(MENAFN- The Peninsula) QNA
Doha, Qatar: A delegation from the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) headed by NHRC Deputy Chairman H E Dr. Mohammed bin Saif Al Kuwari toured a number of labour-exporting countries, in which the delegation met with the local human rights commissions (HRC).
The tour came within the framework of enhancing cooperation and the exchange of expertise between NHRC and HRCs abroad regarding the protection and promotion of workers' rights.
During his meeting with the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India Arun Kumar Mishra in the Indian capital, NHRC Deputy Chairman affirmed that NHRC considers the protection of workers' rights as one of its priorities and focus of attention, given that they are among the groups most deserving of care. His Excellency also noted the great role skilled workers play in development, as one of the most important pillars in the achievement of sustainable development goals.
Al Kuwari listened to a detailed explanation on the work and role of the NHRC of India and its efforts to monitor and train staff for the goal of providing distinguished work.
The two sides agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in order to frame joint cooperation in supporting and promoting human and workers' rights between both countries.
NHRC Deputy Chairman also met with HE undersecretary at the Ministry of External Affairs of India Ausaf Sayeed who praised the State of Qatar's efforts in promoting human rights. The two sides reviewed the conditions of Indian workers in the State of Qatar, in addition to the operations of Qatar Visa Centers in India.
In the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu, the NHRC delegation, headed by Dr. Al Kuwari met with HE Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission of Nepal Top Bahadur Magar where the two sides exchanged views on protecting and promoting workers rights.
The NHRC delegation presented the Nepalese commission with 100 copies of the workers' rights pocket booklet in the Nepali language, which includes all the rights of a worker in the State of Qatar in a simplified and easy language. The delegation also visited the Qatar Visa Center in Nepal and learned about its operations, providing it a 100 copies of the aforementioned book.
NHRC and the National Human Rights Commission of Nepal signed a Memorandum of Understanding within the framework of strengthening cooperation between the two sides in disseminating progressive and humanitarian ideas, initiatives, and practices, to contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The MoU aims to support the bilateral exchange of information and communications regarding complaints related to the protection of expatriate workers' right and to strengthening bilateral efforts to promote and protect of human rights and fundamental freedoms, in addition to intensifying cooperation on developing systems, strategies, and action plans relating to human rights. The aim of which is the mutual benefiting from each party's technical and institutional expertise, in addition to organizing joint events and activities for the exchange of best practices internationally, and implementing joint projects and programs, paying mutual visits, and co-organizing training programmes and workshops.
The MoU also aims to educate workers, employers, executives, recruiters, capacity-building agencies, labor associations, and diplomatic missions on issues of expatriate worker rights, existing legislation and relevant international agreements, in addition to labor agreements issued by the International Labor Organization, as well as working with the competent judicial authorities for the prevention of trafficking in persons and forced labour.
The tour of the NHRC delegation is scheduled to include a number of Asian and African countries, which includes the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Kenya. These visits aim to conclude and renew memorandums of cooperation, to closely get acquainted with the most important aspects of cooperation and to exchange experiences in order to protect and promote workers' rights.