Experts of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Commend Qatar for Progress in Digitalisation, Ask about Conflict-Related Crisis Strategies and Deprivation of Liberty of Persons with Disabilities
The Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities today concluded its review of the combined second to fourth periodic reports of Qatar on efforts made to implement the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Committee Experts commended the State’s progress in digitisation and technology and asked about crisis strategies in the context of the current conflict in the Middle East and the deprivation of liberty of persons with disabilities.
Muhannad Al-Azeeh, Committee Expert and Country Taskforce Member, said Qatar had made significant, praiseworthy steps forward when it came to technology and digitalisation.
Addressing the current conflict in the Middle East, Mr. Al-Azeeh asked about strategies created to deal with crises that included persons with disabilities.
Amalia Gamio, Committee Expert and Country Taskforce Member, said the deprivation of liberty carried out in Qatar through the law on mental health was contrary to article 14 of the Convention. What measures had been adopted to abolish the use of isolation and chemical or physical immobilisation of children with psychosocial or intellectual disabilities?
Presenting the report, Maryam Bint Ali Al-Misnad, Minister of State for International Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, and head of the delegation, said that over the past decade, Qatar had made significant progress in its national framework. Law 22 of 2025 on the rights of persons with disabilities represented a major step forward, adopting a rights-based approach centred on non-discrimination, accessibility and reasonable accommodation.
In an opening statement, a representative of the National Human Rights Commission of Qatar welcomed the adoption of law 22 of 2025, which strengthened alignment with the Convention. The next priority should be to translate legislative progress into effective implementation, including through the timely adoption of regulations and stronger monitoring mechanisms.
Responding to the question on crisis strategies, the delegation said that during the recent aggressions, several guiding videos had been issued on mechanisms for persons with disabilities in cases of emergencies, translated into sign language. Accessible channels had been launched, enabling persons with disabilities to file complaints and ask for help during emergencies.
The delegation also said that all Qatari laws and policies prohibited the ill treatment of persons with disabilities in institutions. The State adopted legislative and regulatory measures to limit the use of chemical and electrical treatments and isolation. They could only be used in exceptional cases following medical surveillance, and only to protect the patient or third parties.
In closing remarks, Ms. Al-Misnad, said the dialogue was a valuable opportunity to exchange best practices regarding promoting disability rights. The State party sought to cooperate with all stakeholders to address the challenges threatening human rights everywhere, so that no one was left behind.
Abdelmajid Makni, Committee Expert and Country Taskforce Member, in his concluding remarks, called on the State party to make its law on disability fully compatible with the Convention. He said the State party needed to give persons with disabilities, particularly women, the status they deserved as it prepared to host an important occasion next year: the World Summit on Disability.
In concluding remarks, Miyeon Kim, Committee Chair, said the Committee would carefully consider the information provided during the dialogue in developing its concluding observations. She called on the State party to consider the Committee’s recommendations and continue its efforts toward the full and effective implementation of the Convention.
The delegation of Qatar was comprised of representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the Ministry of Interior; the Ministry of Social Development and the Family; the Ministry of Public Health; the Ministry of Education and Higher Education; the Supreme Judiciary Council; the National Committee on Women, Children, the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities; the Legal and Governance Department and North Oil; and the Permanent Mission of Qatar to the United Nations Office at Geneva
Summaries of the public meetings of the Committee can be found here, while webcasts of the public meetings can be found here. The programme of work of the Committee’s thirty-fifth session and other documents related to the session can be found here.
The Committee will next meet in public at 10. a.m. on Friday, 14 August to consider the initial report of Sri Lanka (CRPD/C/LKA/1).
Report
The Committee has before it the combined second to fourth periodic reports of Qatar (CRPD/C/QAT/2-4).
