Doha: The first day of the National Human Rights Forum, organized by the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) in partnership with the Ministry of Interior, centered around international and regional standards for combating drugs, as well as reviewing national strategies. The event, titled "Human Rights at the Heart of Drug Control: Challenges and Prospects for Sustainable Solutions," emphasized the importance of a human rights approach in drug control.
According to Qatar News Agency, the initial session, focused on 'international, regional and national standards and measures for combating drugs,' saw participation from officials, experts, and human rights activists. This session delved into the United Nations' international agreements on drug control, highlighting principles such as criminalizing illicit trafficking, promoting international cooperation, and adopting preventive and therapeutic policies. The session underscored the need for treating drug users as patients needing care and support.
Participants highlighted the global challenge posed by drugs, advocating for responses that integrate early prevention and a human rights-based approach considering mental health, family, and social factors. The discussion stressed that mere awareness is insufficient without capacity building and community integration promotion.
The forum noted Qatar's balanced approach in addressing drug-related issues, combining strict measures against trafficking with therapeutic and preventive initiatives. This approach aligns with Qatar's commitment to international agreements and legislative development to enhance community security and uphold human rights.
The first session also examined the Gulf Strategy for Combating Drugs 2025-2028, focused on reducing supply and demand, drying up sources, and enhancing coordination and information exchange to counter transnational organized crime.
In the subsequent session on 'national strategies, policies and measures,' the forum addressed emerging challenges and sustainable solutions in drug combatting. This session, featuring academics and experts, discussed the threat posed by transnational criminal groups exploiting technological advancements for drug smuggling and promotion. The participants noted the shift of drug promotion to social media and e-commerce platforms, complicating counter-narcotics efforts.
They emphasized the importance of early prevention through education, awareness, and training, strengthening family roles, and treating addiction as a disease requiring treatment and rehabilitation. The governance of financial and institutional policies was identified as crucial for sustainable drug risk management.
The third session on 'combating drugs from a human rights perspective: a comprehensive approach,' included experts, doctors, and educators, who highlighted supporting recovery and prevention through comprehensive media and awareness programs. They stressed the importance of integrating religious, educational, and media discourse with deterrent legislation against drug dealers.
Participants called for treating and rehabilitating drug users as a humanitarian priority, using diverse media, youth activities, and workshops to raise awareness and support change for recovering individuals. National drug prevention plans were discussed, focusing on education, family, and institutional partnership, with early prevention being a key sustainable strategy.
The session also highlighted the role of religious awareness in promoting drug danger awareness and supporting recovering addicts and their families psychologically and spiritually. Integrating drug prevention into educational curricula was also discussed.
The Naufar Center's role in creating advanced healthcare systems with comprehensive psychological standards for appropriate care and treatment was reviewed.