Doha, November 11 (QNA) - Qatar's National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) marked Qatar National Human Rights Day on Wednesday, coinciding with the 24th anniversary of its establishment. 
The celebration brought together officials from government ministries, Qatar University, Community College of Qatar (CCQ), educational institutions and international organizations. 
Participants discussed the role of young people in building a rights-based society. 
HE NHRC Secretary-General Sultan Al Jamali said the theme reflected the committee's commitment to placing young people at the forefront of its priorities, recognizing their role in promoting justice, human dignity and sustainable development.
He highlighted the committee's cooperation with Qatar University in organizing a research competition on the impact of narcotic substances on society from a human rights perspective, and stressed the importance of involving young people in policymaking and raising awareness of human rights.
Al Jamali also welcomed recent legislative and institutional measures, including amendments to the Labor Law, the launch of the National Referral System for Combating Human Trafficking, and Cabinet approval of draft laws on children's rights and children's digital protection.
Meanwhile, HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education Dr Ibrahim Al Nuaimi stressed that schools play a central role in promoting human rights values, including equality, tolerance, respect and responsible citizenship.
He said the ministry was committed to ensuring equal access to education, noting that its social responsibility initiative had provided more than 18,000 free and subsidized school places in partnership with private schools, including places for students with disabilities. The initiative involved 136 private schools and kindergartens and received applications from 77 nationalities.
Al Nuaimi added that the ministry continued to promote inclusive and safe learning environments, empower students with disabilities and prepare young people to address digital challenges, including privacy concerns, cyberbullying and misinformation. 
For his part, HE President of Qatar University (QU) Dr. Omar bin Mohammed Al Ansari emphasized the importance of the partnership with the NHRC, commending its ongoing efforts and the fruitful collaboration it shares with the university, a partnership that serves both the youth and society.
HE the QU President said that this year's celebration reaffirms that young people are not only entitled to a better future, but are also partners in shaping it, by ensuring their voices are heard, opening up opportunities for learning and engagement, and empowering them to apply their knowledge, experience, skills, and initiatives to the service of their nation.
He added that education and human rights are two sides of the same coin; a society rooted in justice and equality cannot be built without an enlightened and pioneering educational system. He noted that QU's mission extends beyond the provision of knowledge and research, it encompasses instilling the values of respect for others, supporting social justice, and empowering individuals to exercise and protect their rights.
He pointed out that QU's vision extends beyond the mere transfer of knowledge and the awarding of academic degrees; rather, it centers on instilling the traits and values that help shape individuals capable of creating the future. It aims to prepare generations that are scientifically and intellectually empowered, aware of their rights and responsibilities, proud of their authentic identity and values, and qualified to lead sustainable development efforts and contribute to the progress of their nation and the prosperity of their society.
Dr. Al Ansari emphasized that young people lie at the heart of national and humanitarian responsibility. He highlighted that human rights are not merely slogans to be repeated, but rather a living culture, a daily practice, and a genuine commitment. Furthermore, he stressed that an awareness of one's rights is only complete when accompanied by respect for the rights of others, active participation in building society, and the application of science and knowledge to serve humanity and advance the nation.
He said that QU views young people as true partners in building the future, and places its confidence in a generation that balances its own heritage and societal values with an engagement with modern science and the global landscape, all driven by a renewed ambition and a genuine sense of responsibility toward the advancement of the nation.
The QU President emphasized that true investment in the future of nations begins with the individual, through education, empowerment, and the fostering of an awareness of one's rights and responsibilities, as this constitutes a shared responsibility in which the roles of state institutions and society complement one another.
In turn, President of the Community College of Qatar (CCQ) Dr. Khalid Mohamed Al Horr emphasized that the celebration of Qatari Human Rights Day serves as an annual milestone to review achievements and renew a collective commitment to upholding human dignity and consolidating the principles of justice, equality, and mutual respect.
He noted that CCQ believes education is one of the most vital bridges enabling individuals to exercise their rights and understand their responsibilities. He emphasized that every classroom, academic program, and educational opportunity represents a genuine investment in developing an individual who is conscious of their rights, committed to their duties, and capable of shaping a better future for themselves and their society.
He pointed out that the role of academic institutions is not limited to the transmission of knowledge; rather, it extends to building a balanced human personality, fostering the values of dialogue, tolerance, and acceptance of others, and embedding a culture that respects diversity and pluralism.
He added that the university campus serves as a microcosm of the desired society, one built on mutual respect, equal opportunity, justice, and shared responsibility.
The CCQ President Dr. Khalid Mohamed Al Horr affirmed that the State of Qatar has demonstrated that true development begins with the individual and is ultimately directed toward the individual, and that it has made the respect and promotion of human rights a fundamental pillar of its comprehensive development journey.
Furthermore, the second session discussed the achievements and activities of the NHRC during 2026. The presentation was delivered by NHRC's Director of Programs and Education Hamad Al Hajri, and included contributions from young people who had benefited from the training programs organized by the NHRC.
The session concluded with the honoring of the entities, institutions, and individuals who contributed to the NHRC's work throughout 2026, as well as the university students who won the research competition and the members of the competition's jury.
On the other hand, the NHRC signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the CCQ, aimed at disseminating human rights concepts among the college's students. This initiative seeks to embed the values of citizenship, respect for the law, and a culture of commitment, responsibility, and participation, ultimately making human rights a tangible reality in the students' practical and social lives.
The MoU was signed by HE Al Jamali on behalf of the NHRC, and on behalf of the CCQ by Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Ali bin Abdullah Al Buainain. (QNA)