Social Research Center and Qatari National Human Rights Committee Sign MoU

The Social Research Center (SRC) delegation has participated in the “Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights: Opportunities, Risks, and Visions for a Better Future” international conference, held in Doha, the capital of Qatar.

On May 27, 2025, during the conference, SRC and the forum’s organizer—the Qatari National Human Rights Committee (NHRC)—signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation.

At the signing ceremony, SRC’s Chairman of the Board, Zahid Oruj, delivered a speech outlining the main points and goals of the partnership. His address, titled “Resolving the Karabakh Conflict — Greatest Human Rights Achievement of the 21st Century,” emphasized:

“Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee of Qatar, HE Ms. Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah,

First and foremost, please accept our sincere respect and warmest greetings. On behalf of our country, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to you and your team for inviting us to participate in this international conference dedicated to one of today’s most pressing challenges.

We deeply appreciate that at such a significant moment—while Doha hosts a major international event—a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between SRC, one of Azerbaijan’s leading think tanks, and NHRC. This timing gives the agreement special importance and symbolism.

We are especially pleased to see that the cooperation and research ties established over the past two years continue to grow and are now reaching a new level. We sincerely value the fact that, under your leadership and through the broad international engagement of your Committee, special attention is being given to strengthening partnerships and friendly relations with various institutions in our country. 

It is also worthy of recognition that NHRC of Qatar, under your leadership, has achieved a high level of international standing over its 23 years of work—becoming a member of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions with “A” status accreditation. This is not only a significant accomplishment for the State of Qatar, but also a well-deserved acknowledgment of your Committee’s efforts to uphold human rights both domestically and internationally. It reflects your active role in hosting international forums on pressing global and national issues and in seeking solutions to the most critical challenges of our time. 

Over the 34 years since gaining independence, relations between Azerbaijan and Qatar have developed on the basis of genuine friendship, mutual respect, and a profound understanding of the national interests of both countries. High-level bilateral visits, along with the combined efforts of our governments and other state institutions, have laid a solid foundation for political dialogue, economic, investment, and business partnerships, parliamentary cooperation, and a robust legal framework for comprehensive cooperation.

Since its founding, the Social Research Center we represent has successfully carried out national and regional projects, building extensive connections not only with government and official bodies but also with local and international institutions. The Center’s in-depth research across various areas of public life has gained international recognition and earned high praise from partners at multiple levels. A key priority in our external activities is fostering sustainable relationships and effective collaboration mechanisms with diverse institutions in Qatar.

Your participation in the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29), held in our country at a high-level last November, was noted not only for the presence of your distinguished delegation but also for your firm stance in organizing a dedicated panel on refugees, migrants, and human rights. This was highly appreciated by our government and stands as a clear testament to your deep respect for human rights and your commitment to addressing the critical security challenges facing the modern world. 

As the global security system undergoes significant changes and transformations, this issue takes on particular importance for Azerbaijan. The country is actively contributing to this process through the “Great Return”—a large-scale initiative to enable nearly one million IDPs to return to their ancestral lands. The resolution of the Karabakh conflict stands as one of the most important human rights achievements of the 21st century.

For three decades, Azerbaijan has pursued an honorable struggle to uphold its most fundamental rights—territorial integrity and sovereignty—which stand as the highest expressions of human rights and freedoms. The end of the occupation of our lands and the resolution of the Karabakh conflict stand as one of the 21st century’s most important political and legal milestones. Azerbaijan’s achievement of justice through its own efforts serves as a powerful example not only for Islamic nations but also for peoples worldwide who uphold international law and draw inspiration for their own struggles.

We are confident that the signed memorandum will enable the implementation of joint projects in the liberated regions of our country, covering important areas such as education, inclusive development, and support for families and youth as they face new challenges—while preserving national and cultural values—along with other significant topics. This will contribute to strengthening the friendship and closer ties between our peoples. Following the events focused on artificial intelligence, we plan to collaborate on scientific publications, joint reports, and other materials to be submitted to UN. Our joint projects, centered on the new opportunities and prospects created by modern communication revolutions and digital technologies, will help advance the interests of both countries and deliver mutual benefits.

Our cooperation plays a vital role in achieving a fairer, more inclusive, and shared vision that fosters knowledge-driven progress—one to which joint research and policy initiatives can meaningfully contribute. By combining our expertise and resources, we are committed to generating and advancing effective ideas.

Once again, we warmly extend our best wishes to you and your country and truly believe that this agreement will bring fruitful outcomes!”