Supreme Judiciary Council, NHRC sign MoU to deepen cooperation in justice and human rights

Doha, Qatar: The Supreme Judiciary Council (SJC) and the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Tuesday to collaborate in the areas of justice and human rights.

The move is part of efforts to reinforce national cooperation and joint action aimed at consolidating the principles of justice and the rule of law, as well as promoting and protecting human rights.

The signing ceremony was attended by President of the SJC and President of the Court of Cassation H E Dr. Hassan bin Lahdan Al Hassan Al Mohannadi, and Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) H E Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah.

The MoU was signed at the SJC headquarters by the President of the Court of First Instance, H E Judge Dr. Ghanem Al Humaidi, and the Secretary-General of the NHRC, HE Sultan bin Hassan Al Jamali.

The memorandum broadly aims to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the two sides in the fields of justice and human rights through sharing expertise, knowledge, and information, deepening legal and human rights awareness, as well as a human rights culture in alignment with relevant best practices and standards.

To mark this occasion, the SJC declared its intention to issue an annual national report in the domains of justice and human rights in the State of Qatar, with the objective of documenting national efforts and highlighting developments and initiatives that enhance the principles of justice, the rule of law, and human rights, culminating in support for the path toward institutional development and transparency.

HE Judge Dr. Ghanem Al Humaidi affirmed that the objective of this signing is to boost cooperation in the areas of justice, as well as to protect and promote human rights, thereby helping entrench the principles of justice and the rule of law in the State of Qatar.

The SJC is set to publish an annual national report that spotlights the efforts of the judicial authority and judicial practices supporting the principles of justice, the rule of law, and human rights, His Excellency noted.

The judge pointed out that the first report is poised to be launched on the sidelines of the 64th session of the Human Rights Council, in a move that demonstrates the Council’s commitment to fostering transparency, showcasing the nation’s judicial experience, and deepening national and international partnerships in human rights-related judicial fields.

On his part, HE Sultan bin Hassan Al Jamali said cooperation in the domains of justice and human rights is one of the fundamental themes in international human rights law and national constitutions, adding that justice, security, peace, and development are closely interlinked.

International instruments have asserted that the rule of law, judicial independence, and the right to a fair trial constitute the pillars of good governance, human rights promotion, and sustainable development, Al Jamali said.

He noted that the MoU aims to organise collaboration between both sides on exchanging best practices, implementing joint scientific projects, capacity-building, and supporting the State of Qatar’s ranking in the World Justice Project (WJP).