Qatar

India recently defended Qatar’s sovereignty at the U.N. Human Rights Council, emphasizing its right to maintain its domestic policies and governance, particularly in light of international criticisms.

About Qatar

Qatar, officially the State of Qatar, is a small but strategically important country located in Western Asia on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Here's a detailed look at the country:

Geography and Location:

• Area: 11,586 square kilometers

• Borders: It shares a land border only with Saudi Arabia to the south, while it is surrounded by the Persian Gulf on all other sides.

• Proximity to Other Countries: The Gulf of Bahrain separates Qatar from the Kingdom of Bahrain.

• Capital: Doha, the largest and most populous city.

Landscape:

• Qatar’s landscape is largely flat and barren desert.

• The southern part features vast sand dunes, particularly in the Khor al Adaid region, also known as the “Inland Sea”.

• To the north and west, the terrain is more rocky and includes limestone formations.

• Qatar has wadis (valleys) that are dry most of the time but can turn into rivers during the rainy season.

• Salt flats (sabkhas) are a notable geographical feature, formed by high evaporation rates that leave behind salt deposits.

• The country also boasts a number of islands in the surrounding waters, including the Hawar Archipelago, Halul, and Al Bashiria.

Ethnic Groups:

• Qataris, or native Qataris, constitute a small portion of the population, making up about one-ninth of the total population.

• The majority of Qatar’s residents are foreign workers, with large communities from India, Pakistan, and Iran. These workers play a vital role in the country’s economy.

• Bedouin nomads originally settled the land, but modern Qatari citizens have moved away from a nomadic lifestyle.

Economy:

• Qatar’s economy is highly reliant on its vast natural resources, specifically oil and natural gas.

• The country has the third-largest reserves of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the world.

• Oil and gas industries contribute to more than 90% of Qatar’s annual exports, making it one of the wealthiest nations in terms of per capita income.

• Doha, the capital, serves as a regional financial hub, home to numerous international banks, financial institutions, and investment firms.

Political History:

• Qatar has been ruled by the House of Thani family since 1868.

• It was a British protectorate from 1916 and became fully independent in 1971.

Qatar’s Role on the International Stage

Qatar has made significant strides on the global diplomatic front. It plays a crucial role in Middle Eastern and global geopolitics, due to its financial strength, strategic location, and active participation in regional conflicts, diplomatic efforts, and humanitarian initiatives. The country has also made its mark in sports, particularly with the FIFA World Cup 2022, held in Doha, which showcased Qatar's ambition to elevate its global presence.

About United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is a key inter-governmental body within the United Nations system. It was created to address and promote the protection of human rights globally.

Creation and Mandate

• Date of Creation: The UNHRC was established on 15 March 2006, replacing the Commission on Human Rights.

• Mandate:

  • To promote universal respect for the protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for everyone.

  • It aims to address situations of human rights violations, including gross and systematic violations, and make recommendations based on these issues.

  • The Council works towards addressing human rights challenges and ensuring justice for affected individuals globally.

Membership

• Member States: The Council is made up of 47 Member States. These members are elected by the UN General Assembly through a direct and secret ballot.

• Geographical Distribution: Membership is based on equitable geographical distribution, ensuring representation from all regions of the world.

• Term and Re-election:

  • Members serve a three-year term.

  • After serving two consecutive terms, countries are not eligible for immediate re-election.

Functions of the UNHRC

1. Investigating Human Rights Violations:

   • The UNHRC investigates allegations of human rights breaches across UN member states. It has a mandate to address both systematic and gross violations.

2. Human Rights Advocacy:

   • It addresses a wide array of significant human rights issues, including:

     • Freedom of expression

     • Women’s rights

     • LGBT rights

     • Racial and ethnic minority rights

3. Collaboration with OHCHR:

   • The UNHRC works in close coordination with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), which supports its operations, provides expertise, and ensures effective monitoring of human rights situations globally.

4. Universal Periodic Review (UPR):

   • One of the Council’s key functions is to conduct the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), where the human rights situation in all UN member states is assessed periodically. This allows the international community to review and recommend improvements.

5. Special Sessions:

   • The Council can call special sessions to address urgent human rights issues or crises around the world, such as humanitarian emergencies or conflicts.

6. Adoption of Resolutions and Recommendations:

   • The UNHRC adopts resolutions and recommendations that guide countries in improving their human rights practices. These resolutions may include measures or sanctions to address violations.