Presentation of Report
MARYAM BINT ALI AL-MISNAD, Minister of State for International Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, and head of the delegation, said Qatar was proud to have been among the first States parties to ratify the Convention, and of its role supporting disability issues both nationally and internationally. In 2007, Qatar submitted the draft resolution establishing “World Autism Awareness Day”. In 2025, it sponsored the resolution establishing 27 June as the “International Day of Deafblindness”. Qatar had also participated in launching the “Global Autism Coalition” and would host the Fourth Global Disability Summit in Doha in 2028, in cooperation with the International Disability Alliance.
The contribution of the late Sheikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Thani, the first Qatari woman to hold a United Nations special procedure mandate and the first woman to serve as Special Rapporteur on disability, was a source of pride for the country. At the regional level, Qatar had supported initiatives, including the Arab Decade for Persons with Disabilities 2023–2032 and the Arab Classification of Persons with Disabilities, which strengthened disability-related data and supported the implementation of the Convention.
Over the past decade, Qatar had made significant progress in its national framework. Most notably, law no. 22 of 2025 on the rights of persons with disabilities represented a major step forward, adopting a rights-based approach centred on equality, non-discrimination, accessibility and reasonable accommodation. It strengthened rights relating to inclusive education, health and rehabilitation, employment, housing, social protection, independent living and participation, while also addressing protection from abuse, exploitation and violence and providing for a unified national database.
Disability rights were also reflected in national strategies, including the social development and family strategy 2025–2030, the third national health strategy 2024–2030 and the national autism action plan 2026–2030. Qatar was further working towards a national strategy for persons with disabilities to coordinate national efforts and establish measurable indicators of progress.
Qatar had invested significantly in education, health, rehabilitation and social inclusion. The education system was strengthening inclusive and accessible learning environments through individual education plans, assistive technologies and teacher training. The “Waref Academy”, launched in 2025, provided specialised education and rehabilitation for students with severe and multiple disabilities. The State also provided early intervention, medical and psychosocial rehabilitation, assistive technologies and support for families. National legislation guaranteed equal opportunities in employment, as well as reasonable accommodation and appropriate working environments. Qatar continued to strengthen employment data and promote the participation of women with disabilities in the labour market.
Qatar also continued to improve accessibility in the built environment, transport, information and communications, and digital services. The FIFA World Cup held in Qatar in 2022 showcased accessible stadiums, transport and public spaces, as well as audio description, sign-language interpretation and sensory facilities. Qatar was also strengthening the inclusion of persons with disabilities in emergency preparedness and humanitarian response, including through the participation of persons with disabilities and their organizations in planning and testing.
Qatar’s commitment extended beyond national borders. Through the “Qatar Fund for Development”, Qatar had implemented disability-related projects exceeding USD 98 million. The Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani Hospital for Rehabilitation and Prosthetics in Gaza has provided more than 585,000 rehabilitation sessions to approximately 65,000 beneficiaries since 2019. The delegation looked forward to a frank, constructive and objective dialogue with the Committee.
Statement by the National Human Rights Institution
A representative of the National Human Rights Commission of Qatar, said as an independent national institution accredited with A status under the Paris Principles, the Commission commended Qatar’s significant legislative progress, particularly the adoption of law no. 22 of 2025 on persons with disabilities, which strengthened alignment with the Convention and incorporated key principles, including non-discrimination, reasonable accommodation, accessibility, digital accessibility and participation. The Commission also welcomed progress in developing national data and statistics, including the establishment of a national database that had contributed to policy development.
The next priority should be to translate legislative progress into effective implementation, including through the timely adoption of regulations and stronger monitoring mechanisms. Accessibility, including strengthening accessibility standards, and employment for persons with disabilities, were two areas which required particular attention. It was vital to meaningfully involve persons with disabilities and their representative organizations in policies and decisions affecting their rights.
Questions by Committee Experts
REHAB BORESLI, Committee Expert and Country Taskforce Coordinator, said Qatar was a country close to her heart. What were the initiatives launched related to persons with disabilities in the national strategy? What initiatives were related to employment and the economic situation, and what disability-related political developments had taken place in the last five years? What criteria were adopted to choose donors and sponsors and how were persons with disabilities who were not from Qatar identified? There was a gap between legislative texts and implementation. How did the State guarantee respect for the Convention and oversight of laws in practice?
