United Nations
Convention against Torture
and Other Cruel, Inhuman
or Degrading Treatment
or Punishment
CAT/C/QAT/CO/2
Distr.: General
25 January 2013
Original: English
Committee against Torture
Concluding observations on the second periodic report of
Qatar, adopted by the Committee at its forty-ninth session
(29 October–23 November 2012)
1.
The Committee against Torture considered the second periodic report of Qatar
(CAT/C/QAT/2) at its 1104th and 1107th meetings (CAT/C/SR.1104 and 1107), held on 5
and 6 November 2012, and adopted, at its 1124th meeting (CAT/C/SR.1124), held on 19
November 2012, the following concluding observations.
A.
Introduction
2.
The Committee welcomes the submission of the second periodic report of Qatar,
which generally followed the reporting guidelines, but regrets that it was submitted after a
delay of more than three years. The Committee emphasized the importance of the timely
submission of reports to ensure a continuous analysis of the implementation of the
Convention in the State party. The Committee appreciated the State party’s written replies
to the list of issues (CAT/C/QAT/Q/2/Add.2), which were provided by the State party in
Arabic and English.
3.
The Committee notes with appreciation that a high-level delegation met with the
Committee and engaged in a constructive dialogue covering various areas of concern under
the Convention.
B.
Positive aspects
4.
The Committee welcomes that, since the consideration of the initial report, the State
party has ratified or acceded to the following international instruments:
(a)
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against
Women, on 29 April 2009; and
(b)
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, on 13 May 2008.
5.
The Committee notes with appreciation the State party’s reforms in the field of
human rights and ongoing efforts to revise its legislation in order to ensure stronger
protection of human rights, including the rights protected in the Convention. The
Committee welcomes in particular:
(a)
The establishment of the Supreme Constitutional Court, pursuant to Act No.
12 of 2008;
GE.13-40571