Doha: The 4th National Human Rights Forum, organized by the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) in partnership with the Ministry of Interior, is set to commence on Tuesday and will span two days under the theme "Human Rights at the Heart of Drug Control: Challenges and Prospects for Sustainable Solutions."
According to Qatar News Agency, the forum will be conducted in collaboration with the Ministries of Social Development and Family, Education and Higher Education, and Public Health. It will see participation from the Public Prosecution, the National Planning Council, the National Cyber Security Agency, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and other relevant official entities, along with specialized UN offices, civil society, and the media.
The forum's fourth edition is aligned with national efforts to enhance comprehensive drug prevention strategies to confront growing global challenges and tackle emerging patterns of drug-related crimes.
HE Secretary-General of the NHRC, Sultan bin Hassan Al Jamali, emphasized the severe challenges posed by drug abuse and illicit trafficking to human rights globally, reflecting the Committee's commitment to addressing this critical issue.
Al Jamali highlighted the adverse effects of drugs on fundamental rights such as the right to life, mental and physical health, and an adequate standard of living, as well as their negative implications on the Sustainable Development Goals.
He further noted that the UN has prioritized addressing drug use and trafficking due to their detrimental impacts across developmental, social, economic, political, and security domains. The UN has reinforced international standards to counter emerging threats through key treaties and instruments forming the foundation of the global drug control system.
Al Jamali commended Qatar's efforts in drug prevention, noting the country's effective measures in drug control have resulted in minimal risk indicators related to drug abuse or trafficking in international assessments.
Despite Qatar's achievements, Al Jamali stressed the need for global prioritization of drug-related issues due to the expansion of illicit drug trafficking networks and the misuse of modern technology, compounded by conflicts and instability in various regions.
The forum aims to foster a human rights-based approach in legislation, policies, and measures to combat drugs and psychotropic substances. It serves as a platform for dialogue among national stakeholders to address challenges, enhance awareness, and explore best practices in drug control.
Comprising eight sessions, the forum seeks to produce outcomes such as recommendations for combating drugs, strengthening prevention measures, and establishing a specialized awareness cell on drug risks. The event will also result in a publication compiling speeches, academic papers, discussions, and forum recommendations.