How did organizations of persons with disabilities participate in programmes relating to their rights? Did Qatar envisage adopting a law on discrimination? Was the State planning to establish a mechanism relating to complaints, compensation and remedies? What was the situation related to the denial of reasonable accommodation? What were the employment and social protection rights of migrant workers who faced accidents at the workplace during their stay in Qatar? What was the number of persons with disabilities who took part in the preparation of law no. 22? What number of persons with disabilities occupied high-level positions in the Government? What were the competencies of the National Human Rights Commission related to persons with disabilities?
What measures were taken to protect women and combat domestic violence? What prevention campaigns related to any complaints presented by persons with disabilities? What specific measures had been taken by Qatar to integrate children with disabilities to participate in decisions that related to them? What measures had been taken by Qatar which contributed to the proper implementation of the Convention? Did children with disabilities related to birth complications receive continued monitoring? Did they receive special support and follow-up? How were children who had become disabled at their birth had these issues identified? Had the number of such cases been registered to carry out research? What was the number of special helpers specialised in disabilities and how were they trained to work with children with disabilities?
Were the procedures in articles 73 to 75 being implemented on an ongoing basis or just sporadically? How many Government officials had been trained on the rights of persons with disabilities? How many awareness raising campaigns had taken place through the mass media to ensure the inclusion and respect of persons with disabilities? Had the content of such campaigns in favour of persons with psychosocial disabilities been included? What television programmes were available for visually impaired persons? How many campaigns had been launched to spread the use of sign language? What reasonable accommodation measures had been taken in favour of persons with psychosocial and mental disabilities to enable them to overcome stereotypes in daily life? What projects had been carried out by the State party to achieve social integration in sports, schools and in culture for persons with disabilities? What guidance had been given to judicial and administrative employees to enable persons with disabilities to have access to justice? What was being done by religious leaders to improve knowledge of the Convention?
Statistical data stated that 22,300 people benefitted from health services provided by the State, which was low coverage. The Committee was concerned about the lack of visible statistics for persons with disability. Did they have real access to services, and did they know about their rights?
ABDELMAJID MAKNI, Committee Expert and Country Taskforce Member, asked what kind of support was given to the National Human Rights Commission? Was it independent as it should be? Did the State intervene in the appointment of members of the Commission? Were the members selected or elected? How were they appointed? Did the organizations of persons with disabilities take part in the National Human Rights Commission and how was it ensured that the Institute was diverse?
What instruments and mechanisms were adopted by Qatar to detect and supervise everything related to disability? Had mechanisms been established in Qatar to ensure the involvement of civil society in cooperation operations? Had persons with disabilities contributed to the construction, design or planning activities for the World Cup?
MUHANNAD AL-AZEEH, Committee Expert and Country Taskforce Member, said the 2025 law was a step forward. If a law was contradictory to the law of persons with disabilities, which law took precedence? The Criminal Code in Qatar mentioned the death penalty, and there was a relatively high list of crimes in which it could be applied. How many persons with disabilities had had the death penalty imposed upon them and how much had this been applied in practice?
Qatar had made significant steps forward which were praiseworthy when it came to technology and digitalisation. What mechanisms had the State adopted to monitor the accessibility process and standards? What punishment was handed down to companies that did not uphold accessibility standards?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said Qatar’s laws had undergone a transformation, moving from a medical and aid approach to one which recognised rights and prohibited discrimination. Law no. 22 had been proposed to the National Human Rights Commission and also to persons with disabilities, adopting a definition of persons with disabilities, and providing for the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of disability. Human rights officials had been trained and reasonable accommodation and accessibility standards had been approved. Indicators had been set to assess progress made relating to empowerment.
Non-discrimination and equality were the principles upon which the Qatar Constitution was founded. Law no. 22 prohibited all forms of discrimination on the basis of disability. Article 29 provided for the full protection of persons with disabilities and equality before the law. Qatar was continuing to review all laws relating to the protection of its citizens and to repeal all laws which were discriminatory against persons with disabilities.
