National Human Rights Committee (Nhrc) Survey

NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE (NHRC) SURVEY

Report of Findings

January 2012

Study Commissioned by the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC)

Social And Economic Survey Research Institute (SESRI) Qatar University PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar

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ii Social & Economic Survey Research Institute, Qatar University

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS...... V EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... VII INTRODUCTION ...... 1 I. VALUES AND BELIEFS IN HUMAN RIGHTS ...... 2 II. KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS IN QATAR ...... 10 III. PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH HUMAN RIGHTS ...... 17 IV. NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE (NHRC) ...... 21 RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 38 SUMMARY OF METHODS ...... 43 CONCLUSION ...... 44

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Most Important Values in Respondent’s Life (% very important) ...... 2 Figure 2: Most Important Values in Respondent’s Life (% very important) ...... 3 Figure 3: Most Important Values in Respondent’s Life (% very important) ...... 4 Figure 4: Elements that should considered Human Rights and should be Protected ...... 5 Figure 5: Groups of People whose Human Rights Need to be Given More Protection ...... 6 Figure 6: Are Human Rights Basic to All, or are They Given by Government? ...... 9 Figure 7: To What Extent Do You Agree or Disagree with the Statement? ...... 11 Figure 8: How much do you know about human rights? ...... 12 Figure 9: Extent to which Human Rights are Respected in Qatar ...... 13 Figure 10: How well informed are you of your worker rights? ...... 14 Figure 11: Do You Know the Name of any Human Rights Organization in Qatar? ...... 15 Figure 12: Can You Name Some Organizations That Deal With Human Rights in Qatar? ...... 16 Figure 13: Human Rights Violations ...... 17 Figure 14: Taking Action Against Human Rights Violations ...... 18 Figure 15: Have You Ever Heard of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC)? ...... 21 Figure 16: How Did You Learn About NHRC? ...... 23 Figure 17: Do You Know What the NHRC Does? ...... 24 Figure 18: Has Anyone Told you About NHRC’s Events? ...... 26 Figure 19: Have You Ever Heard or Read About NHRC’s Events in the Media? ...... 26 Figure 20: Attending NHRC’s Events ...... 27 Figure 21: Satisfaction with the NHRC’s Activities and Programs ...... 28 Figure 22: Have You Ever Heard, Read or Seen NHRCs’ Advertisements? ...... 29 Figure 23: Effectiveness of NHRCs’ Advertisements ...... 30 Figure 24: Contacting the NHRC (in the past 12 months)...... 31 Figure 25: How Did You Contact NHRC (multiple mentions)? ...... 31 Figure 26: Helpfulness of the NHRC’s Employees ...... 32 Figure 27: Access to the Internet ...... 33 Figure 28: Visiting NHRC’s Website ...... 33 Figure 29: Satisfaction with NHRC’s Website ...... 34 Figure 30: Reasons For Being Dissatisfied with NHRC’s Website ...... 35 Figure 31: Interested in Participating? ...... 36 Figure 32: Do You Know the Current Location of NHRC? ...... 37 Figure 33: Current Location of NHRC ...... 37

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LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Personal Beliefs About Human Rights ...... 8 Table 2: How Strongly Do You Feel This Way? ...... 9 Table 3: Human Rights Resources ...... 15 Table 4: Reasons for Not Reporting a Violation ...... 19 Table 5: NHRC’s Most Important Activities ...... 25

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This report presents findings from the National Human Rights Committee Survey conducted by the Social and Economic Research Institute (SESRI) at Qatar University. SERSI is grateful to the hundreds of Qatari nationals, white-collar workers, and blue-collar workers who gave their time to participate in the survey.

The National Human Rights Committee survey benefitted from a strong and dedicated leadership team. The project received enthusiastic support and valuable advice from Dr. Sheikha Abdulla Al-Misnad, President of Qatar University and Dr. Darwish Alemadi, Director of SESRI and Lead Principal Investigator. Dr. Abdoulaye Diop, Head of Research at SESRI, coordinated all the research activities and was involved in all phases of the project.

Many others made essential contributions to the success of the 2011 Social Capital Survey. At the National Human Rights Committee Mariam Al-Attiyya, General Secretary and Mohammed A. Al- Maadeed, Manager of Awareness & Program Department gave their support and advice to this project from the outset. Mr. Maadeed participated in the design and development of the questionnaire and coordination of the project.

At SESRI, Survey Operations Manager Dr. Elmogiera Fadlallh Elsayed Elawad was responsible for the recruitment and training of interviewers, as well as supervision of the data collection. Survey Research Technology Specialists Anis Ben Ridha Miladi and Isam M. Abdelhameed wrote the programming script for the data collection and entry. Senior Research Analyst Dr. Kien Trung Le created weights for the data. Dr. Diop, Dr. Le and Research Analysts Fatimah Ali A. Al-Khaldi and Sarah Al-Marri conducted the data analysis and drafted this report of findings along with Dr. Alemadi.

The Social and Economic Survey Research Institute is responsible for any errors or omissions in this report. Questions may be directed to the Social and Economic Survey Research Institute, P.O. Box 2713, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar. SESRI also may be reached by electronic mail at [email protected], or via the World Wide Web at www.qu.edu.qa/sesri.

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Source: Qatar Statistical Authority (QSA)

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Qatari Nationals Among the most important values to Qataris was freedom to express any faith or religious belief. When asked about human rights that should be protected all Qataris listed access to health care as a right that needs to be protected. Qataris differed from the other interview groups in their belief about whether human rights are inherent or granted by the government. More than half of Qataris believe that an individual is given their human rights by their government. They are knowledgeable about human rights organizations and more than half were able to name the National Human Rights Committee. Also, they are likely to take action against perceived human rights abuses.

 85 percent of Qataris rated the right to express any faith or religious belief as very important.  41 percent of Qataris said that being able to vote in elections is very important.  All Qataris (100%) rated access to healthcare as a human right that should be protected.  Qatari men (64%) were more likely than Qatari women (50%) to believe in the importance of providing more human rights protection to Qatari nationals.  58 percent of Qataris believe that rights are given to an individual by his or her government.  Nearly 60 percent of Qataris believe that human rights abuses are a problem in some countries but not in Qatar.  63 percent of Qataris believed that human rights are fully respected in Qatar.  63 percent of Qataris solve their problems within the company through their work personnel.  Around 20 percent of Qataris said that their human rights were violated.  49 percent of Qataris took action against human rights violations  ‘Believing that nothing would happen by reporting’ is the main reason for not reporting the violation among 41 percent of Qataris.  67 percent of Qataris said that they have heard of the NHRC  The newspapers are the main source of information about the National Human Rights Committee for Qataris (38%).  71 percent of Qataris said they did not know what the NHRC does.  Only 3 percent of Qataris attended the NHRC’s events  6 out of 10 Qataris indicated that they have not seen, heard or read about any of NHRC’s advertisements.  97 percent of Qataris said that they have not contacted the NHRC in the past 12 months.  96 percent of Qataris said that they have never visited the NHRC’s website.  5 out of 10 percent of Qataris expressed their willingness to participate in the NHRC’s activities.  About 70 percent of Qataris said they did not know the current location of the NHRC offices.

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White-collar Workers

White-collar workers identified the right to privacy in private and family life, and being treated with dignity and respect as the most important values in their lives. They gave high ratings to the children and the elderly people as the groups of people whose human rights need be given more protection. The majority of white-collar workers know a moderate amount about human rights and more than half of them could not name any human organization in Qatar. Their knowledge of the NHRC and its activities and programs is very low. Nearly half of white-collar workers have heard of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC). Further, few white-collar workers have visited the NHRC website and have contacted the committee.

 98 percent of white-collar workers rated access to healthcare as a human right that should be protected.  53 percent of white-collar workers believed that human rights are fully respected in Qatar.  Around 20 percent of white-collar workers said that some of their rights were violated.  ‘Not knowing what to do’ is the main reason for not reporting the violation among 37 percent of white-collar workers.  Around 50 percent of white-collar workers said that they have heard of the National Human Rights Committee  The newspapers is the main source of information about the National Human Rights Committee for white-collar workers (33%).  70 percent of white-collar workers said they did not know what the NHRC does.  Only 3 percent of white-collar workers have attended the NHRC’s events.  7 out of 10 white-collar workers indicated that they have not seen, heard or read about any of NHRC’s advertisements.  98 percent of white-collar workers said that they have not contacted the NHRC in the past 12 months.  90 percent of white-collar workers said that they have never visited the NHRC’s website.  72 percent of white-collar workers said they did not know the current location of the NHRC offices.

