PRESS RELEASE : Universal Periodic Review 47 – UK Statement on Qatar [November 2024]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 November 2024.
Statement by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders, at Qatar’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Thank you, Madam Vice President,
I’d like to warmly welcome the delegation and congratulate Qatar on its re-election to the Human Rights Council. We recognise progress since its 2019 review including on improved protections for migrant workers, particularly the removal of the Kafala system.
We call on Qatar to recognise the importance of Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Religion or Belief for all, and to make its death penalty moratorium permanent.
We have three recommendations :
- Adopt legislation that ensures effective prosecution of violations against domestic workers, while protecting their rights to remain in Qatar.
- Adopt legislation to ensure workers’ rights are protected when employers issue a certificate of good conduct.
- Adopt legislation to ensure non discrimination on the grounds of disability, gender, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief.
Thank you.
