Qatar still believes in the need to reach a comprehensive solution to the Gulf crisis based on respect for the sovereignty of states, political independence and non-interference in internal affairs, HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani on Monday said.

He praised the mediation efforts exerted by the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, expressing the hope that these noble endeavours would be successful.

In a statement to the high-level segment of the 40th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, he said this session is being held in the face of serious challenges to human rights in light of the increasing violations in many regions of the world, especially those experiencing armed conflicts.

"Despite the exceptional circumstances that my country is experiencing because of the illegal blockade and unilateral measures taken by the blockading countries and violations of human rights instruments, the process of development and progress are witnessed by the State of Qatar, thanks to its wise leadership and it is moving towards a transformation into a country capable of achieving sustainable development of its people generation after generation in accordance with the Qatar National Vision 2030."

HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs said the international community has recognised the invalidity of the allegations made by the siege countries almost two years after the imposition of illegal and unilateral measures against the citizens and residents of Qatar.

HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasised that these measures undoubtedly contravened the rules of international law, the Charter of the United Nations and human rights treaties, in particular the principles of equality and the prevention of discrimination.

He said :"International peace and security were fundamental pillars of the promotion of human rights and no doubt that the failure of mechanisms for maintaining peace and security in the United Nations system was an obstacle to halting human rights violations and holding those responsible accountable."

He noted that gross violations of human rights continued to be perpetrated against the brotherly Palestinian people, as Israel, the occupying force, continued to build settlements, siege the Gaza Strip, kill peaceful Palestinian demonstrators and attempt to change the demographic and political character of the Holy City of Jerusalem, in flagrant violation of international law and relevant Security Council resolutions.

HE the Deputy Prime Minister warned that the international community was still unable to protect the Syrian people from the crimes, torture and forced displacement they have suffered since 2011 in complete impunity for the perpetrators of these crimes.

He said Qatar reaffirms its full support for all efforts aimed at reaching a political solution to the Syrian crisis based on the Geneva Declaration and relevant Security Council resolutions.

"In light of the State of Qatar's keenness on the unity, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen, we reaffirm our full support for all efforts aimed at restoring its security and stability and moving forward towards building the rule of law, respect for human rights and achieving peace, stability and development.

HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs said the globalisation of terrorism and the credibility of the international community in confronting it necessitates tackling its real causes, working to deepen the concepts of human rights.

He affirmed that Qatar's firm belief in the promotion and protection of human rights will continue to be one of the most important pillars of its national policy and international relations.

The deputy premier said that within the framework of promoting the rights of expatriate workers, the permanent residency law was issued and the law regulating the entry and exit of expatriates was amended, including the cancellation of exit permits, and a law was passed to establish a fund to support and secure labourers' interests.

HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs added that Qatar has strengthened strategic partnership with international organisations to achieve international peace and security, promote and protect human rights, and achieve sustainable development. He noted that Qatar was keen to contribute to strengthening the capacities of the United Nations and the international community to meet the global challenges in the humanitarian and development sectors. In December, it pledged $500mn in financial support over several years to fund and support a number of UN humanitarian projects, the next phase will witness the opening of the United Nations House in Doha, which will include representation offices of a number of United Nations bodies.

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