Qatar’s efforts to protect, promote workers’ rights lauded

DOHA: The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) held an event yesterday to mark International Workers Day, with the theme Workers Rights: Protecti...

DOHA: The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) held an event yesterday to mark International Workers’ Day, with the theme “Workers’ Rights: Protection Measures and Prospects for Sustainability.”

This coincided with the committee’s launch of its annual campaign to raise awareness of workers’ rights and duties, which this year comes under the slogan “Legal Aid: Your Voice is Heard, Your Rights are Protected.” The event was organised in coordination with the Ministry of Labour, the Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund, the International Labor Organization (ILO) Office, and the International Organization for Migration Office.

In his opening speech, NHRC Vice-Chairman H E Dr. Mohammed bin Saif Al Kuwari said the event aims to promote a human rights-based approach to all measures taken regarding workers’ rights, examine international challenges, and exchange relevant experiences and best practices. He said this symposium comes in the context of keeping pace with global challenges in the field of work, most notably the unethical uses of digital technology and artificial intelligence, in addition to climate change, armed conflicts, and other challenges.

Al Kuwari added that these challenges are causing declining employment opportunities and widening the unemployment gap, and have led to increased migration flows and higher rates of irregular employment and the associated violations and risks.

Despite these challenges that have cast a shadow over all countries around the world, he said: “We noted positively Qatar’s adoption of a human rights-based labour approach, including extensive reforms to legislation, public policies, and procedures aimed at promoting and protecting workers’ rights, including strengthening their right to freedom of movement, the freedom to change employers, and the establishment of a minimum wage, in addition to enabling them to easily access national remedies. The NHRC Vice-Chairman said, “We reiterate our firm commitment to workers’ issues, as one of our most important priorities. We affirm our commitment to following up on the measures taken regarding workers and our readiness to work to address any emerging challenges in cooperation with the relevant authorities in the country.” Assistant Undersecretary for Migrant Labour Affairs at the Ministry of Labour, Hamad Faraj Hamad Nasser Dalmouk said Qatar has placed great emphasis on strengthening the worker protection system.