Regarding the Qatari Vision 2030 and the Qatar Plan for Autism, an approach had been adopted with the aim of guaranteeing the participation of persons with disabilities in all social activities and incorporating them in all national strategies. The Ministry for Social Development had adopted a national strategy 2025-2030 to better coordinate activities relating to persons with disabilities and to better implement the Convention.
Several unified procedures were adopted to identify the type of disabilities and the relevant employment and health needs for both Qataris and non-Qataris. Information was documented in the State’s electronic medical registry, including demographic information. The State recognised the rights of persons with disabilities among non-Qataris, including incoming workers, to achieve the relevant healthcare and rehabilitation services, as well as protection and access to services.
Persons with disabilities now played an integral part in discussions. Many persons with disabilities had taken part in national sessions to draft the national plan of the rights of persons with disabilities 2026–2030. These discussions had seen opinions being expressed regarding human rights issues, which had subsequently been referred to the local authorities. Several persons from Qatar with disabilities, including those with visual disabilities and autism, had taken part in the Conference of States parties on the rights of persons with disabilities in 2021.
Qatar’s Constitution called for an end to discrimination and equality before the law. The penal law 10/2004 provided for protection from all forms of violence, abuse and neglect for women and girls with disabilities. Qatar did not adopt a policy of institutionalisation but encouraged societal and family care as the first option.
Qatar had a global strategy for raising awareness. The Ministry of Education was involved in awareness raising, ensuring that the principle of inclusivity was part of all educational programmes. Programmes encouraged children with disabilities in schools to participate in all areas of school life, including sports. The State had participated in international and regional initiatives, including days relating to Down syndrome and autism.
Adequate training was ensured for magistrates and lawyers on persons with disabilities; there was a code of conduct which included provisions of the Convention. Different institutions carried out public awareness activities, working closely with regional and international partners to ensure there was respect of the rights of persons with disabilities.
The National Human Rights Commission was independent and had its own specific status. The Government did not intervene in affairs when it came to the appointment and selection of the members of the National Human Rights Commission. There was no oversight mechanism in place for the Commission. It had an administrative and financial structure which enabled it to carry out its activities independently.
The death penalty was applied to a restricted number of very serious crimes. When it came to persons with disabilities, the death penalty had not been handed down to any such persons. National legislation contained guarantees which protected persons with disabilities throughout the criminal proceedings. The Criminal Code stated that the death penalty could not be applied if the person was unaware of the seriousness of the acts committed, thus protecting persons with disabilities.
The law on disabilities stated that all companies must ensure accessibility at the design and constructive phase of buildings and reasonable accommodation must be guaranteed in all places where public services were provided. Qatari lawmakers applied sanctions on companies and businesses when they committed breaches or contraventions against persons with disabilities. Laws were being implemented within the criminal sphere for monitoring and oversight. The State had authorised several means to lodge a complaint, either directly or electronically. The consideration of persons with disabilities was taken into account at all stages of the complaints’ procedure.
The Washington Approach was applied when surveys were conducted, and censuses were carried out relating to installations which supported persons with disabilities. Information was obtained on specific disabilities, including how long the person had had it, and this information was collected by the administration and distributed to centres providing disability assistance.
Questions by Committee Experts
MUHANNAD AL-AZEEH, Committee Expert and Country Taskforce Member, said after COVID-19 and the conflict in the region, were there strategies created to deal with crises that included persons with disabilities? How was legal capacity ensured for persons with disabilities through support provided in terms of supported decision-making? Could the State discuss the guardianship programme? What mechanisms existed to support persons with a psycho-social disability? Would the State establish a mechanism to support these people so they could make their own decisions?
Were there standards in detention centres in terms of administrative accommodation for persons with disabilities? Would Qatar take measures to put an end to all proceedings which limited the ability of persons with disabilities?