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Blue-collar Workers

Blue-collar workers identified being treated with dignity and respect, being treated fairly, and having the right to purse education and vote in elections as the most important values in their lives. They gave high ratings to the disabled people and blue-collar workers as the groups of people whose human rights need be given more protection. Nearly half of blue-collar workers know nothing about human rights. Also, the majority of them indicated that they were not aware of their rights at work and could not name any human organization in Qatar. Their knowledge of the NHRC and its activities and programs is very low. The vast majority of blue-collar workers are unaware of the existence of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC). Further, few blue-collar workers have visited the NHRC website, have seen or heard about its advertisements and have contacted the committee.

 64 percent of blue-collar workers rated being treated with dignity and respect as very important.  Around 50 percent of blue-collar workers rated the right to purse an education or training, and right to vote in elections as very important.  99 percent of blue-collar workers rated access to healthcare and fair pay for workers as human rights that should be protected.  42 percent of blue-collar workers defined human rights as the rights to liberty, freedom and security.  61 percent of blue-collar workers believe every person has basic rights that are common to all human beings.  Almost 50 percent of blue-collar workers said they know nothing about human rights.  72 percent of blue-collar workers said that they were not aware of their rights at work.  88 percent of blue-collar workers don’t know the name of any human rights organization in Qatar.  ‘Not knowing what to do’ is the main reason for not reporting the violation among 75 percent of blue-collar workers.  82 percent of blue-collar workers are unaware of the existence of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC).  61 percent of blue-collar workers said they did not know what the NHRC does.  Only 1 percent for blue-collar workers have attended the NHRC’s events.  89 percent of blue-collar workers indicated that they have not seen, heard or read about any of NHRC’s advertisements.  99 percent of blue-collar workers said that they have not contacted the NHRC in the past 12 months.  98 percent of blue-collar workers said that they have never visited the NHRC’s website.  46 percent of blue-collar workers expressed their willingness to participate in the NHRC’s activities.

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INTRODUCTION

n the last twenty years, Qatar has experienced significant shifts in population composition, economic development, and educational access. It is essential to understand how society responds I to such underlying societal changes, especially in terms of public knowledge, awareness, and attitudes towards Human Rights issues. For this purpose, the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) commissioned the social and Economic Survey Research Institute (SESRI) at Qatar University to conduct a national survey of Qatari nationals and resident expatriates to assess their knowledge, awareness, and experiences about human rights in Qatar. The National Human Rights Committee survey interviewed representative samples of respondents from three groups within Qatar: Qatari citizens, white-collar expatriate households, and blue-collar expatriate (i.e., labor camp) households. A total of 770 Qataris, 843 white-collar expatriate household members, and 573 blue-collar expatriate household members were interviewed, for a total of 2,186 respondents. The survey asked a variety of questions pertaining to Human Rights in Qatar, including knowledge, awareness, and attitudes towards Human Rights. Respondents were also asked about their knowledge of the NHRC’s activities and programs. The survey and this publication were made possible by the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) of Qatar and Qatar University (QU). The statements made herein are solely the responsibility of the authors.

This report was prepared by:

Darwish A. H. Alemadi, Ph.D., Director, SESRI Abdoulaye Diop, Ph.D., Head of Research, SESRI Kien Trung Le, Ph.D., Senior Researcher, SESRI Fatimah Ali A. Al-Khaldi, Researcher, SESRI Sarah Mohamed Al-Marri, Researcher, SESRI

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I. VALUES AND BELIEFS IN HUMAN RIGHTS Having Respect for Private and Family Life and Being Treated with Dignity and Respect top the List of Basic Principles of Human Rights

Using a four-point scale where 1 means very important and 4 means not important at all, respondents were asked to identify the most important values in their lives. Of the list of values presented to respondents (see Figure 1), Qataris and white-collar workers rated having respect for private and family life and being treated with dignity and respect as very important. On all four items, blue-collar workers gave significantly lower ratings than Qataris and white-collar workers. Overall, six out of ten blue-collar workers rated being treated with dignity and respect as very important.

Figure 1: Most Important Values in Respondent’s Life (% very important)

100 90 91 87 90 85 80 80 71 71 70 64 64

54 52

50 Percent 40 37

0 Dignity and respect Express views freely Being treated fairly Respect for private and family life

Qatari nationals White-collar workers Blue-collar workers

The Majority of Qataris and White-collar Workers Rated Expression of Faith or Religious Belief and Pursuing an Education or Training as Very Important

Unlike blue-collar workers, Qataris and white-collar workers rated the right to express any faith or religious belief as more important (85% and 75%, respectively) than the right to pursue an

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education or training (71% and 67%, respectively). For blue-collar workers, these ratings were 43 percent for the right to express any faith or religious belief and 49 percent for the right to pursue an education or training (see Figure 2).

Figure 2: Most Important Values in Respondent’s Life (% very important)

100

90 85

80 75 71 70 67

49 50

43 Percent 40

0 Pursue education Express any faith

Qatari nationals White-collar workers Blue-collar workers

Qataris, White-collar Workers, and Blue-collar Workers gave Lower Importance Ratings to Political Rights

Overall, all three groups of respondents gave lower importance ratings to political rights of being able to vote in elections and being able to join organizations. Surprisingly, blue-collar workers gave higher ratings for both of these rights than Qataris. Considering the very important and important ratings, ratings for these two items where significantly higher among blue-collar workers (90% and

85%, respectively) than among Qataris (82% and 68%, respectively) and white-collar workers (82% and 74%, respectively). Of all the list of values presented to the respondents, these two elements received the lowest importance ratings across all three groups (Qataris, white-collar workers, and blue- collar workers) (see Figure 3).

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Figure 3: Most Important Values in Respondent’s Life (% very important)

100

60 54 50 44 41 Percent 40 30 30 30 21 20

0 Vote in elections Join organizations

Qatari nationals White-collar workers Blue-collar workers

Access to Healthcare and Fair Pay for Workers to Meet their Basic Needs for Food and Housing top the List of Human Rights that Should be Protected

Respondents were presented with a list of 8 items and were asked to indicate the extent to which each of the elements should be considered a human right that should be protected (see Figure 4).

While all the elements received high marks as human rights that should be protected, access to healthcare and fair pay for workers to meet their basic needs for food and housing received the highest ratings from Qataris, white-collar and blue-collar workers. Overall, all three groups believed that all the elements in the list should be considered human rights and should be protected.

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Figure 4: Elements that should considered Human Rights and should be Protected

100

50 Percent 40

0 Equal Equal Being treated Freedom from Freedom from Equal access to Access to Fair pay to opportunities opportunities fairly in the discrimination law public healthcare meet basic regardless of regardless of criminal enforcement education needs gender race justice system abuse or torture

Qatari nationals White-collar workers Blue-collar workers

Disabled People, the Elderly, and Women top the List of Groups of People whose Human Rights Need to be Given More Protection

Qataris, white-collar and blue-collar workers rated disabled people, the elderly, and women as the groups of people whose human rights need to be given more protection. The groups of Qatari nationals and white-collar workers received the lowest ratings as groups of people whose human rights need to be given more protection. All three types of respondents, however, gave high ratings to the blue-collar workers as a group of people whose human rights need be given more protection. Analysis of the data showed that there were differences across groups. For instance, blue-collar respondents

(77%) gave the highest ratings to the blue-collar workers as the group of people whose human rights need to be given more protection. Moreover, blue-collar workers (87%) were more likely to believe in the importance of providing more human rights protection to the disabled people than white-collar workers (77%). On the other hand, Qataris (57%, 85% and 83%, respectively) were more likely to

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believe in the importance of providing more human rights protection to the Qatari nationals, elderly and disabled people than white-collar workers (45%, 76% and 77%, respectively) (see Figure 5).

Figure 5: Groups of People whose Human Rights Need to be Given More Protection

100

90 87 85 83 80 78 80 76 75 77 77 70 70 67 66 60 61 60 57 57 57 53

50 45 44 46 Percent 40

0 Eldery Blue-collar Qatari nationals White-collar Disabled people Children Women workers workers

Qatari nationals White-collar workers Blue-collar workers

Further analysis of the results also showed that the differences within groups were significant.

Employment and gender differences were found among Qataris. For example, Qatari employees (full and part-time) (60%) were more likely than Qatari homemakers (45%) to say that Qatari nationals as group of people whose human rights need to be given more protection. Beyond employment, the analysis revealed gender differences as well. Qatari men (64%) were more likely than Qatari women

(50%) to believe in the importance of providing more human rights protection to Qatari nationals. On the other hand, Qatari women (70%) were more likely than Qatari men (62%) to believe in the importance of providing more human rights protection to women.

Employment and gender differences were also found among white-collar workers. Interestingly, white-collar women (73%) were far more likely than their male counterparts (61%) to believe in the importance of providing more human rights protection to the blue-collar workers. In addition, white-

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collar men (50% and 81%, respectively) were more likely to believe in the importance of providing more human rights protection to Qataris and disabled people than white-collar women (41% and 73%, respectively). Employment status plays a significant role as well. Full-time or part-time white-collar employees (51%) were more likely than white-collar homemakers (38%) to consider Qataris as group of people whose human rights need to be given more protection.

