Qatar calls for UN protection of Human Rights defenders

The State of Qatar expressed concern over all forms of harassment, intimidation and reprisals against groups and individuals that cooperated with the United Nations or human rights mechanisms, saying that the protection and safety of concerned individuals should be a top priority. Addressing the panel discussion on "intimidation or reprisals against individuals and groups who cooperate with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights" held here on the sidelines of the 21st session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Qatar's Second Secretary of the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, Al Muhanadi al Hamadi said that human rights defenders needed protection provided by the United Nations and the international community, and that everyone had the right to legitimately protest violations of their human rights. He recalled in this context the Resolution No. 53/144 of 9 December 1998, by which the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms annexed to that resolution, and reiterating the importance of the Declaration and its wide dissemination.