Qatar’s Fourth National Human Development Report Realising Qatar National Vision 2030 The Right to Development Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics June 2015 First published June 2015 Copyright MDPS. All Rights Reserved. Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics Doha Towers PO Box 1855 Doha, Qatar http://www.mdps.gov.qa Publication design by Cheng Fan Soon Cover design by Osama Mohammad Al Manasir Cover photo by Nasser Abdulla Al Kuwari The cover shows Doha’s modern towers through the traditional arches in the courtyard of the Museum of Islamic Art, blending old and new. Printed by Al Rayyan Printing Press The content of this publication may be freely reproduced for non-commercial purposes with attribution to the copyright holders. Realising QNV 2030 The Right to Development Foreword Qatar’s fourth National Human Development Report (NHDR) builds on the narratives of the previous three NHDRs. The first, National Human Development Report (2006) reviewed the country’s progress with respect to comprehensive human development. The second, Advancing Sustainable Development (2009) focused on the sustainable development challenges of rapid economic development and critical environmental parameters that are essential for national planning. The third, Expanding the Capacities of Qatari Youth, Mainstreaming Young People in Development (2012) focused on the development opportunities and challenges facing Qatar’s youth. This fourth NHDR, Realising Qatar National Vision 2030: The Right to Development, reflects a commitment to deepening the national and international consensus that development entails much more than seeking economic growth. While emphasizing national identity, culture, heritage and Islamic values, national human development must promote, respect and protect the rights of all individuals. The 1986 United Nations Declaration defines the right to development (RTD) as “…an inalienable human right by virtue of which every human person and all peoples are entitled to participate in, contribute to, and enjoy economic, social, cultural and political development, in which all human rights and fundamental freedoms can be fully realised.” The declaration, as well as Qatar’s international human rights treaty commitments, provides a framework whereby international experience and lessons learned can assist the country in its efforts to achieve development that balances the social, economic and environmental dimensions. Development in all its aspects is a right and not simply a meeting of needs. Individuals should be the subject of, and active participants in their own development and that of society as a whole. Equal and non-discriminatory enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms and successful human development are mutually dependent and reinforcing. Qatar’s Permanent Constitution sets the tone for a society-based on the values of justice, benevolence, freedom, equality and high morals and equal opportunities for all citizens. The Constitution establishes social justice as the basis for the organisation of economic enterprises and for employer-employee relations and sets out the state’s commitment to improving education, health and effective social protection as well as to empowering women. Many of the fundamental rights-based principles are embedded in Qatar’s legal, institutional and development planning including Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV), the National Development Strategy 2011-2016, and its Midterm Review. Qatar’s fourth NHDR strengthens Qatar’s commitment to these fundamental principles. The analysis points to many gains that Qatar has made in human development, particularly for its citizens. It also points to areas where a more focused effort is needed. The continued existence of socio-economic inequalities, domestic violence and relatively low labour force participation rates call for an even more effective interface between the country’s people and planners.. Qatar has made significant strides in the area of women’s rights and their empowerment, especially in education and health, where the country is a regional leader. But challenges remain in ensuring women’s equal access to employment and in their political empowerment. III For children, youth and older persons, there has also been good progress at the aggregate level, yet scope for further action remains. Lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, obesity and smoking have long-term effects on human development, and the report calls for a broad social policy framework that can meet such challenges. Qatar has put in place legislation, mechanisms and programmes to give effect to the rights of persons with disabilities. Yet opportunities for their full economic participation remain limited—partly because of lack of awareness