Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Labour (MoL) has underscored the critical importance of coordinated national efforts under the National Referral Mechanism for Combating Human Trafficking, highlighting its role in identifying cases, protecting victims and ensuring comprehensive support while advancing investigations and prosecutions.
In a statement on its social media account, the Ministry emphasised that effective collaboration among national stakeholders through the mechanism plays a vital role in detecting potential trafficking cases and delivering legal, medical, psychological and social assistance to victims.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment, in partnership with the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking (NCCHT) and other relevant entities, to strengthening institutional coordination in a manner that safeguards human dignity and upholds fundamental rights.
The National Referral Mechanism, launched recently by MoL represented by the NCCHT, forms a cornerstone of Qatar’s ongoing campaign against all forms of human trafficking. It establishes a unified framework designed to enhance prevention, protection and prosecution by aligning the work of government bodies, judicial authorities, healthcare providers, social protection agencies and other partners.
According to details released alongside the Ministry’s statement, the mechanism brings together a wide range of stakeholders. These include the Ministry of Labour, which serves as Chair and Secretariat of the National Referral Mechanism Committee, coordinates national efforts, receives complaints related to labour exploitation and refers suspected cases to competent authorities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinates with diplomatic missions and international organisations, contributes to international cooperation and follows up on the circumstances of non-Qatari victims. The Ministry of Interior receives reports, identifies indicators of suspected trafficking, provides security protection for victims and takes legal measures against offenders. The Criminal Investigation Department collects intelligence, conducts specialised investigations, gathers evidence and supports victim identification and referral to protection services.
The Ministry of Public Health provides necessary healthcare, medical treatment, medical examinations and psychological support.
The Supreme Judiciary Council hears and adjudicates trafficking cases, ensures fair trial guarantees and promotes justice for victims. The Public Prosecution investigates offences, initiates criminal proceedings and protects the rights of victims and witnesses throughout the process.
Additional partners include the Government Communications Office, which supports national media and public awareness campaigns; the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), which monitors victims’ situations from a human rights perspective and provides advice; and the Aman Centre, which offers shelter, protection, psychological, social and legal support while contributing to rehabilitation and social reintegration. Local and international organisations as well as embassies and diplomatic missions also form part of the collaborative network.
The system adopts a victim-centred approach grounded in principles of non-discrimination, respect for human dignity, confidentiality and data protection. It ensures that victims are not held responsible for acts committed as a direct result of their exploitation. The framework covers the full pathway from early detection and reporting, through initial protection and risk assessment, to comprehensive assistance, investigation support and durable solutions that end exploitation and aid recovery.
Officials noted that the mechanism strengthens Qatar’s compliance with international standards and national legislation while addressing humanitarian and legal challenges faced by victims. By clarifying responsibilities and creating clear referral pathways, it aims to deliver faster interventions, greater accountability and improved access to justice.
The Ministry of Labour reiterated that sustained institutional coordination remains essential to eliminating human trafficking in all its forms and creating a safe society that protects every individual. The National Referral Mechanism continues to serve as a key pillar supporting the country’s broader national strategy and plan to combat human trafficking, reinforcing prevention, protection and prosecution efforts across the State.
