Official Visit to Qatar (November 2019)

Following Special Rapporteur Achiume’s official country visit to Qatar, this report evaluates challenges in ensuring equality and addressing racial discrimination, especially among non-citizens. While recognizing recent legislative reforms, including advancements for migrant workers, the report highlights the de facto caste system based on national origin perpetuated by the kafala system. Concerns are raised regarding racial profiling, stereotyping, and structural discrimination, particularly affecting low-income migrant workers from South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Positive developments include labor reforms and initiatives to improve conditions for workers ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, yet further steps are necessary, including adopting a comprehensive anti-discrimination framework, a national action plan to combat racism, and an independent equality body. The report concludes with recommendations to strengthen Qatar’s efforts to dismantle structural inequalities and promote racial equality through substantive policy reforms.