Doha, Qatar: The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) will organise the Fourth National Human Rights Forum on January 20 and 21, 2026, under the theme “Human Rights at the Heart of Drug Control: Challenges and Prospects for Sustainable Solutions.” The forum will focus on addressing drug control from a comprehensive, human rights–based perspective.
The forum aims to promote an integrated approach grounded in human rights across legislation, public policies, and operational measures related to drug control, rehabilitation of drug users and addicts, and their social reintegration.
The event is organised by the NHRC in partnership with the Ministry of Interior, and in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Development and Family, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, and the Ministry of Public Health.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, NHRC Vice-Chairman Dr. Mohammed bin Saif Al Kuwari said the choice of this theme reflects the growing global challenges posed by the rise in drug trafficking and the increasing indicators of drug use, as highlighted in international reports.
He emphasised that drug-related crimes have serious negative impacts on human rights, foremost among them the right to life, the right to the highest attainable standard of health, and the right to an adequate standard of living, in addition to posing obstacles to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
He praised the Ministry of Interior’s vital role in law enforcement and preventive measures, highlighting the importance of coordinated efforts and multi-stakeholder engagement.
Dr. Al Kuwari stressed that despite Qatar being largely free from severe risks associated with drugs due to robust legislation, policies, and measures targeting trafficking and smuggling networks, there remains a need to further develop these measures and enhance their flexibility to keep pace with global challenges and evolving methods of drug trafficking and promotion.
Such efforts, he noted, have positioned Qatar among the safest countries globally in terms of drug prevalence indicators. Dr. Al Kuwari added that the forum will review legislation, public policies, and prevention and control plans, while examining challenges related to rehabilitation and social reintegration. It will also explore effective methods to enhance community awareness through educational curricula, media, and religious platforms. Special sessions will be dedicated to youth and future generations, as well as to the media, recognising their crucial role in prevention, recovery, and reintegration. He expressed hope that the forum would produce practical recommendations and visions to strengthen national drug control efforts, enhance preparedness, and contribute to establishing a permanent national platform for drug awareness, while showcasing Qatar’s pioneering experience in this vital field.
Brigadier Saad Salem Al Dosari, Assistant Director of the Human Rights Department at the Ministry of Interior, emphasised the depth of the constructive partnership between the Ministry and the NHRC, which has yielded numerous joint events and training programmes since the signing of a memorandum of understanding in 2018. He affirmed that the forum supports the Ministry of Interior’s Strategy (2024–2030), particularly the strategic objective of protecting society from drugs.
The forum will highlight the role of MoI through the presentation of three specialised working papers that reflect its comprehensive approach to addressing drug-related challenges. The Public Relations Department will present a paper titled “The Security Awareness Experience in Enhancing Protection from Drugs: The Ministry of Interior as a Model”.
The General Directorate of Drug Control will deliver a paper entitled “Emerging Patterns of Drug Crimes: Comprehensive Response Strategies.” The Department of Correctional and Rehabilitation Institutions will present a paper on “Recovery, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Programs for Drug-Related Offenders in Correctional Facilities.”
