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Doha – The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) of Qatar is set to organize the Fourth National Human Rights Forum on January 20–21, 2026, under the theme: “Human Rights at the Core of Drug Control: Challenges and Prospects for Sustainable Solutions.” The forum is being organized in partnership with the Ministry of Interior and in collaboration with several key ministries, institutions, and organizations, with broad participation from United Nations agencies, regional and international bodies, civil society, and media.
Dr. Mohammed bin Saif Al-Kuwari, Vice Chairman of the NHRC, said the forum reflects the global challenges posed by the growing drug trafficking and abuse crisis and the rising rates of substance misuse reported internationally. He emphasized the profound impact of these issues on fundamental human rights, including the right to life, the highest attainable standard of health, and an adequate standard of living. He noted that drug abuse also poses a significant obstacle to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr. Al-Kuwari stressed that Qatar remains largely free from serious risks associated with this dangerous phenomenon due to effective legislation, public policies, and preventive measures targeting trafficking networks and mitigating health, social, economic, and security consequences. He added that it is crucial to continuously develop these measures and strengthen the flexibility of mechanisms to keep pace with global challenges and rapidly evolving trafficking methods.
The forum aims to adopt a human-rights-centered approach in legislation, public policies, enforcement measures, and rehabilitation programs, including the reintegration of drug users into society, in line with Qatar’s Permanent Constitution, the Qatar National Vision 2030, and international human rights commitments.
Highlighting the important role of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Al-Kuwari noted that effective law enforcement and preventive measures are key to protecting society from drug-related risks. He emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among stakeholders to address emerging threats, including the misuse of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies that expand trafficking networks and complicate smuggling methods, reinforcing Qatar’s globally recognized leadership in prevention and control.
The forum will review national legislation, preventive strategies, and rehabilitation challenges while exploring effective methods for raising public awareness on the risks of drugs and psychoactive substances through education, media, religious platforms, and other awareness campaigns. Special sessions will focus on youth participation, ensuring their perspectives help shape strategies and policies while protecting their psychological and mental well-being. Another session will highlight media’s critical role in prevention and rehabilitation efforts.
Dr. Al-Kuwari expressed hope that the forum will generate actionable recommendations to support anti-drug efforts, enhance resilience to emerging challenges, and establish a permanent national platform for awareness on drug risks. He also thanked the Ministry of Interior and all participating national, regional, and international institutions, as well as media partners, for their contributions.
He concluded by emphasizing that combating drugs and psychoactive substances is a shared societal responsibility, beginning with families and extending through schools, universities, media, places of worship, civil society, law enforcement agencies, and state institutions, aiming to protect minds and bodies while ensuring recovered individuals reintegrate respectfully into society and contribute to its overall progress.