Doha: The Shura Council participated in a virtual seminar organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) titled "Legislative Strategies to End Orphanage Trafficking." The event saw participation from HE Member of the Council Khalid bin Abas Kamal Al Emadi on Thursday.
According to Qatar News Agency, the seminar gathered several experts and specialists focused on child rights and anti-human trafficking measures. Discussions centered on formulating effective policies and legislative strategies to combat the issue of orphanage trafficking.
HE Al Emadi stressed the importance of international cooperation to safeguard orphans, particularly in Gaza, where ongoing conflict exacerbates their vulnerabilities and necessitates urgent global intervention. He drew attention to Qatar's leadership in humanitarian efforts, highlighting its consistent provision of aid to Gaza families and diplomatic endeavors to protect civilians, especially orphaned children affected by war.
HE Al Emadi further elaborated on Qatar's advanced measures to ensure quality care for orphans. This includes regulation of care institutions and strict oversight to prevent exploitation, emphasizing the importance of stable family environments. He advocated supporting families to care for children and promoting kinship-based foster care as opposed to institutional placements, as the latter positively influences children's psychological and social development.
The council member also called for the eradication of human trafficking sources and encouraged sustained collaboration with international organizations to fight this crime.
The seminar explored various topics, including the root causes of orphanage trafficking, legislative actions to combat it, and the roles of both sending and receiving countries. Success stories of legislative initiatives from around the globe were also shared.
The event concluded with an open dialogue, allowing participants to exchange experiences and discuss the challenges legislators face in addressing orphanage trafficking.