Qatar passed policies, legislations preventing all forms of racial discrimination, human trafficking

HE Vice-Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), Dr Mohammed bin Saif al-Kuwari, has lauded the advanced provisions of the Permanent Constitution of the State of Qatar, and many of the State's legislation and public policies for preventing all forms of racial discrimination and protecting people from all forms of human trafficking, including the establishment of strong and effective institutions to ensure the implementation of laws and policies.

This came during a regional forum organized by NHRC at the Bin Jelmood House Museum to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The forum was held in partnership with the Arab Network of National Human Rights Institutions, in co-operation with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), through the Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa, along with the Bin Jelmood House.

HE al-Kuwari noted that NHRC played a pivotal role in organizing conferences, forums, seminars and discussion panels on many issues related to the theme of this regional forums celebration, in addition to participating in the Human Rights Council's interactive dialogues on the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action to combat racism and racial discrimination. Al-Kuwari affirmed his determination to continue monitoring developments and providing insights to bridge any emerging gaps in both law and practice, and to continue efforts to strengthen and develop regional and international standards and encourage the exchange of experiences and best practices, in cooperation with all regional and international partners.

The Vice-Chairman of NHRC said: "The forum aims to review challenges, exchange experiences and best practices, contribute to the development of relevant standards and measures, and enhance cooperation among various partners in the field of awareness-raising and education on the values of dignity, equality, and non-discrimination.

He added: "The Bin Jelmood House Museum embodies an important symbol, raising awareness of the manifestations of slavery through the courageous documentation of the stories of victims of the slave trade around the world. In its current form, it highlights the impact of Islamic civilization and its vital role in combating racial discrimination and rejecting slavery, based on the principle of equality rooted in our true religion.

HE al-Kuwari said: "The Bin Jelmood House Museum also reflects the values of Qatari society, which has always celebrated diversity and remained an example of coexistence between different civilizations. The most striking example of this is the State of Qatar's hosting of hundreds of thousands of people of more than 100 nationalities, all living under the protection of the law and the hospitality of its people."

For his part, HE Secretary-General of the Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions, Sultan bin Hassan al-Jamali, said: "Today we commemorate the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade, reflecting our support, alignment, and engagement with the global march of human rights defenders, both organizations and individuals, to achieve justice and human dignity, and to think together to combat the types and forms of ancient slavery, as well as the new types and forms of slavery and discrimination in the modern era, to develop proposals that enhance human dignity to build a more just and equal future."

Al-Jamali added that despite the progress made in combating racial discrimination and promoting equality, inequalities and discrimination are still a painful reality in many societies. He noted that cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity in the Arab region represents a social wealth that reflects the depth of shared history.

"Our goal must not only be to eliminate discrimination, but to establish a model of sustainable coexistence. This model goes beyond simply accepting diversity; it becomes a source of strength through the cooperation of all stakeholders, so that we can build a society that believes justice is the cornerstone of peace and coexistence."

In turn, General Manager of Msheireb Museums, Abdulla al-Naama, said: "This celebration is a moment to reaffirm our collective responsibility to eliminate discrimination and build a future based on justice, equality, and solidarity for all."

He added: "We at Msheireb Museums affirm our commitment to a world free of racial bias," noting that Bin Jelmood House is the only museum in the world dedicated to the story of slavery and highlights the fight against human trafficking and modern-day slavery.

Al-Naama said: "By hosting this regional forum with NHRC, we are promoting open dialogue on human rights and racial discrimination."

Bushra Elias, speaking on behalf of OHCHR's Regional Representative for the Middle East and North Africa, Mazen Shaqoura, said that the commemoration of the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade and the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the International Day are not just a moment to reflect on the past, but an opportunity for collective action for the present and the future.

She explained that despite the progress made during the first International Decade for People of African Descent, there are still ongoing challenges, and structural and systemic obstacles continue to hinder the full realization of rights, which requires continuous and enhanced efforts.

Regarding the commemoration of the International Day of the adoption of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, Elias said: "The convention is a milestone in global efforts to combat racism, eliminate racial discrimination, and promote equality."

She added: "The year 2025 provides an opportunity to assess progress made in combating racial discrimination and promoting equality. It also provides an opportunity to remind States Parties of their obligations to combat racism and promote human rights, and to push for legal and policy reforms to address racial discrimination."