AMALIA GAMIO, Committee Expert and Country Taskforce Member, said the deprivation of liberty carried out in Qatar through the law on mental health was fully contrary to article 14 of the Convention. What measures had been adopted to abolish the use of isolation and measures related to chemical or physical immobilisation of children with psycho-social or intellectual disabilities?
What measures were being taken to prevent and denounce cases of violence, exploitation and abuse against persons with disabilities in institutions and communities? Following the campaign in 2009, how many persons with disabilities had presented complaints and what was the follow-up to complaints? How many perpetrators were punished and how was restorative justice ensured? Were monitoring and oversight visits carried out?
What was the situation of forced sterilisation in the country? What was the situation of migrants with disabilities? How many were there and were they living in appropriate facilities?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said the State took numerous measures to ensure persons with disabilities were included in crisis strategies. During COVID-19, 24/7 healthcare telehealth services were provided to persons with disabilities, as well as the delivery of medication to homes, and vaccinations were provided through drive-through systems. A guidebook had been issued for persons with autism and members of their families, with practical instructions on how to deal with emergencies and related issues.
Work had been done to raise the awareness of emergencies for persons with disabilities, especially during the recent aggressions. Several guiding videos had also been issued on mechanisms for persons with disabilities in cases of emergencies, translated into sign language. Accessible channels had been launched enabling persons with disabilities to file complaints and ask for help during emergencies.
Stakeholders reviewed legislation to ensure laws were in conformity with the Convention. Laws on persons with disabilities were special; there were no contradictions between the laws. Qatar’s national legislation contained legal safeguards and guarantees for all, including persons with disabilities.
It was ensured that reasonable accommodation was provided in courtrooms, including wheelchairs, specific seating and technical assistance. Persons with disabilities could benefit from these services to enable them to have access to the justice system.
There were currently four persons with disabilities who were detained. There was no law that deprived an individual of their autonomy, especially in cases of intellectual or psychosocial disabilities.
All Qatari laws and policies prohibited any ill treatment of persons with disabilities in all institutions. Isolation could only be done on the basis of a medical decision and under conditions of specific medical surveillance. Any act that violated these principles was punishable by law. The State adopted legislative and regulatory measures to limit the use of chemical and electrical treatments and isolation. They could only be used in exceptional cases following medical surveillance, and only to protect the patient or third parties. In exceptional cases, the law enforced treatment or institutionalisation for a maximum of 48 hours. Institutionalisation was carried out under comprehensive medical supervision and was monitored by authorities.
The Human Rights Commission was independent; a campaign was organised to guarantee transparent nominations and elections to ensure the diversity of individuals working in the Commission. A law was currently being developed in this regard.
A law prohibited the use of electric and chemical treatments, except for those under medical supervision. The State guaranteed the protection of children with disabilities from any form of trafficking. Law 15/2011 to combat trafficking was the legal foundation to fight this phenomenon.
Forced sterilisation was prohibited. Health services were provided to all women equally, including those with disabilities. Registration of birth was guaranteed to all children without discrimination, including children born to migrants. Birth registration was mandatory. Regardless of their nationality, children with disabilities received all services free of charge on an equal footing with Qatari children. Health and rehabilitation services were provided to all residents in Qatar, whether citizens or migrants, without any discrimination based on nationality or resident status.
The State party aided migrants with disabilities and did not place them in detention centres. These persons were provided with reasonable accommodation. Qatar respected the principle of non-refoulement and dealt with return to countries based on humanitarian principles.
All persons born in Qatar had the right to a birth certificate, and all births were registered.
The Ministry of Education worked to strengthen the integration of children with disabilities in education. Children with disabilities were provided with reasonable accommodation and relevant technological assistance, considering individual needs. Assistive technologies were provided to students as required.
The Ministry of Social Development was carrying out initiatives such as sports and recreational activities for persons with disabilities, and other initiatives to promote their autonomous living. The Ministry had developed a sign language application that helped people to learn the language and provided information materials on support services.
The rehabilitation centre provided assistive technologies and equipment for persons with disabilities, including wheelchairs and medical equipment. In 2025, 1,200 types of equipment were provided. The State was working to reduce waiting times for this equipment. The Centre for Assistance Technologies trained individuals to use these technologies.
