Excellency highlighted specific programmes and projects demonstrating these reforms, particularly in areas such as women’s empowerment, child protection, and the promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities.
Over the course of the two-day session, various aspects of Qatar’s human rights record were thoroughly examined. Key topics of discussion included the objectives of the Charter, the rights to equality and non-discrimination, the right to life and physical integrity, the fight against slavery and human trafficking, access to justice and judicial rights, civil and political freedoms, the right to individual property, freedom of opinion and expression, family protection—especially concerning women and children—the right to work, development rights, health rights, and the rights of persons with disabilities.
Additionally, the Committee held a closed meeting with the National Human Rights Committee in Qatar to evaluate the human rights situation from the national committee’s perspective. The Arab Charter on Human Rights Committee will issue a document containing its concluding observations and recommendations on Qatar’s third periodic report within a month following the session. Furthermore, Qatar is scheduled to submit its fourth periodic report to the Charter Committee by the end of 2027.