and partly because many places of work are not conducive for such participation. Reviewing Qatar’s human development indicators under the framework of The Right to Development remains a learning exercise to be further developed in implementation and by benefiting from ongoing discussions. Greater commitment in providing an environment where all rights are respected, and obligations are met, will contribute towards building a more cohesive society as envisaged by QNV 2030 —a society where justice, benevolence and equality prevail. No country is alone in today’s world and international cooperation in the progressive realisation of development is essential. A deeper appreciation of the linkages between respect for human rights and national and regional peace, stability and security are required. Qatar will continue to play a significant role in the global partnership for development. Qatar’s fourth NHDR was prepared in partnership with relevant national ministries and government agencies, the private sector, civil society and the United Nations Development Programme’s United Arab Emirates office. I would like to sincerely thank members of the National Advisory Committee who guided the preparation of this report, authors of background papers and participants of a National Seminar on the Right to Development who have provided important inputs and insights. Thanks are also due to members of the fourth NHDR project team for their professionalism in putting this publication together. His Excellency Dr. Saleh bin Mohammad Al Nabit Minister of Development Planning and Statistics June 2015 IV Realising QNV 2030 The Right to Development Qatar Human Development Report Team Members of the National Advisory Committee • His Excellency Dr. Saleh bin Mohammad Al Nabit, Chairperson, Minister, Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics • Dr. Richard Leete, Director, Department of Social Development Planning, Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics • Ms. Jawhara Al Sowaidi, Administrative Specialist, Ministry of Foreign Affairs • Mr. Abdullah Jassim Al Zyara, Head of Policy Development, Ministry of Foreign Affairs • Ms. Fatima Hassan Al Qaid, Legal Specialist, Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs • Ms. Muna Sabah Al Kuwari, Consultant, Policy Analysis and Research Office, Supreme Education Council • Ms. Kholoud Mohammed Al Kuzaei, Expert in the Strategic Planning Department, Ministry of Interior • Mr. Mohammed Al Kuwari, Director of Safety Strategies, Ministry of Interior • Ms. Maha Essa Al Romaihi, Director of Planning and Quality Department, Ministry of Youth and Sport • Mr. Jaber Al Hwail, Director of the Legal Affairs Department, National Human Rights Committee • Mr. Ahmed Al Mulla, Development Advisor, Qatar Charity • Ms. Amal Abdul Latif Al Mannai, Chief Executive Officer, Qatar Foundation for Social Work • Ms. Khaleda Saleh Al Tubaikh, Head of Research and Studies, Qatar Foundation for Social Protection and Rehabilitation • Dr. Salah Al Mannai, Studies and Research Expert, Qatar Foundation for Social Protection and Rehabilitation • Ms. Nour Al Maliki Al Juhani, Executive Director, Doha International Institute for Family • Mr. Mohammed Jassim Al Naama, Senior Management Representatives, Reach Out To Asia • Dr. Darwish Al Emadi, Assistant Vice President for Research, Qatar University • Sheikh Mishaal bin Jabr Al Thani, Director of Energy Policy and International Relations, Qatar Petroleum • Dr. Jamal Al Amari, Director of Human Resources Development, Shell Qatar • Mr. Al Obaid Ahmed Al Obaid, Director, United Nations Centre for Training and Documentation in the Field of Human Rights for South-West Asia and the Arab Region • Ms. Manar Yazbeck, Program Analyst, United Nations Development Programme, United Arab Emirates Project Team, Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics Director and editor: • Dr. Richard Leete, Director, Department of Social Development Planning Coordinators: • Ms. Najla Al Khulaifi, Senior Researcher • Ms. Sharon Ng, Expert Researchers: • Ms. Aziza Al Khalaqi, Specialist • Ms. Deanielle Dawra, Specialist • Ms. Badria Al Mohamed, Specialist • Ms. Nora Essa Abdullah, Researcher • Ms. Muneera Saleh Al Sada, Researcher Adviser: • Mr. Fateh Azzam, Senior Consultant on Human Rights V Background Papers • Dr. Kaltham Ali Al Ghanim, Sociology Professor, Qatar University Participatory Development in the State of Qatar • Mr. Ammar Mohammed Khalid, Social Media Specialist, Al Jazeera Training Center Role of Social Media in Development • Dr. Fatima Al Kubasi, Professor of Sociology, Qatar University Women and The Right to Development • Professor Hayat Khalil Hassan Nazar Hajji, Manager, Al Noor Institute for the Blind Disability Rights in Qatar: Reality and Prospects • Dr. Osama Al Alowsi, Legal Consultant, Ministry