The European Union and the State of Qatar held their fifth Human Rights Dialogue in Doha on 7 September. The dialogue took place in a constructive and frank atmosphere and offered an opportunity to have detailed discussions on a wide range of topics, such as, labour rights; women’s rights; vulnerable groups; fundamental freedoms; rule of law, including death penalty; digital rights; freedom of religion or belief; human trafficking; and refugee policy. The meeting also included a dedicated exchange on cooperation in United Nations human rights fora.

The parties exchanged views on the human rights situation in Qatar, and a number of issues of mutual concern, focusing in particular on women, migrant workers, freedom of religion or belief, and refugee policies in Europe.

Willing to reiterate the mutual commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, both sides agreed to convene the next Human Rights Dialogue in 2024 in Brussels and identified a number of topics for possible further cooperation.

EU Head of Division Anna-Maria Panagiotakopoulou led the EU Delegation. The Qatari Delegation was led by the Director of the Human Rights Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Turi Abdulla Al-Mahmoud.