Among blue-collar workers, differences were found with respect to income and marital status.

Blue-collar respondents with income between QR11,200 to less than QR2,050 per month (89%) were most likely to think that the blue-collar workers as group of people whose human rights need to be given more protection as compared to blue-collar respondents whose monthly income is less than

QR1,200 (73%). Considering marital status, blue-collar workers who have never been married (95%) were more likely to consider the disabled people as group of people whose human rights need to be given more protection as compared to married blue collar-workers (84%).

More than Half of Qataris and White-collar Workers Defined Human Rights as the Right to Liberty, Freedom, and Security

All respondents were asked what human rights mean to them. Overall more than 40 percent of all three groups of respondents indicated that human rights meant the enjoyment of liberty, freedom and security. Qataris (60%) and white-collar workers (56%) were more likely to believe in that notion than blue-collar workers (42%). Qatari women (52%) were less likely than Qatari men (66%) to select this as a response to what human rights means to them. Blue-collar workers with a post-secondary degree (57%) were more likely to define human rights in this way as opposed to those with a secondary degree or less (33% and 39%, respectively).

The second and third most frequently mentioned responses for Qataris and white-collar workers were the right to privacy (34% and 31%, respectively) and education (33% and 27%, respectively). Unlike blue-collar workers, Qataris and white-collar workers prioritized the right to privacy and education.

1 QR=Qatari Riyals.

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Considering “very” important responses, Qataris gave the right to liberty, freedom, security,

privacy, life, education, religion, and fair trial greater importance. White-collar workers believed more

in the importance of prohibition of torture, slavery and forced labor along with freedom of thought and

conscience. Blue-collar workers were most likely to cite prohibition of discrimination as very important

definition of human rights (see Table 1).

Table 1: Personal Beliefs About Human Rights

What does human rights mean to you? Response Options Qatari nationals White-collar workers Blue-collar workers Liberty, freedom, and security 60% 56% 42% Privacy 34% 31% 13% Life 4% 12% 17% Education 33% 27% 18% Fair trial 18% 9% 2% Rights (general) 20% 15% 26% How much importance do you attach to the following? Very Somewhat Very Somewhat Very Somewhat Right to: Important Important Important Important Important Important Liberty, freedom, and security 92% 8% 87% 12% 78% 22% Privacy 92% 8% 91% 9% 47% 53% Life 88% 10% 85% 14% 70% 30% Education 94% 6% 88% 10% 76% 24% Fair trial 90% 10% 86% 14% 39% 61% Rights (general) 89% 10% 87% 13% 21% 79% Very Somewhat Very Somewhat Very Somewhat Prohibition of: Important Important Important Important Important Important Discrimination 91% 9% 85% 15% 99% 1% Torture 73% 21% 93% 7% 35% 65% Slavery and forced labor 87% 13% 90% 10% 55% 45% Very Somewhat Very Somewhat Very Somewhat Freedom of: Important Important Important Important Important Important Speech 82% 17% 80% 20% 60% 40% Thought and conscience 80% 20% 97% 13% 43% 57% Religion 95% 5% 83% 15% 76% 24% Assembly and association 89% 11% 77% 23% 47% 52% Sexual preference 90% 10% 80% 13% 100% 0% Freedoms (general) 78% 22% 76% 21% 87% 13%

Among the Respondent Groups Qataris Were the Most Likely To Believe That Rights are Given to an Individual By His or Her Government

When respondents were asked if they believe every person has basic rights that are common to

all human beings, regardless of whether their government recognizes those rights, more than half of the

white-collar (60%) and blue-collar workers (61%) believed that basic human rights are common to all

human beings. Blue-collar workers (61%) were more likely to say that human beings have common

human rights as compared to Qataris (42%). White-collar workers were also less likely (40%) to

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believe that rights are given to an individual by his or her government (see Figure 6). Within the Qatari group of respondents, women (48%) were more likely than Qatari men (34%) to believe that all people have basic human rights.

Similar patterns of responses were observed within the white-collar workers where women

(64%) were also more likely than men (55%) to say that all people have basic human rights.

Unemployed white-collar respondents (63%) were more likely than full or part time workers (59%) to believe that all people have basic human rights. Overall, Qataris (75%) and white-collar workers (68%) felt very strongly about their answer as compared to blue-collar workers (53%) (see Table 2).

Figure 6: Are Human Rights Basic to All, or are They Given by Government?

100 90 80 70 60 61 58 60 50 42 40 39 40 30 20 10 0 Every person has basic rights that are common to Rights are given to an individual by his or her all human beings. government.

Qatari nationals White-collar workers Blue-collar workers

Table 2: How Strongly Do You Feel This Way?

Qatari nationals White-collar workers Blue-collar workers Very Somewhat Not Very Somewhat Not Very Somewhat Not Strongly Strongly Strongly Strongly Strongly Strongly Strongly Strongly Strongly 75% 23% 2% 68% 29% 3% 53% 44% 3%

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II. KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS IN QATAR

About Half of Blue-collar Workers Agree that Everyone in Qatar Enjoys the Same Basic Human Rights

Respondents were asked to what extent they agreed or disagreed with a variety of statements regarding human rights. Interestingly, Qataris were most likely, at 48 percent to strongly agree that everyone in Qatar enjoys the same basic human rights. Among Qataris, female respondents (88%) were significantly less likely to agree with the statement than male respondents (73%). Blue-collar workers

(61%) with less than a secondary degree education were more likely to agree with the statements as compared to those blue-collar workers with post-secondary education (59%).

Qataris (58%) were also more likely than white-collar (43%) and blue-collar workers (20%) to believe that human rights abuses are a problem in some countries but not in Qatar. On the other hand, blue-collar workers were the least likely to strongly agree (15%) that all people in Qatar enjoy the same human rights. Qatari men (93%) were significantly more likely to agree with the statement that human rights abuses are a problem in some countries but not really Qatar as compared to Qatari women

(84%). For blue-collar workers, those with less than secondary degree (80%) were more likely to agree with the statement as compared to those with a post-secondary education (61%).

Across all three groups, the statement that respondents were most likely to strongly disagree with was “human rights are meaningless to me in everyday life” with Qataris at 43 percent, white-collar workers at 41 percent, and blue-collar workers at 52 percent. When asked whether people in Qatar are aware about their human rights, Qataris (74%) were the most likely to agree as compared to blue-collar workers (54%). Interestingly among Qatari households, housewives (83%) were more likely than full time or part-time workers (70%) to agree with the statement. For blue-collar workers, respondents aged 37 and older (73%) were significantly more likely to say that people in Qatar are aware about their human rights as compared to those younger than the age of 37 (48%).

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Figure 7: To What Extent Do You Agree or Disagree with the Statement?

Qatari nationals

Everyone in Qatar enjoys the same basic 48 33 HR HR meaningless to me 17 15 Strongly HR abuses problem in other countries 58 31 agree but not in Qatar People in Qatar are aware about others' Somewhat 20 51 HR agree People in Qatar are aware about HR 25 49

0 20 40 60 80 100

White-collar workers

Everyone in Qatar enjoys the same 34 38 basic HR HR meaningless to me 20 16 Strongly HR abuses problem in other countries agree 43 34 but not in Qatar Somewhat People in Qatar are aware about 23 46 agree others' HR People in Qatar are aware about HR 25 47

0 20 40 60 80 100

Blue-collar workers

Everyone in Qatar enjoys the same 15 39 basic HR

HR meaningless to me 7 21 Strongly HR abuses problem in other countries agree 20 50 but not in Qatar Somewhat People in Qatar are aware about 12 38 agree others' HR

People in Qatar are aware about HR 14 40

0 20 40 60 80 100

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Nearly Half of Blue-collar Workers said they Know Nothing about Human Rights

Respondents were asked how much, if anything, they know about human rights. Considering

“great deal” and “moderate amount” responses, 81 percent of Qataris, 71 percent of white-collar workers and 16 percent of blue-collar workers said that they knew about human rights. Qataris (69%) and white-collar workers (52%) were most likely to respond by saying they knew a moderate amount.

On the other hand, blue-collar workers (48%) were more likely to say they know nothing about human rights (see Figure 8).

Figure 8: How much do you know about human rights?

100 Qatari nationals 90 White-collar workers 80 Blue-collar workers 69 70

60 52 48 50

40 36

30 19 21 20 12 14 12 10 7 8 2 0 A great deal A moderate amount A little Nothing

Nearly Two-thirds of Qataris and Half of White-collar Workers think that Human Rights Are Fully Respected in Qatar

Overall, nearly two-thirds of Qataris and slightly more than half of white-collar workers believed that human rights are fully respected in Qatar. Qataris were more likely to think that human rights were fully respected in Qatar as compared to white-collar workers and blue-collar workers. This percentage was 63 percent for Qataris, compared to 53 percent for white-collar workers and 40 percent

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for blue-collar workers. White-collar workers continuously fall between Qataris and blue-collar workers with Qataris generally agreeing with statements related to Qatar and human rights and blue- collar workers disagreeing (see Figure 9).

