Qatar stresses importance of enhancing right to freedom of religion, belief and opinion

At a meeting of the UN Human Rights Council, the State of Qatar has underlined the importance of the right to freedom of "religion or belief", and the right to freedom "of opinion and expression".

HE Sheikh Khalid bin Jassim Al -Thani, Director of the Human Rights Department at the Foreign Ministry, addressed the assembly at the 31st session of the UN Human Rights Council.

The session is currently being held from 29 February to 24 March, under the theme: "interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief."

"We agree with the report by Heiner Bielefeldt, Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, on the close relationship between the right to freedom of religion or belief and the right to freedom of opinion and expression," Sheikh Khalid said.

He stressed that the positive practice for both rights can contribute to strengthening both of them, and stressed Qatar's keenness to adopt this constructive approach through efforts of the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue.

Sheikh Khalid further noted the Human Rights Council Resolution 16/18, which aims to combat intolerance and discrimination, as well as any incitement to violence.

This resolution had resulted in the formation Istanbul Initiative, which Qatar had repeatedly supported and participated in over the past two years. (QNA)