(MENAFN- Gulf Times) HE Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) Maryam bint Abdullah al-Attiyah stressed the importance of establishing specialised units to monitor and address human rights challenges in the context of emerging risks, and developing complaint mechanisms and procedures.

This will ensure the efficient role of national human rights institutions (NHRIs), increase their effectiveness and readiness to address new patterns of violations, and enhance international co-operation and the exchange of experiences, expertise, and best practices in this regard.

This came during her speech at the consultative meeting organized by the NHRC in Amman, Jordan, focusing on training national human rights institutions in the Arab region to address emerging challenges.

The meeting, held from October 21-23, was held in partnership with the Doha-based Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions (ANNHRI), the National Centre for Human Rights in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and the UN Development Programme (UNDP). HE Chairperson of the NHRC emphasized that, while national human rights institutions play a vital role, emerging global challenges pose serious threats with far-reaching implications for human rights. These evolving issues, she noted, contribute to a highly complex landscape that demands innovative and forward-looking solutions.

She further stated that the committee's participation in the organization of the workshop reflects a growing focus on addressing emerging human rights concerns, particularly those related to technological advancements, climate change, and the evolving responsibilities of businesses. These developments, she remarked, mark a critical turning point in the global human rights arena.

HE al-Attiyah called for the need for rapid action to improve legislative and regulatory frameworks and enhance their flexibility to keep pace with these developments. This builds on the national, regional, and international activities and events held by the NHRC to discuss these issues and deepen understanding of their implications and impact on human rights.

Furthermore, she expressed her aspirations for a comprehensive, human rights-based approach to emerging technology, artificial intelligence, climate change, business responsibilities, and other issues that pose a serious challenge to the effective enjoyment of human rights, stressing the need to engage national human rights institutions, civil society, and other stakeholders, including rights holders and those affected by these challenges, in the formulation, adoption, evaluation, and review of relevant legislation, policies, and decisions, and to ensure that these measures achieve equality and inclusion, embodying the commitment to leaving no one behind.

HE al-Attiyah reaffirmed the NHRC's keenness and commitment to continue working with all partners to develop the measures and mechanisms for the work of national human rights institutions in the Arab region, consolidating their vital role in promoting compliance with human rights requirements. In this context, she expressed confidence in the capacity to address these challenges effectively and to transform them into opportunities that contribute to a brighter and more secure future for future generations.

For his part, HE Secretary-General of the ANNHRI Sultan bin Hassan Al Jamali, stated that the meeting comes at a time when rapid digital transformations are increasingly intertwined with environmental and social challenges. He noted that this reality calls for national human rights institutions and development partners to reassess their tools, enhance their approaches, and broaden the scope of cooperation.

His Excellency pointed out that digital transformation has provided promising opportunities to enhance monitoring, documentation, and accountability, but at the same time, it has also created new challenges related to privacy, surveillance, and digital divides, which exacerbate inequalities. These challenges are compounded by other planetary crises such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, which threaten livelihoods and disempower the most vulnerable groups.

Al Jamali emphasized that addressing these challenges requires the adoption of a holistic, rights-based approach, one that integrates environmental justice, digital governance, and human rights within the framework of business practices.

He added that national human rights institutions are not merely oversight bodies, but key actors in shaping public policy and ensuring inclusivity. With broad mandates, he noted, these institutions have the potential to make a meaningful impact in protecting and promoting human rights, particularly when supported by the necessary technical expertise, institutional capacity, and effective partnerships.

HE Secretary-General of the ANNHRI called for the importance of advanced institutional responses, an approach based on regional and international cooperation, and innovation in monitoring tools to address the complex and interconnected challenges facing the Arab region. He emphasized the openness of the Arab Network, represented by its member institutions, to cooperation with all relevant stakeholders, from UN agencies to civil society organizations, to build a more just and sustainable future where rights are protected and human dignity is safeguarded.

In turn, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Centre for Human Rights in Jordan, Khaldoun Al Nsour, highlighted that the consultative meeting aims not only to exchange experiences and knowledge but also to strengthen the capacity of institutions to integrate human rights considerations into digitization, environmental justice, and business sectors. This, he explained, will enable these institutions to perform their roles more effectively and enhance their responsiveness to the complex and interconnected challenges facing the region.

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