Doha, June 30 (QNA) - The Shura Council affirmed that human rights are a firmly established priority in its legislative and oversight work.
This stems from the Council's constitutional responsibilities and is in line with the State of Qatar's strong commitment to protecting and promoting human rights, under the directives of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
In its statement issued on the occasion of the International Day of Parliamentarism, observed annually on June 30, the Council said that protecting and promoting human rights constitute a fundamental pillar of parliamentary work through the enactment of legislation, the exercise of oversight powers, and the monitoring of public policies.
These efforts contribute to strengthening the rule of law, promoting public participation, safeguarding rights and freedoms, and supporting sustainable development, it added.
The Council said that the State of Qatar's commitment to human rights is a well-established approach reflected across its legislation and national policies, adding that this commitment enhances human dignity, reinforces the principles of justice and the rule of law, and keeps pace with the country's comprehensive development.
The Council further noted that it continues to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities by placing human rights at the core of its legislative and oversight roles. This includes considering and approving legislation related to the protection of rights and freedoms, discussing public policies, and monitoring the performance of government agencies.
These efforts contribute to developing the national legislative framework, improving the quality of public services, enhancing institutional efficiency, and strengthening the principles of transparency and accountability, the Council said.
The Shura Council also reaffirmed its active participation in regional and international parliamentary forums, underscoring its belief in the importance of parliamentary diplomacy for exchanging expertise, fostering dialogue and cooperation, and supporting international efforts to promote human rights, all while respecting the sovereignty of states and their national and cultural particularities.
In conclusion, the Council renewed its commitment to continuing its constitutional duties and further developing its legislative and oversight framework in ways that promote human rights, preserve human dignity, and contribute to realizing Qatar's aspirations for a society founded on justice, the rule of law, and sustainable development.
In a related context, HE Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim emphasized the vital role played by parliaments in general, and the Shura Council in particular, in protecting and promoting human rights and safeguarding the State of Qatar's achievements in this regard.
He also highlighted the Council's legislative and oversight contributions toward these objectives.
Speaking during a panel discussion organized by the General Secretariat of the Shura Council to mark the International Day of Parliamentarism, His Excellency stressed Qatar's leading role in protecting human rights and enacting legislation that reinforce them.
This stems from Islamic Sharia principles and Qatar's customs and traditions, which promote upholding human rights, His Excellency added.
The panel featured presentations by Shura Council Members: HE Dr. Muna bint Abdulrahman Al Muslemani and HE Essa bin Ahmad Al Nassr.
The panel addressed four main themes: the role of legislative and oversight powers in promoting human rights; Parliamentary diplomacy and its role in supporting human rights; the Shura Council's contribution to protecting the rights of women and the youth; and Supporting the right to healthcare and enhancing the quality of healthcare services.
During the session, the speakers emphasized that the protection of human rights is an essential component of parliamentary work through legislation, oversight, and the promotion of community participation, adding that these efforts help reinforce the principles of justice and the rule of law while supporting Qatar's ongoing comprehensive development.
Parliamentary diplomacy's growing role in promoting dialogue and cooperation among parliaments was reviewed, in addition to exchanging expertise and supporting international efforts to strengthen human rights.
The speakers further stressed the importance of continuing to develop legislation and policies related to the rights of women and the youth, as well as improving the quality of healthcare services, which are increasingly recognized locally and globally as a fundamental human right.
The session included interventions and discussions by attendees on a range of topics related to the panel's themes, enriching the dialogue and facilitating an exchange of views on ways to strengthen parliamentary work in the protection of human rights.
The panel discussion served to reaffirm the central role of parliaments in protecting rights and freedoms, consolidating the principles of participation, accountability, and the rule of law, and highlighting the contributions of parliamentary work to advancing human rights at both the national and international levels.
The International Day of Parliamentarism is a global observance held annually on June 30 to commemorate the founding of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in 1889.
It was officially recognized by the United Nations in 2018 to highlight the role of parliaments in areas including representing the people, ensuring accountability, enacting legislation, overseeing government performance, encouraging the participation and representation of women and youth in legislative bodies, and supporting parliaments in adapting to modern technologies. (QNA)