Qatar
Qatar
| Right | Section | Contents |
|---|---|---|
| Freedom of Association | History | The first mention of freedom of association in Qatar’s laws is found in the Permanent Constitution of the State of Qatar, promulgated in 2004. Article 45 says that “the right of citizens to establish association is guaranteed in accordance with the conditions and circumstances set forth in the law.” Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Permanent Constitution of the State of Qatar.” World Constitutions Illustrated, July 24, 2023, https://heinonline-org.ccl.idm.oclc.org/HOL/Page?collection=cow&handle=hein.cow/zzqa0002&id=2&men_tab=srchresults. |
| Freedom of Expression | History | Qatar's first formal assertion of freedom of expression is relatively recent compared to many other nations. It was included in the Permanent Constitution of Qatar, which was approved in a public referendum in 2003 and adopted on June 8, 2004.
The constitution was part of broader reforms initiated by the Emir of Qatar to modernize the state and its institutions. This included greater political freedoms, though within the context of a conservative Gulf monarchy. Article 47 of the Qatari Constitution states: “ Freedom of expression of opinion and scientific research is guaranteed in accordance with the conditions and circumstances set forth in the law.” Article 48 adds: "Freedom of the press, printing and publication shall be guaranteed in accordance with the law." Article 50: “Freedom to practice religious rites shall be guaranteed to all persons in accordance with the law and the requirements of the maintenance of public order and morality.”
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| Freedom of Religion | History | The Constitution of Qatar Dastūr was ratified on 9 April 2004. Articles 35 and 50 grant religious freedom, equality, and prohibit religious discrimination. Article 1 declares Islam the Official religion. Qatar Constitutional Committee . “The Constitution.” Government Communications Office. Last modified 2022. Accessed June 24, 2022. https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/GCO-Constitution-English.pdf. |
| Freedom of the Press | History | Article 48 of Qatar’s 2003 Constitution protects press freedom: “Freedom of the press, printing, and publishing is guaranteed according to the law" (Constitute Project, “ Qatar’s Constitution of 2003” ). |
| Privacy Rights | History | From 1972- 2003, Qatar was ruled by a temporary constitution. In this document Article 12 granted the sanctity of dwellings (Al Meezan, “The Amended Provisional Constitution of 1972” ). Today, Article 37 of the Constitution claims “The sanctity of human privacy shall be inviolable, and therefore interference into privacy of a person, family affairs, home of residence, correspondence, or any other act of interference that may demean or defame a person may not be allowed save as limited by the provisions of the law stipulated therein” (Qatar Government Communications Office, “The Constitution”).
https://www.gco.gov.qa/en/about-qatar/the-constitution/ https://www.almeezan.qa/LawView.aspx?opt&LawID=4360&language=en#Section_14176 |
| Voting Rights and Suffrage | History | Under article 93 of Qatar’s Constitution the President is elected via secret ballot by the majority of votes from attending members of the Council. Qatar is not a democracy and therefore citizens have not traditionally had the right to vote for political officials. (Constitute Project, “ Qatar’s Constitution of 2003” ). |