Qatar's Constitution Guarantees Freedom of Opinion

Geneva, June 03 (QNA) - Qatar's constitution guaranteed freedom of opinion and stated that the sanctity of human privacy shall be inviolable, and therefore interference into privacy of a person, family affairs, home of residence, correspondence, or any other act of interference that may demean or defame a person may not be allowed save as limited by the provisions of the law stipulated therein. This came in a speech delivered by Al Mohannad Al Hammadi, the second secretary at the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar in Geneva, before a session titled 'Interactive Dialogue on the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression' held as part of the ongoing twenty-third session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Al Hammadi said he agreed with the Special Rapporteur that new technologies had led to progress in communication and the flow of information, and economic growth as well as numerous and social changes. He said that communication is a fundamental social process, and a basic human need. It is central to the information society, he said, adding that nobody should be excluded from the benefits of the information society, especially as "we all strive to exploit information in sustainable development, seek to eliminate poverty and hunger, and achieve a balanced and comprehensive social and economic development for all". Al Hammadi added that Qatar has been reiterating the significance of the freedom of opinion and expression, but that should be within the framework of respect for the cultural and religious diversity, and respect for the national and regional characteristics of every country. He stressed on the role that could be played by freedom of opinion and expression in promoting religious tolerance, peace and respect, adding that freedom of expression does not mean advocacy of religious hatred, offending religious symbols, or incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence. He noted that Qatar established the Supreme Council for Information and Communication Technology in 2004 as the country's independent regulator with aim to support its ambitious vision to achieve social and political change while advancing global competitiveness. Concluding his speech, Al Hammadi reiterated the importance of basing the information society on human rights. (QNA)