Doha: Deputy Chair of the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking (NCCHT), Sara Abdullah Al Saadi, has emphasized that Qatar’s initiatives to fight human trafficking are deeply rooted in religious principles and human values, which uphold human dignity and reject all forms of exploitation.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al Saadi explained that this commitment aligns with the Qatar National Vision 2030, aiming to foster a just society that respects human rights and combats exploitation. She highlighted that these efforts are inspired by Islamic teachings that condemn injustice and slavery, alongside Qatar’s international commitments.
Al Saadi detailed the National Plan to Combat Human Trafficking, which seeks to create a comprehensive approach involving prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnerships. The plan, extending until 2026, is structured around prevention, prosecution, victim protection, and cooperation on multiple levels, ensuring responsiveness to changes.
She highlighted priorities such as early detection, updating legal frameworks, and establishing a national victim referral system, alongside awareness campaigns and professional training. The plan criminalizes all forms of trafficking per Qatari law, differentiates between trafficking and smuggling, and guarantees victims’ rights.
The plan also prohibits confiscation of identity documents, caters to children’s needs, and involves civil society in combating trafficking. Al Saadi stressed the importance of building national capacities through specialized training and establishing a national database and referral system to enhance institutional performance.
Al Saadi reiterated that Qatari legislation aligns with international standards, supported by laws like Law No. (15) of 2011, which combats human trafficking. She noted Qatar’s cooperation with international organizations and adherence to significant agreements like the Palermo Protocol to prevent trafficking.