NHRC Chairperson H E Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah addressing the audience during the event.
Doha, Qatar: National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has marked the 60th anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) with a seminar and cultural event, underscoring the country’s commitment to equality and non-discrimination.
The event at the Diplomatic Club, downtown Doha, highlighted the convention’s status as one of the most important binding international instruments in human rights, and featured a short film showcasing Qatar’s initiatives to promote justice, equality and the fight against racial discrimination.
NHRC Chairperson H E Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah said the anniversary offered an opportunity to reaffirm Qatar’s commitment to building a global community free of racism, describing racial discrimination as a profound threat to human rights and social cohesion. She noted that the principles of equality and non-discrimination are reflected in Qatar’s constitution and in the country’s National Vision 2030.
Al Attiyah urged the adoption of a comprehensive anti-discrimination law and the creation of a specialised national body to combat racism, arguing that such steps would strengthen the country’s legislative and institutional framework. She also called for continued adherence to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and condemned racial violence in conflict zones, citing Gaza and Sudan’s Darfur region.
Acting Director of the Human Rights Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H E Sarah Al Saadi, said Qatar places significant importance on promoting equality, but stressed that combating discrimination is a responsibility shared by society as a whole.
She pointed to national programmes aimed at raising awareness, training officials and embedding a culture of equality in all sectors.
Meanwhile, H E Dr Sheikha bint Abdullah Al Misnad, a member of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, explained that the committee reviews state reports, issues recommendations and provides early-warning mechanisms to address urgent cases of racism. She said efforts to eradicate discrimination required changes in attitudes as well as policy reforms.
Representatives from the UN Human Rights Training and Documentation Centre praised Qatar’s cooperation with international institutions and its efforts to promote equality in education, labour and public services.
The main panel discussion addressed the achievements and global challenges over 60 years since the convention, examining the treaty’s impact and the obstacles that remain worldwide.
Experts from Qatar’s foreign ministry, interior ministry, labour ministry, academia and the NHRC outlined measures taken to curb discrimination in areas ranging from law enforcement to the workplace.
The event concluded with an open discussion featuring national and international participants, ending with a set of recommendations aimed at strengthening anti-racism frameworks both in Qatar and globally.
