Qatar Chosen to Host Next Regional Meeting on Bangkok Rules.

San Jose: The regional consultative meeting on the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners, known as the "Bangkok Rules," concluded in San Jose, Costa Rica, with the announcement that Qatar will host the upcoming regional consultative meetings. According to Qatar News Agency, the Ministry of Interior expressed that Qatar's selection highlights its leading role in advancing international cooperation on human rights, specifically the rights of prisoners, in line with international standards and humanitarian law. The decision is seen as a testament to the global community's confidence in Qatar's dedication to upholding the principles of the Doha Declaration, which was issued at the Thirteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. This Declaration advocates for policies focusing on prisoner education, rehabilitation, improving living conditions and healthcare, and ensuring reintegration into society, all aimed at reducing recidivism rates and support ing prisoners' families. The Ministry's statement also noted that this achievement bolsters Qatar's reputation as a global leader in promoting international initiatives to enhance criminal justice systems and ensure the treatment of prisoners meets the highest international standards. An official delegation from Qatar's Ministry of Interior, led by Major General Nasser Mohammed Issa Al Sayed, Director of the Penal and Correctional Institutions Department, participated in the San Jose meeting. Major General Al Sayed showcased Qatar's continuous efforts to develop penal policies that balance criminal justice enforcement with human rights protection. The meeting tackled several vital topics, including strategies for implementing the Bangkok Rules in treating female prisoners, sharing successful experiences, and strengthening international cooperation in these areas.