Meeting

The National institution for Human Rights (NIHR)’s Committee on Complaints, Monitoring and Follow-up has convened its 20th regular monthly meeting by teleconference under the chairpersonship of Ms. Maria Khoury and membership of Dr. Hameed Husain, Mr. Ammar Albannai and Mrs. Rawdha Alaradi.

The Committee opened its meeting by appreciating the decision issued by the Minister of Interior regarding the formation of a Committee to investigate the infection of a number of inmates at female foreigners shelter and deportation centre with the new Coronavirus (Covid-19). In accordance with the powers entrusted to the NIHR under its Establishment Law, it was agreed to conduct a field visit to the Centre to closely examine the measures taken to confront the spread of Covid-19 and the extent of adherence to human rights standards in dealing with the female inmates.

Based upon the cases monitored and the applications for assistance received by the NIHR at an earlier time, relating to the quality of food in Jaw prison, the Committee coordinated with officials in the Ministry of Interior. They immediately cooperated to improve the quality of food offered to inmates in the Correction and Rehabilitation Centre and increase their variety and quantity, which was ensured during the last visit conducted by the NIHR to the Centre during meal times.

The Committee touched on the rapid response by the stakeholders in the Information and e-Government Authority on a humanitarian case received by the NIHR, expressing its great appreciation for this response and constructive cooperation.

On the other hand, the Committee reviewed its statements related to the complaints received, legal aids provides and cases monitored via the media and social media from 25 October to 19 November this year, as it responded to (6) complaints, provided (64) legal aids, monitored (10) cases via the media and social media and received (140) calls on the toll-free hotline during the said period and discussed the actions taken thereupon. The Committee also discussed the new cases received by the NIHR related to the application of the provisions of the Law (18) of 2017 on Alternative Sanctions and Measures in preparation for addressing the relevant authorities regarding those cases.

The Committee discussed the actions taken on all its previous resolutions and recommendations, especially those related to addressing HE Ministry of Justice and Islamic Affairs to inform him of the NIHR’s desire to allocate a number of jobs to the inmates subjected to the provisions of the Law (18) of 2017 on Alternative Sanctions and Measures in line with the goal for which the law was enacted.

The Committee concluded its meeting by discussing a number of reports on its attendance at hearings of courts of various degrees and types to determine the proceedings of the trial and ensure that legal guarantees are met.