His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), affirmed that the achievements made by the GCC countries over four decades in the field of human rights at national, regional, and international levels are due to the grace of Allah, followed by the wise vision and unlimited support from Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the Council.
This comes on the occasion of the Council's celebration of the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the Human Rights Declaration of the GCC on December 9, 2014, coinciding with the global celebration of International Human Rights Day, which is observed on December 10 each year.
He also pointed out that the formulation of the Human Rights Declaration of the GCC was based on the principles of Islamic Sharia, the founding charter of the GCC, the United Nations Charter, the Arab Charter on Human Rights, and the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam, in addition to relevant international and regional treaties and agreements.
"This represents a significant qualitative step in the field of respecting, protecting, and promoting human rights and crowns the Council's journey in this area, stemming from its deep belief in human dignity and its commitment to respecting and protecting the rights guaranteed by Islamic Sharia, which embodies the noble values and principles deeply rooted in the conscience of its societies and are fundamental to its policies at all levels," His Excellency said.
His Excellency mentioned that the texts of the declaration are merely a confirmation of the legislative, procedural, and institutional developments in the field of human rights, preserving the achievements made in all fundamental rights and freedoms, civil, political, economic, social, and cultural, and meeting the aspirations and desires of the peoples of the Council for a bright and sustainable future.
On this occasion, His Excellency reiterated the commitment of the GCC states to their active role in protecting and promoting human rights at both regional and international levels. He explained that the GCC seeks to contribute to building a global system where human rights serve as a compass for achieving stability and prosperity, and building bridges of dialogue and cooperation that form an essential part of the Council's message and are among its most important tools for achieving its goals and plans.
He also addressed the current challenges facing human rights in the world, including conflicts, violent extremism, and the phenomena of hatred and Islamophobia, while emphasising the respect for the rule of law and shared global values, promoting tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and respect for differences and religions to ensure a bright future filled with justice and prosperity for generations to come.