GOPAC – UNITAR Workshop “Anticorruption and Human Rights, Training for Parliamentarians”
16 February 2024, Doha, Qatar – From February 14th to 16th, 2024, the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC) successfully organized the workshop “Anticorruption and Human Rights – Training for Parliamentarians,” conducted in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).
In a concerted effort to ensure inclusivity, this crucial event adopted a hybrid format, accommodating physical participation in Doha, Qatar, alongside virtual engagement, facilitating the attendance of 30 esteemed parliamentarians from diverse regions.
His Excellency Mr. Nasser bin Metrif Al Hemeidi, Chairman of GOPAC Qatar, and Mr. Nikhil Seth, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of UNITAR, opened the proceedings with their insightful welcoming remarks, setting the tone of intellectual rigor and collaboration for the deliberations that followed.
The eminent team of trainers included Mr. Firas Alhadithi, the visionary Executive Director of GOPAC, and Mr. Alex Mejía, Director of the Division for People and Social Inclusion at UNITAR, alongside esteemed experts such as Professor Bahaaeddin M.S. Khwaira and Professor Ali Alkubaisy from Lusail University, Dr. Carlos López from the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), Ms. Tania Hummel from Lumina Learning, and Ms. Analucía Jácome from UNITAR.
Across seven meticulously curated sessions, the discourse revolved around the complex interconnection between corruption and human rights, illustrated by real-world examples and practical case studies. Emphasizing the imperative of translating theoretical frameworks into implementable national policies, the discussions highlighted the indispensable role of parliamentarians in developing legislative agendas and implementing robust anti-corruption measures.
GOPAC emerged as a central pillar of the narrative, championing the essential role of parliamentarians as intermediaries between international human rights standards and national legislative processes. Their supervisory functions and legislative insight were highlighted as indispensable tools for enforcing the rule of law and effectively combating corruption. In addition, the workshop emphasized the significance of parliamentary leadership in promoting accountability, redress, and dignity, equipping participants with the tools to bring about meaningful change in their respective spheres of influence.
To complement the sessions, a comprehensive manual, trainer presentations, video recordings, and certificates of attendance have been carefully developed, enriching the learning experience and empowering participants to achieve lasting change. As the workshop came to its close, participants were further encouraged by previews of upcoming initiatives, such as e-learning courses, workshops, and virtual roundtables, to continue their commitment and collaboration in the global fight against corruption.
At this significant gathering, GOPAC emerged not only as a catalyst for change but also as the leading figure in a united front against corruption, inspiring parliamentarians to use their influence to safeguard human rights and advance the principles of justice and integrity on a global scale.
