Permanent Mission of India

Geneva

UPR WORKING GROUP – NINETEENTH SESSION

[28 April – 9 May 2014]

UPR OF QATAR

(7 May 2014)

INTERVENTION BY INDIA

Mr.President,

1. India warmly welcomes the delegation of Qatar led by H.E. Mr. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Minister’s Assistant for International Cooperation Affairs of Qatar.  We thank the delegation for its National Report and commend the progress made since the first cycle of its UPR in February 2010.

2. We welcome the legislative, institutional and administrative reformsand measures including in the areas of human trafficking, health, education, environment, women and children. In particular, the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2011-2016 provide a good basis for the promotion and protection of human rights in these areas.We are also happythat India and Qatar have bilateral institutional mechanism to address issues pertaining to migrant workers.

3. We note the progress made with regard to empowerment of women and its continuing efforts to enhance the role of women in society.  We recommend that Qatar continues to take necessary measures to enable women to be equal partners in development and decision making.

4. We welcome the efforts made by Qatar to protect and promote the rights of migrant workers through various legislative and administrative measures, including establishment of a Guidance and Counseling team in October 2012 and look forward to further initiatives in this area. We recommend that Qatar holds regular meetings of agreed institutional mechanisms to address issues pertaining to migrant workers and ensure continued dialogue under such arrangements.

Mr. President,

5.  We take positive note of the formation of the Committee to consider accession to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. We appreciate steps taken towards greater protection of children through development of a Children’s bill. We recommend that Qatar pay particular attention to children belonging to vulnerable groups including disabled and minority communities.

6. India welcomes the importance paid by Qatar to international cooperation in promotion and protection of human rights. We are encouraged by Qatar’s provision of humanitarian and development aid and assistance in order to enhance such cooperation which is indicative of its commitment to promote human rights.

7. We wish Qatar all success in its future endeavours.

Thank you Mr. President.

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