Examining press freedom across GCC states
Repressive media laws in Gulf Cooperation Countries reflect concerning press freedom trends.
Qaṭar: Woman human rights defender Noof Al-Maadeed faces grave violations of her civil and human rights
GCHR calls on the Qatari government to end all forms of oppression and violence that are still commonly practiced against women.
A human rights guide for reporters covering the FIFA World Cup in Qatar
Ahead of the World Cup, Human Rights Watch’s new report summarises Qatar’s human rights problems; it also describes FIFA’s human rights policies and how the global football governing body can more effectively address serious violations in the country.
Will Qatar get a Red Card on digital rights?
As Qatar hosts the World Cup this year, a new series looks into the state of the internet and digital surveillance there.
Qatar: Security forces arrest, abuse LGBT people
“Qatari authorities need to end impunity for violence against LGBT people. The world is watching.” – Rasha Younes, LGBT rights researcher at HRW.
Qatar: Very restrictive accreditation for reporters covering FIFA World Cup
“Qatar is clearly seeking to discourage, if not prevent, the foreign media from talking about anything other than football.” – Christophe Deloire, RSF secretary-general.
As World Cup nears, Qatar and FIFA face fresh scrutiny on press freedom commitments
Rights groups raise concerns over whether reporters will be able to cover the World Cup freely.
Ten questions journalists should put to FIFA and Qatar ahead of the World Cup
“Journalists, football associations, fans, and others should press both FIFA officials and Qatari authorities about human rights in the Gulf state, particularly the rights of migrant workers, women, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people” – HRW
Qatar: Demonstrators remain detained for protesting election laws
According to the Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR), Qatari authorities detained dozens of citizens following peaceful protests against the country’s discriminatory electoral system, in violation of their right to free expression and assembly.
Blocked voices: The COVID-19 outbreak mobilizes demands to unblock Voice Over IP in the Gulf
With the need to communicate and access information during the COVID-19 pandemic, rights organizations call on governments in the Gulf region to lift their ban on Voice Over IP platforms that facilitate voice and video internet calls.
Qatar: How a crackdown on fake news will restrict freedom of expression
Newly proposed amendments to Qatar’s penal code would impose harsh punishment for the dissemination of fake news, dealing a new blow to freedom of expression in the country.
Qatari authorities arbitrarily close Doha Centre for Media Freedom
GCHR believes that Qatari authorities have been threatened by the existence of a centre that defends media freedom.
Qatar renews travel ban imposed on prominent human rights lawyer Najeeb Al-Nuaimi
Al-Nuaimi is a well-known human rights lawyer who voluntarily defended prisoners of conscience in Qatar, including poet Mohamed Rashid Al-Ajami.
Qatar’s crisis is about freedom of expression
The singling out of Qatar has as much to do with alleged support of terrorism as it does with a desire to shutter Al Jazeera.