Questions by Committee Experts
AMALIA GAMIO, Committee Expert and Country Taskforce Member, asked about the requirements for providing personal assistants to persons with disabilities. Had the State party established a process for deinstitutionalisation that was in line with the Committee’s guidelines. Were assistance services for persons with disabilities free of charge? What were the requirements for obtaining personal assistants? A medical diagnosis should not be a requirement in this regard.
CHRISTOPHER NWANORO, Committee Expert and Country Taskforce Member, asked whether the State party recognised and promoted the use of Qatari sign language and involved the deaf community in processes regarding sign language policies, projects and activities. What existing broadcasting services were accessible for deaf and blind persons? What steps had been taken to review and amend legislation restricting the rights of women with disabilities to marry, start a family and exercise parental responsibilities? How did the State party ensure inclusive education for all children with disabilities? What measures would the State party take to address the refusal of enrolment of non-Qataris with disabilities in nursing schools and schools?
How did the State party provide the community with information in accessible formats concerning public health services and the availability of sexual and reproductive health services for persons with disabilities, especially women and girls? What measures were in place to establish comprehensive rehabilitation services in the community covering physical, mental, social and vocational aspects and health-related issues?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said personal assistants were provided to persons with disabilities who were Qatari and non-Qatari free of charge. Persons needed medical reports or certificates from their employers showing that they required personal assistants to obtain this aid. The law on social security provided funds to persons with disabilities enabling them to access individual aid in private spheres. The Ministry of Social Affairs was drafting a unified, standardised classification of disability.
Qatar sought to strengthen the use of sign language. The Centre for Hearing Impairment taught sign language to both students and teachers. Some 52 training sessions were organised, which 1,450 people had benefited from. The Centre also organised welcome sessions for children who were deaf, as well as events, conferences, cultural competitions and family activities. The Centre had further signed 26 memoranda of understanding with partners and Government institutions on awareness-raising related to sign language. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs had also developed an Arabic sign language dictionary.
The Qatari Information Agency provided subtitling for television broadcasts systematically and newspapers were published in audio format. Various service providers published texts in Braille format. Qatar’s first audio-assistance service was developed in 2022 so persons with disabilities could follow the World Cup.
Women with disabilities were not legally restricted from forming families; they could do so without discrimination or coercion in accordance with legal guarantees. Persons with disabilities also had the right to have children. Disability was not grounds for separating children from their parents. Children were only separated from their parents in exceptional situations when necessary to protect the child. The State party provided support measures for children to stay with their families in line with the Convention. It had launched parental services that trained parents to understand the needs of children with disabilities and to use assistive technologies. The human resources law was amended to extend parental leave for the parents of children with disabilities and children with chronic diseases to help them look after their children at home. Children with disabilities were protected from segregation and neglect by the Penal Code, which prohibited the abandonment of a child based on a disability. The Ministry of Social Protection worked to combat stereotypes that led to the abandonment of children. The State was cooperating with non-governmental organizations to ensure that families could receive necessary support services for taking care of their children.
Inclusive education was provided in 110 schools, in which more than 4,500 children with disabilities received individualised support. Education was compulsory and free of charge in Government schools, provided on the basis on equality. Non-Qataris also had access to reasonable accommodation in schools. The State provided assistive technologies and services such as sign language interpretation for children in both public schools and 106 specialised schools.
The State provided comprehensive health services to all without discrimination, including primary health care and health services for mothers and children, reproductive health services, vaccinations and psychosocial support. There were training services for healthcare providers on respecting the independence and dignity of persons with disabilities and on the principle of informed consent. When health services could not be provided locally, the State sponsored the travel of the person with disabilities to hospitals overseas, upgrading their flight to business class and providing a person to assist them during the trip. Qatar had also established community rehabilitation centres that provided home care and assistive technologies for persons with disabilities, including non-Qataris. A specialised clinic for persons with autism had also recently been established.
