His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), confirmed that the GCC Human Rights Declaration reflects the interest and commitment of Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC states, to human rights and ensuring the provision of all the elements necessary for a dignified life for their peoples.
This was stated during the celebration marking 10 years of the GCC Human Rights Declaration, held on Tuesday (December 10, 2024), in the Qatari capital, Doha, under the patronage of HE the Secretary General of the GCC and Her Excellency Ms Mariam Ali Al Misnad, Minister of State for International Cooperation at the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the presence of Their Excellencies the heads of GCC governmental bodies concerned with human rights, ambassadors of the GCC to the State of Qatar, and several prominent and human rights figures interested in human rights issues.
At the outset of his speech, HE the Secretary General extended his highest gratitude and appreciation to His Highness Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar, for hosting this celebration in the State of Qatar, coinciding with the International Human Rights Day, which is marked annually on December 10, reflecting His Highness' concern and commitment, as well as that of Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the Council member states, towards human rights and ensuring the provision of all the elements necessary for a dignified life for their peoples. His Excellency also praised their continuous support and tireless efforts to promote this blessed journey of the GCC and achieve its noble goals, striving for greater security and prosperity for their peoples.
During his speech, HE the Secretary General stated that the GCC member states are committed to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and working towards a future characterised by justice, dignity and peace. He affirmed that the Council will continue its steadfast commitment to building a more humane world, inspired by the noble values established by the Islamic Sharia and the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
He further mentioned that the GCC member states occupy a high position in enhancing human rights, grounded in the core values of their societies.
Explaining further, he said: “A testament to their commitment to these values is the serious pledges contained in the Kuwait Declaration from the 45th session of the Supreme Council of the GCC, summarised as follows: first, the empowerment of women, where the declaration confirmed the states' commitment to continue empowering Gulf women in all fields. Second, the enhancement of the role of youth, as the declaration emphasised the importance of promoting the fundamental role of youth in the GCC member states.”
“Third, human rights and the protection of civilians, where the declaration recalled the suffering and pain of the Palestinian people enduring Israeli occupation for 75 years, while reiterating the call to halt the crimes of killing, collective punishment and the displacement of populations in Gaza, in addition to protecting civilians, stopping the war and supporting serious negotiations to reach sustainable solutions and guarantee the rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and ensuring the rights of refugees. And fourth, preserving cultural identity and humanitarian values, where the Kuwait Declaration underscored the importance of promoting a Gulf identity, authentic Arab culture and a system of noble Islamic values, encouraging universities, research centres and thinkers to support the values of good governance and cultural identity,” he mentioned.
HE the Secretary General added that the commitments and clear efforts made by the GCC member states in the field of human rights also reflect their dedication to promoting the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was evident in the GCC Human Rights Declaration, approved in 2014 in the State of Qatar, serving as a document that reflects the GCC states’ commitment to enhancing fundamental rights and freedoms.
Additionally, His Excellency expressed that the enhancement of human rights faces numerous challenges and dual standards in our world today, underlining that the grave violations by Israeli occupation forces against the Palestinian people constitute a glaring example, representing a clear breach of all basic human rights principles.
Meanwhile, HE the Secretary General referred to the rise of regional and international conflicts, along with the spread of hatred and Islamophobia, pose further challenges.
“The GCC member states remain committed to supporting values of tolerance, coexistence and respect for cultural and religious diversity, while working to balance the global nature of human rights with the cultural and social values of each community. The Council has consistently affirmed its commitment to operate within the framework of a multilateral international system and to enhance international cooperation to address shared challenges while upholding human rights, believing that this is essential for paving the way towards a more just, secure, and sustainable future,” he added.
The ceremony also witnessed the launch of a report on families issued by the General Secretariat of the GCC, titled “Report on the Efforts of the GCC Member States in Supporting and Protecting Families from a Human Rights Perspective”.