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Qatar attaches special value to judicial system: Marri
QNA/TNN
Doha
The Emir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani patronised the opening of Qatar Law Forum 2017 at Doha Sheraton Hotel on Sunday.
The opening ceremony was also attended by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al Thani and a number of ministers, judges, members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Qatar, senior officials and guests from around the world.
On the sidelines of the Forum, HH the Emir met with a number of high-ranking officials from various countries. Talks during the meetings dealt with issues of mutual concern.
HE Dr Ali bin Fetais al Marri, Qatar's attorney-general and president of the Board of Trustees of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Centre (ROLACC), delivered a keynote address at the event.
Other key speakers were Lord Philips, president of the Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC); and Senator George Mitchell former Independent Chairman of the Northern Ireland Peace Talks and former US Special Envoy for Middle East Peace.
Speaking about Qatar's commitment to justice and the rule of law, Dr Marri underscored the special value given to the judicial system in Qatar, starting with Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed al Thani, who established a system of rule of law in Qatar and worked for decades to strengthen justice.
He pointed out that the efforts continued in the brilliant era of HH the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani and the Emir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani with the drafting of the Permanent Constitution of the State of Qatar clearly separating the three arms of government - the executive, legislative and the judiciary.
In his keynote address, Lord Phillips thanked HH the Emir for his presence at the Forum as it underlined the importance Qatar attaches to the maintenance of the rule of law and for the Forum's international attendees who travelled to support Qatar as a proud and independent country in its determination to promote the rule of law at home and abroad.
He said the Qatar Law Forum is concerned with topical problems and concentrates on aspects of the rule of law that directly protect vulnerable individuals - displaced persons; victims of modern day slavery; victims of delay and other impediments to access to justice; and the millions of people who are financially excluded in societies and unable to obtain items such as a mobile phone or a credit card.
Lord Philips said the Forum is not just about the formal discussions at the conference, but also about the relationships made between international leaders of the law and the work they do together afterwards to further support the rule of law.
Senator George Mitchell spoke about his experience as Independent Chairman of the Northern Ireland Peace Talks and drew parallels with resolving conflicts in other parts of the world such as the Middle East.
He stressed that a dialogue that is based on, and fosters the rule of law will be an essential first step toward resolution of conflict.
He said,"I remain hopeful that the principles embodied in this Forum will provide a template for bringing peace and stability to the people of this region and to parties in conflict throughout the world."
The Qatar Law Forum is organised by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Centre (ROLACC), and the Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC). The keynote speeches were followed by two plenary sessions, first on effective judicial institutions (tackling delay and access to justice) chaired by Lord Thomas, former Lord Chief Justice of England & Wales, with HE Masoud al Amri, president of the Supreme Judicial Council, Qatar in attendance.
Yousuf al Jaidah, CEO of Qatar Financial Centre, and Professor Sir William Blair, co-chaired the final session on the rule of law and financial inclusion.
