Overview

Qatar acceded to two major international human rights treaties, but included reservations that limited their effect, particularly with regards to the rights of women and migrants. It also passed a political asylum law. The government made some positive reforms in relation to migrant workers, including the partial removal of the requirement for an exit permit and the introduction of a labour dispute mechanism. However, migrant workers continued to be at risk of exploitation and abuse. Freedom of expression remained unduly restricted. A new law was issued allowing the children of Qatari women married to non-Qataris to acquire permanent residency, but they were still unable to acquire Qatari nationality. More generally, women continued to face discrimination in law and practice. Courts issued death sentences; no executions were reported.

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