Figure 9: Extent to which Human Rights are Respected in Qatar

100 Qatari nationals 90 White-collar workers 80 Blue-collar workers 70 63 56 60 53 50 45 40 40 36

10 4 1 2 0 Fully Respected Partially Respected Not Respected

Qataris and White-collar Workers are More Informed of their Rights At Work

Respondents were asked how well informed do they feel about their rights at work. Combining

“very well informed” and “well informed” responses, the majority of white-collar workers (88%) and

Qataris (86%) indicated that they were aware of their rights at work whereas the majority of blue- collar workers (72%) said that they were not aware of their rights at work. Qataris (43%) and white- collar workers (36%) were more likely to say that they were “very well” informed about their rights at work than blue-collar workers (6%) (see Figure 10).

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Figure 10: How well informed are you of your worker rights?

100

90 Qatari nationals 80 White-collar workers 70 Blue-collar workers

60 52 50 43 43 40 36 36 36

30 22 20 11 9 10 6 3 3 0 Very well informed Well informed Not well informed Not informed at all

White-collar workers Tend to Use Formal Governmental Organizations to Protect Their Rights While Qataris and Blue Collar Workers Tend to Use More Informal Means

Qataris and blue-collar workers were more likely to solve their problems within their institutions through HR (63% and 67%, respectively). White-collar workers, however, were less likely to do that (25%). Moreover, it seems white-collar workers (40%) were more comfortable to use governmental institutions such as the Ministry of Labor than Qataris (15%) and blue-collar workers (7

%). The majority of blue-collar workers and Qataris tend to use immediate connections (work personnel, fellow worker, and friend or relative) as compared to white-collar workers who use these means less frequently (see Table 3).

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Table 3: Human Rights Resources

If you wanted to find out more information, for example if you had a problem at work, thought that you were being treated unfairly or were not receiving your rights, where would you go to find out this information? Response Options Qatari nationals White-collar workers Blue-collar workers Work Personnel 63% 25% 67% Fellow Worker 13% 9% 9% Friend or Relative 8% 14% 13% National Human Rights Committee 1% 3% 1% Ministry of Labor 3% 18% 1% Labor Department 6% 10% 4% Ministry of Interior/Police 3% 5% 1% Ministry of Interior/Human Rights Department 2% 4% 0% Other 1% 12% 4% If you wanted to find out more information about human rights, where would you go to find out this information? Friend or Relative 38% 30% 85% Ministry of Interior 16% 26% 4% Other 46% 44% 11%

The Majority of Blue-collar Workers Don’t Know the Name of Any Human Rights Organization in Qatar

More than half of Qataris (55%) and blue-collar workers (88%) were not able to name at least one human rights organizations. Surprisingly, nearly three-quarters or more of white-collar and blue- collar workers couldn’t name any human rights organization in Qatar (see Figure 11). Among Qataris, men (50%) were significantly more likely to be able to name a human rights organization than women

(39%). Among blue-collar workers education level plays a significant role. Those blue-collar workers with a secondary degree or less were significantly less likely to be able to name any human rights organization as compared to those with a post-secondary education.

Figure 11: Do You Know the Name of any Human Rights Organization in Qatar?

Qatari nationals White-collar workers Blue-collar workers

12% 45% 27% Yes Yes Yes 55% No 73% No No 88%

National Human Rights Committee Survey 15

The Majority of All Respondents Named The National Human Rights Committee When Asked if They Know Any Organizations That Deal With Human Rights

Survey respondents who knew organizations that deal with human rights in Qatar were asked to name an organization. The majority of all respondents were able to name the National Human Rights

Committee (NHRC). This percentage was 98 percent for blue-collar workers, compared to 72 percent for white-collar workers, and 53 percent for Qataris. The second most named human rights organization after the NHRC was the Ministry of Interior’s Human Rights Department (see Figure 12).

Figure 12: Can You Name Some Organizations That Deal With Human Rights in Qatar?

100 98

90 Qatari nationals 80 72 White-collar workers 70 Blue-collar workers

60 53 50

30 24

20 13 8 8 10 10 5 6 2 1 0 National Human Human Rights Qatar Foundation for Bureau of Human Other Rights Committee Department/ MI Combating human Rights/ MFA trafficking

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III. PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH HUMAN RIGHTS

02 percent of Qataris and White-collar Workers said that Some of Their Human Rights Were Violated

Respondents were asked whether they, or any close family members or friends have been in a situation where they felt their human rights were not respected in Qatar. The majority of all respondents, irrespective of their group types, indicated that their human rights were not abused. Surprisingly, 93 percent of blue-collar workers said that their human rights were unharmed, compared to 81 percent for both Qataris and white-collar workers. On the other hand, Qataris and white-collar workers were more likely to feel that some of their rights were violated than blue-collar workers. This percentage was around 20 percent for both Qataris and white-collar workers, compared to only 7 percent for the blue- collar workers (see Figure 13). Further analysis of the data showed significant gender differences within the Qataris respondents. Qatari women (23%) were more likely than their male counterparts

(15%) to say that their human rights were violated.

Figure 13: Human Rights Violations

Qatari nationals White-collar workers Blue-collar workers

Yes Yes 19% 19%

Yes No 7% 93% No No 81% 81%

Qataris are More Likely to Take an Action Against Human Rights Violation than White-collar Workers and Blue-collar Workers

Survey respondents who experienced violation of their human rights at a certain period of time, while living in Qatar, were asked whether they took any action against the violation or not. The survey responses revealed that the majority of both blue-collar workers and white-collar workers did not report the violation or abuse (67% and 61%, respectively). On the other hand, Qataris (49%) were

National Human Rights Committee Survey 17

more likely to take action against human rights abuses than white-collar workers (39%) and blue-collar workers (33%) (see Figure 14).

Figure 14: Taking Action Against Human Rights Violations

Qatari nationals White-collar workers Blue-collar workers

Yes No No Yes 39% 67% 51% 49% No 61% Yes 33%

‘Not Knowing What to Do’ and ‘Believing that Nothing Would Happen By Reporting’ are the Main Reasons for Not Reporting the Violation

As Table 4 indicates, respondents’ main reasons for not reporting the violation varied across the three groups with ‘did not know what I could do’ as the first reason for not reporting the abuse among blue-collar workers (75%) and white-collar workers (37%). This answer was selected by fewer Qatari respondents (11%) as the main reason for not reporting violation of human rights. Believing that nothing would happen or change by reporting the violation was, however, the first reason for not reporting among Qataris (41%) and the second reason for not reporting among white-collar workers

(27%).

At the same time, all three types of respondents indicated that they did not know who to complain to when their rights were violated, 23 percent for Qataris, 20 percent for white-collar workers and 13 percent for blue-collar workers. Qataris were more likely to not report the violation due to lack of knowledge regarding their rights and not wanting to draw attention to themselves than white-collar and blue-collar workers. On the other hand, white-collar workers were more likely to not report a violation due to fear of deportation and punishment than blue-collar workers (for more details see

Table 4).

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Table 4: Reasons for Not Reporting a Violation

Qatari White-collar Blue-collar nationals workers workers Did not know what I could do 11% 37% 75% Thought there was nothing to be gained [nothing 41% 27% 1% (effective) I could do] Did not know what my rights were 22% 17% 4% Did not want to draw attention to myself 15% 13% 1% Did not think it was important enough 11% 5% 1% Did not know who to complain to 23% 20% 13% Did not know where to find information about what I 13% 5% 9% could do Did not know at that time it was a violation of my human 8% 6% 0% rights I was afraid of being punished 5% 7% 6% I was afraid of being deported 2% 17% 4% I though people I was fighting were very powerful 10% 9% 2% Other 17% 5% 3%

Social Problems & Rights of Blue-collar and White-collar Workers Are the Most Important Human Rights Issues Facing Qatar

Respondents were asked what was the most important human rights issue facing Qatar2. Survey results revealed that there was a relatively high proportion of missing or invalid responses across all groups. Nearly forty percent of Qataris said “don’t know” (23%) or “refuse” (16%) whereas more than half of the white-collar and blue-collar workers said “don’t know” (34% and 54%, respectively) or

“refuse” (17% and 5%, respectively) when asked this question.

