Qatari FM calls for strengthening the rule of law worldwide

(MENAFN- Gulf Times) The implementation and enhancement of the rule of law requires full respect of measures and mechanisms agreed upon by the international community to counter impunity and terrorism, Qatar's Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah has said.

"The enhancement of the rule of law at the national level is of utmost importance to face these challenges," al-Attiyah pointed out. "It is a cornerstone of our joint endeavour."

He was speaking at a high-level session at the 13th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Doha yesterday. It was hosted by UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) executive director Yury Fedotov.

Al-Attiyah cited the efforts made by the UN to reach a peaceful settlement of conflicts. This empowered women to combat corruption and fully respected the right of people to self-determination to take all such measures that enhance world peace and security.

He said that Qatar contributed effectively in terms of the rule of law at the regional and international level by supporting political dialogue and highlighting human rights violations.

He noted that Qatar worked to strive to implement the three UN principles (peace and security, development and human rights) through its National Vision 2030 "to forge a vivid society".

"Undoubtedly, these three aspects at all dimensions, interconnectivity and mutual influence requires further understanding and support and attention on behalf of the international community," he noted.

Al-Attiyah reiterated the importance of educating and arming the youth with knowledge and skills in preventing crime. "They are our human capital."

He said the Doha Youth Forum which was held prior to the UN Congress allowed youngsters from around the world to debate matters close to their hearts pertaining to crime prevention and criminal justice.

The forum adopted a number of recommendations which were submitted to the congress. "We hope that the congress in return will bestow necessary attention in order to enable the youth to better understand all matters pertaining to crime prevention and criminal justice," al-Attiyah said.

Fedotov echoed the statements of al-Attiyah, saying that child and youth-related issues sat at the heart of the recommendations and should be fully integrated into criminal reform efforts.

"It is also important that the results of the Doha Youth Forum that fed into the declaration are given the necessary support by member states," he stressed. "Each of these recommendations has been crafted with the intent of creating a powerful point of departure for turning these principles into solutions that assist the victims of crime."

UNODC is committed to efforts to oppose criminals who sabotage the rule of law and sustainable development, according to Fedotov.

He lauded the Qatari government, saying the Doha Declaration would not have been possible without its wisdom.

"In all these deliberations, the Qatari government never turned from the path of creating not just wise words, but the firm foundation for action," the UNODC executive director pointed out.