Ministry of Labour, NHRC Hold Workshop on Combating Human Trafficking Referral System

Doha, September 15, 2026 :  The Ministry of Labour, represented by the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking, in partnership with the National Human Rights Committee, organized the first workshop on the National Referral System, titled "National Referral System for Combating Human Trafficking: Protecting and Rehabilitating Victims and Promoting Human Rights."

System Reflects Qatar's Commitment to Combating Trafficking

In her opening remarks, HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour and Secretary-General of the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking Sheikha Najwa bint Abdulrahman Al Thani said the launch of the National Referral System marks an important step in Qatar's efforts to strengthen its national framework for combating human trafficking, protecting victims, and ensuring a more integrated response. She noted that relevant authorities in Qatar have worked over the years to establish specialized systems and expertise across prevention, case identification, protection, care, law enforcement, and prosecution, alongside partnerships with non-governmental entities.

System Must Remain Flexible to Evolving Threats

Sheikha Najwa said human trafficking is a complex and evolving crime that adapts quickly to changing circumstances, stressing that the response must be equally flexible and capable of continuous development to keep pace with future challenges, rather than being limited to known patterns of crime.

Referral System Clarifies Roles Among Entities

She highlighted the importance of the National Referral System, describing it as a practical framework that clarifies how various entities' roles are interconnected, when each should intervene, and how cases are referred between them — helping ensure no gaps or duplication in the response.

System Designed to Grow and Adapt Over Time

Sheikha Najwa noted that the system is not static, but designed to evolve alongside the development of Qatar's institutions and expertise, adapting to changes in trafficking methods and incorporating lessons learned from implementation. She described the launch as an important institutional transition that consolidates existing efforts into a unified framework, adding that its ultimate success will depend on how effectively it is implemented in practice — requiring each entity to understand its role and cooperate promptly with others.

NHRC Secretary-General Highlights Constitutional Alignment

In his remarks, HE Secretary-General of the National Human Rights Committee Sultan bin Hassan Al Jamali said the National Referral System embodies the principles of Qatar's Permanent Constitution and aligns with the country's legislative measures and public policies aimed at safeguarding human dignity and protecting the rights of vulnerable groups. He noted that the system reflects Qatar's ongoing efforts to fulfill its obligations under international treaties.

NHRC Welcomes System's Victim Protection Measures

Al Jamali affirmed the National Human Rights Committee's support for the system and its measures for protecting victims, providing legal assistance, and delivering rehabilitation support, while reinforcing accountability by ensuring accused persons face fair trials. He said the system requires a comprehensive, coordinated approach among all relevant entities to ensure a rapid and effective response to trafficking cases.

NHRC to Continue Monitoring Emerging Risks

Al Jamali added that the NHRC will continue advancing frameworks to prevent exploitation and trafficking, aligning national measures with international standards, and bridging relations between official structures and stakeholders through its specialized units and community offices. He noted the Committee's ongoing efforts to monitor emerging global challenges — including the unethical use of artificial intelligence and the impacts of climate change — that could create new avenues for trafficking.

Workshop Aims to Strengthen Institutional Readiness

The workshop forms part of joint efforts by the Ministry of Labour and the National Human Rights Committee to enhance implementation of the National Referral System and strengthen the readiness of relevant entities to handle trafficking cases according to approved procedures. It aims to familiarize participants with the system's operation and the stages involved in handling cases — from identification through referral and the provision of protection and support — while clarifying the roles, responsibilities, and coordination mechanisms among relevant entities.

Source: QNA