Amongst Qataris, the most frequently mentioned human rights issue was social issues3 (16%), followed by rights of blue-collar workers and white-collar expats (13%). On the other hand, issues relating to economic issues4 (9%), discrimination5 (6%), politics6 (5%), citizenship7 (4%), and

1 Respondents were given the choice to name more than one human rights issue. 2 Social problems include marriage issues, women’s rights, children’s rights, general mention of family issues, general mention of violence, traditions and customs, education, health, orphans, elderly people, disabled people and poor people. 3 Economic issues include inflation, cost of living, housing, job opportunities, Qatarization, unemployment, salaries (any reference to inequalities in income) and personal debts.

National Human Rights Committee Survey 19

freedoms8 (3%) were mentioned by less than ten percent of the Qataris. Among non-Qataris, there was similar responses to this question, rights of blue-collar workers and white-collar expats was the first most important human rights issue for both groups. This percentage was 22 percent for blue-collar workers and 12 percent for white-collar workers. The second most important human rights issue for the two groups was sponsorship system (7% and 11%, respectively). Discrimination was also mentioned by 11 percent of white-collar workers making it the second most important issue for them.

While problems related to freedoms and social issues received less attention from white-collar (5% and

4%, respectively) and blue-collar workers (4% and 3%, respectively).

4 Discrimination (inequality) include discrimination based on gender, race, nationality, general mention of exploitation (with no reference to labors or expats), general mention of treatment i.e. bad treatment or need to be treated in a good way, being treated with dignity and respect, general mention of justice. 5 Political issues include corruption, political participation, democracy, law enforcement, citizens’ rights, tribal issues and prisons (i.e. violence against prisoners, torture in prison, prisoners’ rights). 6 Citizenship issues include general mention of nationality problems i.e. Qatari woman who has children from a non-Qatari husbands, expats living many years in Qatar, birth rights. 7 Freedoms include freedom of religion, press, thought, expression and movement (with no reference to sponsorship), safety and general mention of human rights.

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IV. NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE (NHRC)

The Vast Majority of the Blue-collar Workers are Unaware of the Existence of the National Human Rights Committee

Respondents were asked if they have ever heard of the National Human Rights Committee

(NHRC). The results in Figure 15 indicate that the majority of Qataris (67%) and about half of the white- collar workers (49%) said that they have heard of the NHRC. However, the finding presents worrying evidence of the extent to which blue-collar workers, who are most vulnerable to human rights violation in Qatar, were unaware of the NHRC; 82 percent or 8 out of 10 blue-collar workers said that they have never heard of the NHRC.

Figure 15: Have You Ever Heard of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC)?

Qatari nationals White-collar workers Blue-collar workers

No No 33% Yes No 49% 82% 51% Yes Yes 67% 18%

Analysis of the results showed that there were differences across groups. For instance, Qataris

(67%) were more likely to have heard of the NHRC than white-collar (49%) and blue-collar workers

(18%). Further, the analysis of the data showed significant differences within the groups of respondents. Among Qataris and white-collar workers, differences were found in employment. For example, full time or part-time Qatari employees (70%) were more likely than Qatari homemakers

(53%) to have heard of the NHRC.

Among the blue-collar workers, the differences were found with respect to education, age, marital status and income. For example, blue-collar workers with post-secondary education (40%) were more likely to have heard of the NHRC than blue-collar workers with secondary degree or less

(19% and 4%, respectively). Younger blue-collar workers, aged 18 to 27 (6%), were less likely to have heard of the NHRC than older blue-collar workers, aged 28 to 37 (24%). Unlike never-married blue-

National Human Rights Committee Survey 21

collar workers (7%), married blue-collar workers (21%) were more likely to have heard of the NHRC.

Moreover, blue-collar workers with higher incomes (32%), QR2,050 per month or more, were more likely to have heard of the NHRC than blue-collar workers with lower incomes (4%), less than QR1,200 per month.

The Newspapers and the Workplace are the Main Sources of Information About the National Human Rights Committee

As shown in Figure 16 respondents who have ever heard of the National Human Rights

Committee were asked how they learned about the NHRC. Slightly more than one-third (38%) of

Qataris and one-third (33%) of white-collar workers first learned about the NHRC from newspapers.

Television was the second source of information about the NHRC for Qataris (25%) and the third source for white-collar workers (14%). Three out of ten (30%) blue-collar workers said that they have heard about the NHRC from their place of work, compared to 7 percent of the white-collar workers and 4 percent of Qataris.

All three groups of respondents indicated that they have heard of the NHRC through their family/friends, 19 percent of white-collar workers, 18 percent of blue-collar workers and 11 percent of

Qataris. White-collar workers (11% and 8%, respectively) were more likely to have learned about the

NHRC through outdoor advertisement and internet than Qataris (4% and 4%, respectively) and blue- collar workers (5% and 2%, respectively). On the other hand, Qataris were most likely to have learned about the NHRC through Majalis than others.

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Figure 16: How Did You Learn About NHRC?

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50% 38% 40% 33% 29% 30% 24% 25% 19%18 % 20% 14% 9% 11% 11% 10% 8% 7% 7% 10% 4% 4% 4% 5% 4% 4% 2% 1% 2% 2% 1% 1% 0%

Qatari nationals White-collar workers Blue-collar workers

The Majority of Qataris, White-collar workers and Blue-collar workers said that they Did Not Know What the NHRC Does

When respondents were asked whether they know what the NHRC does, the majority of all

respondents irrespective of their group types indicated that they did not know about the NHRC

activities. Overall, 71 percent of Qataris, 70 percent of white-collar workers and 61 percent of blue-

collar workers said they did not know what the NHRC does. However, blue-collar workers (39%) were

more likely to say that they knew about the NHRC activities than white-collar workers (30%) and

Qataris (29%) (see Figure 17).

National Human Rights Committee Survey 23

Figure 17: Do You Know What the NHRC Does?

Qatari nationals White-collar workers Blue-collar workers

Yes Yes No 29% 30% 61%

No No Yes 71% 70% 39%

Protecting Human Rights in Qatar, Recording Human Rights Complaints and Inspecting Violations of Human Rights in Qatar are Believed to Be the NHRC’s Activities

As Table 5 indicates, all three types of respondents had similar responses when they were asked what are the most important things that the NHRC does. Receiving and recording human rights complaints, protecting human rights in Qatar, observing and inspecting violations of human rights in

Qatar and giving recommendations to the Qatari government on human rights issues were largely stated by Qataris (53%, 40%, 37% and 35%, respectively), white-collar workers (39%, 36%, 38% and

22%, respectively) and blue-collar workers (34%, 42%, 40% and 28%, respectively).

Qataris were more likely to indicate monitoring proper treatment of prisoners and providing legal human right advice as NHRC’s activities than white-collar workers and blue-collar workers.

However, blue-collar workers were more likely to indicate publishing manuals on human rights for the public as one of NHRC’s activities.

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Table 5: NHRC’s Most Important Activities

Qatari White-collar Blue-collar nationals workers workers Giving recommendations to the Qatari government on 35% 22% 28% human rights issues Observing and inspecting violations of human rights in 37% 38% 40% Qatar Receiving and recording human rights complaints 53% 39% 34% Monitoring proper treatment of prisoners 17% 13% 5% Providing legal human right advice on issues such as 12% 9% 4% KAFALA Conducting social research to study development in 8% 10% 0% Qatar Providing training programs to police 6% 5% 6% Organizing conferences and lectures/dealing with 8% 10% 0% media on human rights Publishing manuals on human rights for the public 7% 11% 17% Protecting human rights in Qatar 40% 36% 42% Other 5% 8% 2%

The Overwhelming Majority of All Respondents said that No One Has Told them about NHRC’s Events

Respondents were asked whether anyone has told them about NHRC’s lectures, workshops, and conferences. An overwhelming majority of all respondents said that no one has told them about NHRC’s events. Overall, 99 percent of blue-collar workers, 90 percent of white-collar workers and 86 percent of

Qataris responded to the negative when asked about this question. Overall, Qataris were more likely to be informed by someone about NHRC’s events than white-collar workers and blue-collar workers. This percentage was 14 percent for Qataris, compared to 10 percent for white-collar workers and only 1 percent for blue-collar workers (see Figure 18).

National Human Rights Committee Survey 25

Figure 18: Has Anyone Told you About NHRC’s Events?

Qatari nationals White-collar workers Blue-collar workers

Yes Yes 14% 10%

Yes No 1% No No 99% 86% 90%

Qataris Tend To Be the Most Informed About NHRC’s Events

As shown in Figure 19, respondents were asked if they had ever heard or read about NHRC’s events in the media. Qataris tend to be the most informed about NHRC’s events in the media while blue- collar workers tend to be the least informed. Overall 4 out of 10 (39%) Qataris said that they have heard or read about NHRC’s events in the media, compared to 27 percent of white-collar workers and 8 percent of blue-collar workers.

Figure 19: Have You Ever Heard or Read About NHRC’s Events in the Media?

