MoEHE Undersecretary Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi and NHRC Secretary-General Sultan bin Hassan Al Jamali with other officials during an event to mark Qatar Human Rights Day.
Doha, Qatar: Qatar has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting human rights among younger generations, as the country marked Qatar Human Rights Day with a focus on youth empowerment, education and institutional partnerships, coinciding with the 24th anniversary of the establishment of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC).
The NHRC celebrated Qatar Human Rights Day yesterday, highlighting the role of young people as key partners in promoting and protecting human rights and shaping the country’s future.
Held under the theme “Youth and Human Rights: A Partnership for the Future”, the event brought together officials from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Labour, Qatar University, Community College of Qatar, UN officials and representatives of various educational and human rights institutions.
Speaking at the event, NHRC Secretary-General Sultan bin Hassan Al Jamali said this year’s theme reflects the committee’s vision of placing young people at the forefront of its priorities, not only as beneficiaries of human rights protection but also as essential partners in building the future and promoting justice and human dignity.
He said empowering young people and enhancing their role are rooted in the committee’s commitment to relevant international conventions, the Permanent Constitution of Qatar, the values of society and the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030, which places human and social development at the centre of sustainable development.
Al Jamali highlighted the committee’s strategic plan for 2024-2030 and its partnership with Qatar University, particularly in organising a research competition on “The Impact of Drugs on Society: Challenges and Solutions from a Human Rights Perspective”.
Al Jamali also highlighted several legislative and institutional developments in 2026, including Law No. 9 of 2026 amending certain provisions of the Labour Law, which strengthens the right to safe, healthy and enabling working environments.
He also welcomed the launch of the National Referral Mechanism to Combat Human Trafficking and the Cabinet’s approval of draft laws on children’s rights and the digital protection of children.
Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi said the celebration was an opportunity to renew the shared responsibility of transforming human rights principles from concepts and legal texts into an established culture and everyday practice.
He emphasised that young people are not merely recipients of rights but active partners in protecting them and spreading awareness of their importance.
Al Nuaimi said education plays a fundamental role in establishing human rights, noting that schools are not simply places for transferring knowledge but environments for developing students’ awareness of their rights and responsibilities, respect for others and positive participation in society.
He said the ministry integrates values of justice, equality, tolerance, dialogue, coexistence, citizenship and responsibility across various subjects, learning resources and school activities.
Highlighting efforts to ensure equal access to education, Al Nuaimi said the ministry’s Community Responsibility in Education project, implemented in partnership with private schools, has provided more than 18,000 free and discounted seats, including places for students with disabilities.
The initiative received applications from people of 77 nationalities and involved 136 private schools and kindergartens, demonstrating the practical implementation of equal educational opportunities, he said.
Qatar University President Dr Omar Al Ansari praised the partnership with the NHRC, describing it as a fruitful collaboration serving young people and society.
Community College of Qatar President Dr. Khalid Mohamed Al-Horr reaffirmed the college’s commitment to promoting human rights awareness within the academic environment and preparing graduates equipped with professional competencies, human values and a sense of national responsibility.
As part of the celebration, the NHRC reviewed its achievements and activities during 2026 in a session presented by Director of the Programmes and Education Department Hamad Salem Al Hajri.
In a further step to strengthen cooperation with academic institutions, the NHRC signed a memorandum of understanding with Community College of Qatar to promote human rights concepts among students and reinforce the values of citizenship, respect for the law, commitment, responsibility and participation.
