Qatar

Qatar

Right	Section	Contents
Freedom of Association	History	The first mention of freedom of association in Qatar’s laws is found in the Permanent Constitution of the State of Qatar, promulgated in 2004. Article 45 says that “the right of citizens to establish association is guaranteed in accordance with the conditions and circumstances set forth in the law.” Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Permanent Constitution of the State of Qatar.” World Constitutions Illustrated, July 24, 2023, https://heinonline-org.ccl.idm.oclc.org/HOL/Page?collection=cow&handle=hein.cow/zzqa0002&id=2&men_tab=srchresults.
Freedom of Expression	History	Qatar’s Constitution of 2004 was the first document in the country’s history to protect freedom of expression. Article 47 specifically outlines this right, adding that it “is guaranteed in accordance with the conditions and circumstances set forth in the law.” “The Constitution.” Government Communications Office of the State of Qatar. Accessed July 17, 2023. https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/GCO-Constitution-English.pdf
Freedom of Religion	History	The Constitution of Qatar Dastūr was ratified on 9 April 2004. Articles 35 and 50 grant religious freedom, equality, and prohibit religious discrimination. Article 1 declares Islam the Official religion. Qatar Constitutional Committee . “The Constitution.” Government Communications Office. Last modified 2022. Accessed June 24, 2022. https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/GCO-Constitution-English.pdf.
Freedom of the Press	History	Article 48 of Qatar’s 2003 Constitution protects press freedom: “Freedom of the press, printing, and publishing is guaranteed according to the law" (Constitute Project, “ Qatar’s Constitution of 2003” ).
Privacy Rights	History	From 1972- 2003, Qatar was ruled by a temporary constitution. In this document Article 12 granted the sanctity of dwellings (Al Meezan, “The Amended Provisional Constitution of 1972” ). Today, Article 37 of the Constitution claims “The sanctity of human privacy shall be inviolable, and therefore interference into privacy of a person, family affairs, home of residence, correspondence, or any other act of interference that may demean or defame a person may not be allowed save as limited by the provisions of the law stipulated therein” (Qatar Government Communications Office, “The Constitution”). https://www.gco.gov.qa/en/about-qatar/the-constitution/ https://www.almeezan.qa/LawView.aspx?opt&LawID=4360&language=en#Section_14176
Voting Rights and Suffrage	History	Under article 93 of Qatar’s Constitution the President is elected via secret ballot by the majority of votes from attending members of the Council. Qatar is not a democracy and therefore citizens have not traditionally had the right to vote for political officials. (Constitute Project, “ Qatar’s Constitution of 2003” ).