Questions by Committee Experts
ABDELMAJID MAKNI, Committee Expert and Country Taskforce Member, asked about measures in place to ensure that persons with disabilities had the right to participate in public life and in labour, and to ensure reasonable accommodation in the workplace? How did the State guarantee sustainable employment for migrants with disabilities? How were women with disabilities empowered to exercise their right to employment?
What tools and mechanisms were available that allowed persons with disabilities to participate in developing and reviewing public policies? How did the State party support persons with disabilities in cultural and sporting fields? Had it ratified and taken steps to implement the Marrakesh Treaty? How did the State promote the economic rights of persons with disabilities?
CHRISTOPHER NWANORO, Committee Expert and Country Taskforce Member, asked how many sign language interpreters the State party had trained. Were both male and female interpreters trained? How many persons were trained in Braille? What training was provided to health practitioners on providing reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities? How many teachers in mainstream schools were trained in providing inclusive education?
Was there a quota for the representation of persons with disabilities in politics? How many persons with disabilities held political positions in Qatar? How was the State ensuring inclusivity in political and public life?
AMALIA GAMIO, Committee Expert and Country Taskforce Member, asked whether persons with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities could marry and start a family in Qatar. Were sexual and reproductive health courses provided for women and girls with disabilities? Special education appeared to be the most dominant form of education for persons with disabilities in Qatar. Was the State developing a national plan for inclusive education? Qatar appeared to still have protected workshops. What measures were in place to promote the transition from these workshops to regular employment?
REHAB BORESLI, Committee Expert and Country Taskforce Coordinator, said public rehabilitation services for children with disabilities reportedly did not receive sufficient funding, and there were concerns about long waiting times for rehabilitation services. How did waiting and treatment times for rehabilitation services in the public sector compare with those of the private sector? How did the State guarantee that these services responded to the needs of children with disabilities?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said the State party was implementing measures to facilitate access to the labour market for persons with disabilities. There was a quota for the employment of persons with disabilities and employers were obliged to provide reasonable accommodation. Of the appointments to public sector positions in 2025, 40 per cent were persons with disabilities – 25 women and 15 men. Some 800 persons with disabilities were employed in the Qatari public service, making up one per cent of the total public service. Qatar trained persons with disabilities to guarantee the stability of their employment. Qatar had welcomed 1,500 persons who were injured in Gaza and provided them with job opportunities.
In the private sector, the Ministry of Labour encouraged employers to respect laws on disabilities and the quota for the employment of persons with disabilities. Transcription and other digital services were available for persons with disabilities working in the private sector, and financial aid was also provided as required. Qatar had rolled out vocational and entrepreneurial training and inclusive employment programmes for persons with disabilities. The 2025 labour law compelled employers to provide persons with disabilities with a working environment that met their individual needs and shorter working hours.
Law 22 of 2025 ensured that all Qatari citizens with disabilities had the right to participate effectively in elections, stand for election and form organizations. Accessible polling centres with reasonable accommodation had been established, and persons with disabilities who were unable to reach voting centres could also vote electronically. There were no predetermined percentages for political representation of persons with disabilities, but all persons were able to hold political posts. There were many persons with disabilities working in such posts.
Qatar acceded to the Marrakesh Treaty in 2018 and had since taken several actions to enhance the access of persons with disabilities to books, information and cultural services. The Qatar National Library and other specialised centres provided audiobooks, books in Braille and accessible teaching materials. School teaching staff were trained in sign language by the Ministry of Education.
Under article seven of the 2025 law on persons with disabilities, all persons with disabilities had the right to marry and start a family under State legislation. However, there were exceptions, such as for persons with serious mental disabilities. Comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services were provided to all citizens.
The State party was striving to ensure complementarity between public and private medical centres and was working to improve the skills of health staff to reduce waiting times. Urgent cases were prioritised. An action plan had been devised to reduce waiting times, which had led to the waiting list for rehabilitation services falling from 439 to 236 cases in two months.
