His Excellency Dr. Nayef Falah Mubarak Al-Hajraf, Secretary General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, confirmed that the Cooperation Council is proud of its regional path in the field of human rights and the persistent steps it has taken to maintain the status of human rights by passing various laws and taking all measures in support of rights and freedoms. First of all, it is the adoption of the Declaration of Human Rights of the Gulf Cooperation Council, which was published in 2014, which is considered an important milestone and culmination of this march, full of achievements in the field of human rights, freedom of speech, freedom of belief and worship, as well as strengthening rights to education, labor and the environment, and recognizes the protection of children, the elderly and groups deserving special attention, and many enhanced rights that will contribute to the development of society in the Arab countries of the Gulf.
This happened during His Excellency’s speech on the occasion of International Human Rights Day, which falls on 10 December each year and commemorates the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. The importance of a commitment to high human values that preserve human freedom and dignity, and the adoption of a fixed policy for their protection and promotion.
His Excellency noted that this year is dedicated to the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights under the slogan of dignity, freedom and justice for all, recalling that this historic document is of key importance and is one of the most important pillars of international human rights law, in the preamble of which the main attention was paid to the recognition of the inherent dignity of all members of society. The human family and their equal and inalienable rights are the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world, emphasizing that the recognition by the international community of this declaration is an opportunity to remember the long journey that has been made in the promotion and protection of human rights and to ensure a global awareness of these rights and their importance, and review legislation and related laws in the light of political will and a favorable climate.
He added that the Cooperation Council is based on the same high principles and values that support human rights, based on the principles of the true Islamic religion, which establishes the principle of equality between all people, born free and equal in dignity. and rights, noting that this principle, mentioned in the preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, is rooted in all laws, policies and social values of the GCC states.
His Excellency the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council concluded his speech by saying that, despite the remarkable progress made by the GCC states in a short period, they are aware that the protection and promotion of human rights is a vital issue that requires constant updating in accordance with international developments in this area, such as the impact of climate change, technology and regional and international conflicts on human rights.
