The National Human Rights Committee of the State of Qatar signed a memorandum of cooperation with its counterpart in the Republic of the Philippines on Wednesday, 09 January 2019, in Manila.

The memorandum of cooperation aims at strengthening the close relations between the two parties in the areas of protection of human rights, especially the rights of Filipino workers and their family members.

The Memorandum of Cooperation was signed by HE Dr. Ali Bin Smaikh Al-Marri, Chairman of the Committee, for the Qatari side, while the Chairperson of the Philippine Commission on  Human Rights, HE HON. JOSE LUIS MARTIN C. GASCON.

The idea of ​​signing the memorandum of cooperation came in recognition of the distinguished role played by the Filipino community in Qatar and its participation in the development process, and the desire of the National Human Rights Committee to build bridges of cooperation with the Philippine Commission on Human Rights, and to ensure communication and exchange of information between the two parties, including those relating to complaints by workers and their families or violation of their rights.

On the sidelines of the signing, a hearing was held with civil society organizations on the promotion and protection of the rights of migrant Filipino workers and their recommendations to national human rights institutions.