Qatari nationals White-collar workers Blue-collar workers

Yes 27% Yes 39% No Yes No No 92% 8% 61% 73%

Further analysis of the results also showed significant differences within the groups of respondents. Among Qataris, differences were found with respect to education, age and income. Qataris with university degree and higher (46%) were more likely to have heard or read about NHRC’s events in the media than Qataris with secondary degree and lower (35% and 30%, respectively). Surprisingly, younger Qataris aged 18 to 37 (35%) were less likely to have heard or read about NHRC’s events in the media than older Qataris aged 38 to 47 (52%). Unlike Qataris with lower household monthly income

(33%), Qataris with higher household monthly income, (QR50,000 per month or more) (49%) were

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more likely to have heard or seen the NHRC’s events in the media. Education also plays a significant role among white-collar workers. Interestingly, white-collar workers with post-secondary education (38%) were more likely to have heard or read about the NHRC’s events in the media than white-collar workers with university degree and higher (24%).

Differences with respect to education and income were also significant for blue-collar workers.

For instance, blue-collar workers with post-secondary education (21%) were more likely to have heard or read about the NHRC’s events in the media than blue-collar workers with less than secondary degree

(3%). Also, blue-collar workers with monthly income of QR 2,050 per month or more (19%) were more likely to have heard or read about the NHRC’s events in the media as compared to blue-collar workers with monthly income of less than QR1,200 (3%).

The Overwhelming Majority of All Respondents Have Never Attended Any of the NHRC’s Events

Survey respondents who said that they were aware of NHRC’s events were asked whether they have ever been to any lecture, workshop, conference, activity or program organized by the NHRC. The survey responses revealed that few who were aware of NHRC’s events have in fact attended them, 3 percent for both Qataris and white-collar workers and 1 percent for blue-collar workers (see Figure

20).

Figure 20: Attending NHRC’s Events

Qatari nationals White-collar workers Blue-collar workers

Yes Yes 3% 3%

Yes No 1% No No 99% 97% 97%

National Human Rights Committee Survey 27

The Majority of All Respondents who Attend the NHRC’s Lectures, Workshops, Conferences were Satisfied with the NHRC’s Programs and Activities

Using a four-point scale, respondents who had been to any lectures, workshops, conferences, activities or programs were asked whether they are satisfied with the NHRC’s activities and programs.

The majority of all respondents regardless of their group types were satisfied with the NHRC’s activities and programs. Considering the “very” and “somewhat” satisfied responses, white-collar workers (89%),

Qataris (86%) and blue-collar workers (88%) said they were satisfied with NHRC’s programs. Blue- collar workers were more likely to be “very” dissatisfied with NHRC’s programs than Qataris and white- collar workers (see Figure 21).

Figure 21: Satisfaction with the NHRC’s Activities and Programs

47%

Somewhat 35% satisfied

44%

41%

Very 54% satisfied

43%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Blue-collar workers White-collar workers Qatari nationals

The Majority of All Respondents said that They Have Not Seen, Heard or Read Any of NHRC’s Advertisements

Respondents were asked whether they have ever heard, read or seen any of NHRC’s advertisements. Overall, the majority of all respondents regardless of their group types indicated that

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they have not seen, heard or read any of NHRC’s advertisements including 89 percent of blue-collar workers, 73 percent of the white-collar workers and 61 percent of Qataris (see Figure 22).

Figure 22: Have You Ever Heard, Read or Seen NHRCs’ Advertisements?

Qatari nationals White-collar workers Blue-collar workers

Yes 27% Yes 39% No 89% Yes No No 11% 61% 73%

The results also showed significant differences within the groups of respondents. Among

Qataris and white-collar workers, employment status plays a significant impact. For example, full-time

Qatari employees (41%) were more likely than Qatari homemakers (26%) to have heard, read or seen any of NHRC’s advertisements. On the contrary, full-time or part-time white-collar employees (24%) were less likely than white-collar homemakers (35%) to have heard, read or seen any of NHRC’s advertisements.

Among blue-collar workers, differences were found with respect to education, age and income.

For example, blue-collar workers with post-secondary education (26%) were more likely to have heard, read or seen any of NHRC’s advertisements than blue-collar workers with secondary education or less

(12% and 4%, respectively). Younger blue-collar workers, aged 18 to 27 (5%) were less likely to have heard, read or seen any of NHRC’s advertisements than older blue-collar workers, aged 28 to 37 (17%).

Moreover, blue-collar workers with monthly income of QR2,050 or more (28%) were more likely to have heard, read or seen any of NHRC’s advertisements than blue-collar workers with monthly income of less than QR1,200 (5%).

NHRC Advertisements is Effective at Informing all Segments of the Qatari Society about Human Rights in General

Respondents who have ever heard, read or seen NHRC’s advertisements were asked to what extent they agree or disagree with the statement that the NHRC advertisements are effective at

National Human Rights Committee Survey 29

informing all segments of Qatari society about human rights in general. The majority of all respondents

“strongly” or “somewhat” agreed that NHRC advertisements were effective at informing the Qatari society about human rights including 84 percent of blue-collar workers, 82 percent of white-collar workers and 73 percent of Qataris. White-collar workers were more likely to “strongly” agree on the effectiveness of the NHRC advertisements than Qataris and blue-collar workers (see Figure 23).

Figure 23: Effectiveness of NHRCs’ Advertisements

57%

Somewhat agree 49%

45%

27%

Strongly agree 33%

28%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Blue-collar workers White-collar workers Qatari nationals

Fewer Respondents Have Contacted the NHRC in the Past 12 Months As shown in Figure 24, when respondents were asked if they have contacted the NHRC about any human rights issue over the past 12 months, an overwhelming majority of all respondents said that they have not contacted the NHRC. Overall 99 percent of blue-collar workers, 98 percent of white-collar workers and 97 percent of Qataris responded to the negative when asked the question.

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Figure 24: Contacting the NHRC (in the past 12 months)

Qatari nationals White-collar workers Blue-collar workers

Yes Yes 3% 2%

Yes No 1% No No 99% 97% 98%

In person and by Telephone were the Most Common Means of Communication with the NHRC

Survey respondents who said that they have contacted the NHRC were asked how they contacted the NHRC. The survey responses showed that contacting the NHRC in person and by telephone were the most common means of communication among all respondents. However, Qataris and blue-collar workers were more likely to communicate with the NHRC in person than white-collar workers. Unlike Qataris and blue-collar workers, white-collar workers used both mail and email for contacting the NHRC (24% and 10%, respectively) (see Figure 25).

Figure 25: How Did You Contact NHRC (multiple mentions)?

100%

90%

80%

70% 66%

60% 54% 50% 46% 39% 40% 34% 35% 30% 24% 20% 10% 10%

0% In person By telephone By mail By email

Qatari nationals White-collar workers Blue-collar workers

National Human Rights Committee Survey 31

Overall, Respondents who Contacted the NHRC were Satisfied with its Staff

Survey respondents who said that they have contacted the NHRC were asked how satisfied they were with the helpfulness of the NHRC’s employees. The survey responses showed that white-collar workers were more likely to be “very” satisfied with the helpfulness of the NHRC’s employees than

Qataris and blue-collar workers. When “very” and “somewhat” satisfied were combined, however, the blue-collar workers (100%) were the most satisfied group while Qataris (54%) were the least satisfied group with helpfulness of the NHRC’s staff. Unlike blue-collar workers, 46 percent of Qataris and 30 percent of white-collar workers indicated that they were dissatisfied with services provided by the

NHRC’s employees (see Figure 26).

Figure 26: Helpfulness of the NHRC’s Employees

100% 90% 84% 80% 70% 60% 50% 46% 46% 40% 33% 30% 30% 21% 24% 20% 16% 10% 0% Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Not satisfied

Qatari nationals White-collar workers Blue-collar workers

Qataris & White-collar workers Are Most Likely to Have Access to the Internet

Overall, Qataris and white-collar workers were more likely to have access to the Internet at both home and work than blue-collar workers. However, when compared those who have access to the

Internet at home only, Qataris (51%) and white-collar workers (46%) were more likely to have access to the Internet at home than blue-collar workers (19%). Unlike Qataris and white-collar workers, 65 percent of the blue-collar workers did not have access to the Internet either at home or work (see

Figure 27).

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Figure 27: Access to the Internet

100% 90% 80% 70% 65% 60% 51% 50% 46% 37% 38% 40% 30% 19% 20% 7% 9% 8% 9% 10% 4% 6% 0% Yes, at home Yes, at work Yes, at both places No

Qatari nationals White-collar workers Blue-collar workers Fewer Respondents Have Visited the NHRC’s Website

Respondents were asked whether they have visited the NHRC’s website. Overall, 98 percent of blue-collar workers, 96 percent of Qataris and 90 percent of white-collar workers said that they have never visited the NHRC’s website. Overall, white-collar workers (10%) were more likely to have visited the NHRC’s website than Qataris (4%) and blue-collar workers (2%) (see Figure 28).

