Geneva: HE Chairperson of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) and Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah, stated that the economic, social, and political barriers disproportionately impacting women and girls are not only human rights violations but also impede sustainable development for everyone.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al Attiyah made these remarks in her opening speech at the GANHRI 2025 Annual Meeting on 'The Role of National Institutions in Promoting the Human Rights of Women and Girls', held at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva. The event was attended by high-profile figures, including HE United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk and HE President of the UN Human Rights Council Jurg Lauber, alongside heads of regional networks, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), experts, and academics.
Al Attiyah expressed concern over the backlash against gender issues and women's rights globally, emphasizing that women and girls, who have long faced systematic discrimination, are among the most affected. Despite advancements, she highlighted that women and girls continue to experience discrimination, violence, and inequality, with gender-based violence being a widespread issue. She noted that millions of girls are denied education, healthcare, and equal opportunities. Al Attiyah acknowledged the role of NHRIs in addressing these challenges by advising on legal reforms, collaborating with communities, and promoting education and awareness.
The Chairperson emphasized the conference's potential to facilitate discussions with various speakers and partners, allowing for the exchange of experiences, challenges, and good practices. She described NHRIs as essential connectors between states, communities, businesses, rights, and international and national human rights systems. The ultimate goal of NHRIs, according to Al Attiyah, is to help implement international human rights laws and standards, transforming them into a tangible reality.
Al Attiyah reiterated the importance of women's active participation in decision-making to ensure their rights are upheld. She highlighted the unique role of national institutions in international processes and their impact on domestic laws and policies, referencing key international commitments like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a comprehensive agenda for empowering women and ensuring their rights. Al Attiyah urged for the inclusion of women in leadership and decision-making roles, particularly in peacemaking and peace-building processes and within the United Nations.