Questions by Committee Experts
A Committee Expert asked if the State party implemented measures to support communication for deaf and blind people. What support systems were in place for these persons in schools?
Another Committee Expert asked about steps the State was taking to make websites accessible and develop Easy Read materials that were friendly for persons with psychosocial disabilities.
A Committee Expert said 70 per cent of persons with disabilities in Qatar were not economically active. What measures were in place to increase their employment in public and private sectors? How did the State party measure the impact of programmes and policies related to disability?
One Committee Expert asked if persons with disabilities participated in the tourism industry. Were tourist sites accessible? What adapted sports were supported by the State and how many persons participated in these? How could persons with disabilities express themselves artistically in Qatar? How had Qatar promoted the Convention over the last 20 years? Was there a commemoration plan for the twentieth anniversary of the Convention?
Another Committee Expert asked about mechanisms to ensure that newly developed legislation on persons with disabilities was fully compliant with the Convention and the human rights approach to disability? To what extent were accessibility features considered in public procurement?
Responses by the Delegation
The delegation said the State party had developed tactile Braille and audio systems using artificial intelligence to facilitate communication for deaf and blind persons.
The State evaluated public buildings based on accessibility in cooperation with persons with disabilities and ensured that they were readily accessible. It was also working to make it easier for persons with disabilities to access the internet and digital services.
Persons with disabilities participated in Paralympic activities and sports, including swimming, table tennis, basketball and football.
The empowerment of persons with disabilities was part of Qatar’s tourism development plan. The Qatari Tourist Bureau ensured that persons with disabilities could access hotels and tourist centres. All tourist information was adapted to the needs of persons with disabilities, and special rest areas for persons with disabilities were provided.
The State was integrating the rights of persons with disabilities and their needs in national laws and programmes and had used the Convention as a reference in this process since ratifying it in 2008. Law 22 of 2025 was one example of a law that enhanced the rights of persons with disabilities. The twentieth anniversary of the Convention was an opportunity to not only celebrate what had been achieved but also assess the impact of the State’s disability measures and set future priorities and plans.
Closing Statements
A representative of the National Human Rights Commission of Qatar said the Committee’s valuable comments would contribute to promoting the implementation of the Convention in Qatar. The National Human Rights Commission would continue to follow-up on the implementation of the 2025 law on disability, including in cooperation with organizations of persons with disabilities. It sought to address existing challenges and enhance compliance with the Convention.
MARYAM BINT ALI AL-MISNAD, Minister of State for International Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, and head of the delegation, thanked the Committee for the constructive and objective dialogue, and all parties that had contributed to it. The dialogue was a valuable opportunity to build bridges of understanding and exchange best practices regarding promoting disability rights. The Committee’s concluding observations would help the State improve its legislation, programmes and polices related to the rights of persons with disabilities, following a participatory approach based on transparency and accountability. Qatar placed the enhancement and promotion of human rights at the top of its priorities. Cooperation with the United Nations was important to enhance awareness of the Convention and support capacity building regarding its implementation. The State party sought to cooperate with all stakeholders to achieve its goals and address the challenges threatening human rights everywhere, so that no one was left behind.
ABDELMAJID MAKNI, Committee Expert and Country Taskforce Member, thanked the delegation for its positive participation in the dialogue. Mr. Makni called on the State party to make its law on disability fully compatible with the Convention, so it effectively met the needs of persons with disabilities. He also called on the State to facilitate the participation of persons with disabilities in the development of policies and programmes. He said the State party needed to give persons with disabilities, particularly women, the status they deserved as it prepared to host an important occasion next year: the World Summit on Disability.
MIYEON KIM, Committee Chair, thanked the delegation for providing insight into the situation of persons with disabilities in Qatar. She also thanked the national human rights institution of Qatar for its participation, and other persons who had facilitated the dialogue. The Committee would carefully consider the information provided during the dialogue in developing its concluding observations. It called on the State party to consider the Committee’s recommendations and continue its efforts toward the full and effective implementation of the Convention.
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CRPD26.009E