Figure 28: Visiting NHRC’s Website

Qatari nationals White-collar workers Blue-collar workers

Yes Yes 4% 10%

Yes 2% No No No 98% 96% 90%

The Majority of Respondents who Visited the NHRC’s Website were Satisfied with it

Using a four-point scale where 1 means very satisfied and 4 very dissatisfied, respondents who visited the NHRC’s website were asked whether they were satisfied with it or not. The majority of all respondents, regardless of their group types, were satisfied with the NHRC’s website. Considering

National Human Rights Committee Survey 33

“very” and “somewhat” satisfied, white-collar workers and Qataris (93%) and blue-collar workers

(88%) said they were the satisfied with NHRC’s website (see Figure 29).

Figure 29: Satisfaction with NHRC’s Website

100%

90%

80% 71% 70% 60% 58% 60%

50%

40% 33% 35% 30%

20% 17%

10%

0% Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied

Qatari nationals White-collar workers Blue-collar workers

Main Reasons For the Respondents’ Dissatisfaction With the NHRC’s Website

When respondents were asked about the reasons behind their dissatisfaction with the NHRC’s website, 70 percent of Qataris believed that there was not enough information on the website, compared to 47 percent of white-collar workers. A large number of all respondents said that they confronted difficulties in accessing information from the website including 50 percent of the blue-collar workers, 30 percent of the Qataris and 22 percent of the white-collar workers. Unlike Qataris, 53 percent of white-collar workers and 14 percent of blue-collar workers stated that they faced difficulty in accessing the website (see Figure 30).

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Figure 30: Reasons For Being Dissatisfied with NHRC’s Website

100%

90%

80% 70% 70%

60% 53% 50% 50% 47%

40% 36% 28% 30% 30% 22% 24% 20% 14% 10% 5%

0% Difficult access Layout presentation Difficulty accessing Information not Not enough Other information updated information

Qatari nationals White-collar workers Blue-collar workers

Social Issues & Rights of Blue-collar and White-collar Workers Are the Most Suggested Areas that the NHRC Needs to Pay Attention To

Respondents were asked to suggest one or two specific areas of human rights that they would

like the NHRC to pay special attention to. Among Qataris, the two specific areas of human rights that

they would like the NHRC to pay special attention to were social issues (21%) and awareness about

human rights9 (11%), followed by rights of blue-collar and white-collar workers (10%) and Qataris

rights (6%). Rights of blue-collar workers and white-collar expats was the first area of human rights

that the white-collar (15%) and blue-collar workers (27%) would like the NHRC to pay special

attention to. For white-collar workers, awareness about human rights (10%) became the second human

rights area that they would like the NHRC to give more attention to, followed by social issues (9%) and

sponsorship (9%). While the second human rights area for blue-collar workers was justice and equality

(9%). On the other hand, less than six percent of all respondents indicated that they wanted the NHRC

to focus on issues associated with politics, economics and NHRC role10. Survey results revealed that

there was a relatively high proportion of missing or invalid responses across all groups. 4 out of 10

9 More awareness, advertisements, lectures, seminars, workshops and trainings on human rights 10 Reference to “NHRC should do better job”, “NHRC should have more power and [executive] authority”…etc.

National Human Rights Committee Survey 35

Qataris and 5 out of 10 white-collar and blue-collar workers said “don’t know” (14%, 21% and 33%, respectively) or “refuse” (24%, 28% and 20%, respectively) when asked this question.

Qataris and Blue-collar Workers Expressed their Willingness to Participate in the NHRC’s Activities

Survey respondents were asked whether they would like to participate in the NHRC’s activities.

The survey responses revealed that half of all respondents, 45 percent of white-collar workers and 46 percent of both Qataris and blue-collar workers, were interested in participating in the NHRC’s activities (see Figure 31). Further analysis of the data showed significant differences within the groups of respondents. The results revealed gender differences within the white-collar workers where white- collar women (50%) were more interested in participating in the NHRC’s activities than white-collar men (39%). Among Qataris, differences were found with respect to employment. For example, full time or part-time Qatari employees (41%) were more interested than Qatari homemakers (26%) in participating in the NHRC’s activities.

Figure 31: Interested in Participating?

Qatari nationals White-collar workers Blue-collar workers

No 54%

Yes Yes No 46% No 45% 54% 55% Yes 46%

Fewer Respondents Know the Current Location of the NHRC Offices

When asked about the current location of the NHRC offices, the majority of all respondents, irrespective of their group types, indicated that they did not know the current location of the NHRC offices. Overall, 86 percent of the blue-collar workers, 72 percent of the white-collar workers and 69 percent of Qataris said they did not know. However, blue-collar workers were less likely to say that they know the NHRC’s current location than others (see Figure 32).

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Figure 32: Do You Know the Current Location of NHRC?

Qatari nationals White-collar workers Blue-collar workers

Yes Yes 31% 28% No 86% No No Yes 69% 72% 14%

Blue-collar Workers were More Likely to Know the Current Location of the NHRC than White-collar Workers and Qataris

Survey respondents who said that they knew the current location of the NHRC were asked to

state the location. The survey responses showed that a large number of all respondents knew the

current location of the NHRC which is in Fereej Abdul Aziz, behind Doha Petrol Station. Surprisingly,

blue-collar workers were more likely to know the current location of the NHRC than white-collar

workers and Qataris. The overwhelming majority of blue-collar workers (97%) who said they knew the

current location of the NHRC’s offices said that NHRC offices are located in Fereej Abdul Aziz, behind

Doha Petrol Station, compared to 78 percent of white-collar workers and 50 percent of Qataris (see

Figure 33).

Figure 33: Current Location of NHRC

100% 97% 90% 78% 80% 70% 60% 50% 50% 40% 28% 30% 22% 20% 10% 12% 10% 1% 1% 0% Freej Abdul Aziz, behind Doha Petrol Salwa Road (its previous location) Any Other location Station

Qatari nationals White-collar workers Blue-collar workers

National Human Rights Committee Survey 37

RECOMMENDATIONS

The data analysis across the three sub-populations (Qataris, white-collar and blue-collar workers) showed lack of awareness about the NHRC and about necessary steps to file complaints about human rights abuses. To effectively protect and promote human rights in Qatar there first must be an understanding of those rights for them to become an important value of the community. This can only be achieved by creating a culture of human rights in Qatari. The following is a brief summary of SESRI’s suggestions to help the NHRC understand and position themselves within Qatar’s different communities to better serve all of Qatar.

Develop more effective and coherent human rights education

Human rights education can take many forms. Some of them include workshops, training and awareness-raising programs, conferences, open forums, and formal education. The goal of these is to build a culture of human rights through the sharing of knowledge with the intention of enhancing every communities’ ability to safeguard their rights. Human rights education should include: gaining knowledge about human rights, strengthening values and attitudes that maintain human rights, and taking action to protect and uphold human rights. This education should be tailored to address specific needs in relation to the population’s groups and sub-groups. To educate all segments of society it is necessary to include young people, children, government officials, and disadvantaged populations.

Introducing human rights as a mandatory subject in schools and other educational institutes across

Qatar and collaborating with universities to undertake lectures and seminars on human rights for students are the best methods for these values to be introduced to young people and children. Long- lasting benefits will be gained by implementing this proposal as young people and children will understand and support their rights, thus developing a strong groundwork for human rights in Qatar.

Further, providing general education and training programs for government officials, lawyers, teachers, and police officers on human rights will make them aware of their responsibilities to comply with the laws, therefore helping reduce incidences of human rights abuses and violations.

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The NHRC is advised to address issues related to the population in Qatar by preparing materials that are put into a local context

Problems relating to training methods usually come from a disconnection between theory and practice. In order to avoid this disconnect, the NHRC can introduce the goals and the role of the committee inside and outside Qatar. For example, mention successful tasks and missions carried out by the NHRC, distribute documents containing this information. Also important to include in these documents is the NHRC’s contact information such as phone number, email address, and P.O. Box. It is important to state clearly that the NHRC offices are always open to the public with no appointment necessary. More importantly, the findings of this report revealed that not knowing what to do and believing that nothing would happen by reporting human rights abuses were the main reasons for not reporting the violations. The data that SESRI collected also showed that white-collar and blue-collar workers believe that human rights are not fully respected in Qatar. Therefore, focusing on successful cases will help to eradicate such negative views of the NHRC. Fewer of them also answered in the negative when asked if they (or any close family members or friends) have ever been in a situation where they felt their human rights were not respected in Qatar. This paradox may be indicative of a fear-factor when it comes to reporting human rights violations among white-collar workers and blue- collar workers. Hence, the NHRC is advised to spend a fair amount of time in explaining the reporting mechanisms to the participants and ensuring them the protection, simplicity, and usefulness of the process if steps are followed correctly. The NHRC could, for example, set up a 800 hotline for reporting

Human Rights abuses and violations.

