Doha, Qatar: On March 23, 2025, Qatar commemorated the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination alongside the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade through a regional forum organized by the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) at the Bin Jelmood House Museum. The event gathered officials, human rights defenders, and stakeholders to reflect on the profound legacy of these historical issues and to promote ongoing efforts to combat racism and discrimination.
H E Dr. Mohammed bin Saif Al Kuwari, the Vice-Chairman of the NHRC, lauded Qatar's advanced provisions in its Permanent Constitution and the public policies established to prevent racial discrimination and protect individuals from all forms of human trafficking. During his remarks, he emphasized, "We aim to continue monitoring developments and provide insights to bridge any emerging gaps in both law and practice, reinforcing our commitment to human rights." Al Kuwari highlighted the NHRC's significant contributions to organizing numerous conferences, forums, and discussions that address these critical issues directly.
The forum, conducted in partnership with the Arab Network of National Human Rights Institutions, featured H E Sultan bin Hassan Al Jamali, the Secretary-General of the Arab Network, who reflected on the broader impact of slavery and discrimination. "Today we commemorate the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade, reflecting our support, alignment, and engagement with the global march of human rights defenders, both organizations and individuals, to achieve justice and human dignity," Al Jamali noted. His words resonated as a call to action, urging attendees to think collectively about combating the ongoing forms of discrimination that persist in modern society.
Abdulla Al Naama, General Manager of Msheireb Museums, spoke passionately about the symbolic importance of the Bin Jelmood House, the only museum in the world dedicated to the story of slavery. “This celebration is a moment to reaffirm our collective responsibility to eliminate discrimination and build a future based on justice, equality, and solidarity for all.” Al Naama's comments underscored the museum's role not just as a historical repository but as an active participant in the fight against human trafficking and modern slavery.
In her address, Bushra Elias, speaking on behalf of Mazen Shaqoura, the Regional Representative for the Middle East and North Africa, reiterated that this commemoration serves more than a reflective purpose. She emphasized, "This commemoration is not just a moment to reflect on the past, but an opportunity for collective action for the present and the future," reinforcing the notion that the lessons learned must inform tangible efforts going forward.
This regional forum at the Bin Jelmood House stands as a testament to Qatar's dedication to human rights and the ongoing fight against discrimination in all its forms. By bringing together influential speakers and a community of advocates, the NHRC highlighted critical progress while recognizing areas where more work is needed. With a clear commitment to bridging gaps in law and practice, Qatar is positioning itself as a proactive member of the global conversation on human rights, providing insights and sharing best practices with other countries in the region.
As the day concluded, attendees left with renewed motivation to challenge inequality and injustice, reflecting a collective commitment to fostering an environment where human dignity is not only respected but celebrated. Qatar's ongoing efforts symbolize hope and reinforce the importance of remembering past injustices while actively working towards a just and equitable future for all people.