The findings also show that the majority of Qataris stated that human rights are given to people by their government, human rights are fully respected in Qatar, and that human rights abuses are a problem in some countries but not in Qatar. This may be an indication of social desirability among

Qataris and further research using focus group discussions may be needed in order to investigate this issue more in depth.

Raising awareness of the NHRC and human rights among the public should not be made only through education but also through a broader community awareness campaign. The results of the

National Human Rights Committee Survey 39

report indicated that advertisements through newspapers, workplace, TV, friends and family were among the main sources of information about the NHRC. Therefore, the NHRC is advised to carry out intensive advertisements in the newspapers, workplace and TV. Also, advertise outdoors and in public places by designing posters, and distributing documents that state upcoming events, the website address, and location of the NHRC. These posters, flyers and brochures should not be limited to Arabic and English but should be translated to other languages, especially including those widely spoken by blue-collar workers such as Hindi and Nepali. Moreover, the findings of the report revealed that nearly half of the respondents expressed their willingness to participate in the NHRC’s activities and events.

Besides advertisements, the NHRC can inform the public of its events by sending out invitations to different workplaces, schools and universities. The NHRC can also organize a Human Rights Week instead of the Human Rights Day where events can be held in different places during the week. For instance, the first day of the event might be in an open public place in order to target children, young people and families, the second day in the workplace of blue-collar workers, the third day in workplaces of white-collar workers and Qatari employees, the fourth day in Majalis in order to target Qataris and the fifth day in schools and universities.

Furthermore, a large number of white-collar and Qatari respondents have access to the internet, of those with internet access who have visited the NHRC’s website said that lack of information, difficulties in accessing information from the website, and difficulties in accessing the website itself were the main reasons for the their dissatisfaction with the NHRC’s website. Improving the website can be done by creating easy access to it and making sure to have updated information as well as more information about the NHRC and its activities. The NHRC can also upload mini-videos to their website illustrating cases of Human Rights violations and clear steps of how a person can file a complaint.

Finally, the NHRC is advised to support and encourage research activities in two areas. First, publish manuals, books and other information material about human rights and the NHRC. These publications should be translated into different languages other than Arabic and English. Second, follow-up and re-evaluate the NHRC’s work by conducting a similar survey every two years.

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More specifically, the NHRC can focus on the following areas in order to better serve the Qatari, white-collar, and blue-collar communities in Qatar:

Qatari Nationals: 1. First, advertise its services, location, and activities. This can be done through ads in the newspaper,

poster campaigns throughout Qatar, and having an NHRC representative on popular Qatari talk

shows, news channels or Majalis and talk about their services and assure the Qatari public about

their helpfulness.

2. Second, assure people that their issues will be dealt with in a timely and confidential manner. Many

Qataris (41%) believe that nothing will be done with reported violations. In order to dismantle this

image, the NHRC could hold information programs about how the process works. For example,

formalize the process and steps of submitting a complaint: filing a complaint, meeting with a NHRC

representative, and setting a time period in which the NHRC provides feedback about the complaint.

White-collar Workers: 1. First, offer newspaper, TV, and outdoor advertisements to the white-collar community to inform

them of the NHRC’s activities since the majority of them were not aware of the NHRC’s events.

2. Second, develop and implement orientations programs for white-collar workers at their arrival and

during their employment in Qatar. These programs may be developed in collaboration with the

Qatari Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Interior, and should be oriented towards Qatari labor

laws including working conditions and legal practices of employees.

3. Third, invite employers, manpower organizations or recruitment agencies/labor brokers in Qatar in

these orientation programs.

Blue-collar Workers: 1. First, it is evident from the data that many blue-collar workers are un-educated when it comes to

their rights in Qatar. To address this issue, the NHRC can conduct workshops to teach blue-collar

workers about their rights and how the NHRC is there to serve them. However, the findings of the

report revealed that there is a limited understanding and awareness of human rights in general. It is

more so among those who are of younger ages, unmarried, have lower incomes, and those with less

National Human Rights Committee Survey 41

education. Therefore, the NHRC should take into account the different characteristics of the blue-

collar workers such as level of education, marital status, age and income levels when conducting

these workshops.

2. Second, reaching the blue-collar community through advertisements in the workplace. This may

take a different form such as handing out pamphlets in the labor camps.

3. Third, develop and implement orientation programs for blue-collar workers at their arrival and

during their employment in Qatar. These programs may be developed in collaboration with the

Qatari Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Interior, and should be oriented towards Qatari labor

laws including working conditions and legal practices of employees.

4. Lastly, to ensure the first three issues are addressed, the NHRC should make it mandatory for

employers to send their employees to workshops where they can get information about human

rights and the NHRC.

The NHRC is advised to conduct training programs and workshops that take into consideration the following elements:

1. Selection of the site of the training program and physical state of the facilities used for the program

as they can add to the program’s quality.

2. Schedule and set the length of the program to allow for more participation. This applies mostly to

the blue-collar workers where such trainings and workshops should be conducted on a non-

working day such as Friday, and to Qatari housewives where mornings are more convenient than

evenings.

3. Use a variety of languages in delivering the information to the participants. Since the majority of the

blue-collar workers in Qatar come from non-Arab speaking countries, the NHRC could use other

languages spoken widely by the blue-collar workers such as Hindi and Nepali in addition to Arabic

and English. Not only should the other languages be the medium of instruction but also the

languages of the materials published by the NHRC in order to assure full understanding of human

rights in both oral and written form.

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SUMMARY OF METHODS

Sample Design

To facilitate the sample design, the population of Qatar is divided into three different groups: Qatari nationals, white-collar workers (non-Qatari residents), and blue-collar workers (migrant laborers). Our sampling frame for these three groups comes from SESRI exclusive list covering all housing units in

Qatar. Based on this frame, three samples are drawn independently for the three groups.

The state of Qatar is divided into seven municipalities. Each municipality contains a number of zones and each zone is divided into several blocks. For the purpose of the National Human Rights

Committee (NHRC) survey, the households in each municipality were ordered by geographic location in order to permit a well distributed sampling of housing units in the different areas. A stratified systematic sample was constructed for both Qatari and expatriate households. Each municipality was considered an independent administrative stratum; and after ordering the residences in each by location, a probability-based sample was drawn from each stratum. Inside each zone (or stratum), a respondent will be randomly selected from a two-stage sampling. In the first stage, households will be randomly selected with proportionate stratification. That is, a stratum containing a given percentage of households in the population would be represented by the same percentage of the total number of sampled households. In the second stage, an adult (18 years or older) will be randomly selected in each household to complete the survey. All adults in the household would have the same chance of being selected at this stage. Migrant laborers live mainly in collective dwellings. Each dwelling was considered a primary sampling unit and each resident of a dwelling was considered a secondary sampling unit.

Questionnaire

In addition to the demographics section, the survey asked a variety of questions pertaining to Human

Rights in Qatar, including knowledge, awareness, and attitudes towards Human Rights. Respondents were also asked about their knowledge of the NHRC’s activities and programs. A complete copy of the survey questionnaire can be obtained by contacting SESRI at [email protected].

National Human Rights Committee Survey 43

Data Collection

Interviews were conducted in December 2011, using Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) technology. Interviewers and supervisors, most of whom had relevant prior experience, were recruited and carefully trained for the survey.

A total of 770 Qataris, 843 white-collar expatriate household members, and 573 blue-collar expatriate household members were completed, for a total of 2,186 respondents. The response rate was

73% for Qataris, 81% for white-collar expatriates and 97% for the blue-collar workers.

This probability survey is valid within a statistical margin of error, also called a 95% confidence interval. This means that if the survey is conducted 100 times using the exact same procedures, the margin of error would include the "true value" in 95 out of the 100 surveys. The margin of error including the design effect is about 2.1 percentage points for Qatari sample, 1.9 percentage points for expatriate sample, and 6.1 percentage points for the migrant laborer sample. The collected survey responses were weighted before analysis to adjust for probability of selection and non-response.

CONCLUSION

Two themes surfaced from the data analyses. These themes were a lack of awareness of what the

NHRC does and lack of awareness about individual human rights. By and large the data analysis across the three sub-populations showed a lack of awareness of what the NHRC does and how to utilize the

NHRC resources. As a result of this lack of awareness the first step should be to take on an advertising campaign to help bring awareness to the public. This should be aimed to accommodate all segments of

Qatari society. The next theme that the data showed was a general lack of knowledge about individuals human rights. To assist in building a culture that values human rights first people in all segments of

Qatari society must be educated and taught to value their own human rights and those of others. One way to implement this is through different educational venues. What is encouraging about the data is that those surveyed showed a willingness to be involved in the NHRC activities and an interest in educating themselves about human rights.

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