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The opening session of the second day of the Fourth National Human Rights Forum focused on international, regional, and national standards and strategies for addressing drug-related challenges. The session was chaired by Colonel Dr Jassim Mohammed al-Obaidli, director of the Security Research and Studies Centre at the Police Academy, with Abdulrahman bin Sultan al-Hashemi, assistant director of the International Co-operation Department at the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), serving as rapporteur. Al-Obaidli highlighted that these standards are rooted in the international conventions adopted by the United Nations, which establish the core principles governing drug control. He explained that these principles include criminalising illicit drug trafficking, strengthening international co-operation through extradition, information exchange, and mutual legal assistance, and promoting co-ordinated global responses to the problem. He added that the conventions also encourage states to adopt preventive, treatment, and rehabilitation policies, as well as social reintegration programmes for drug users. These measures, he said, reflect a modern approach that views individuals with substance-use disorders as patients in need of care and support, rather than solely as offenders subject to punishment. Dr Wadih Maalouf, director of the International Drug Prevention Programme at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) headquarters in Vienna, addressed the session via video conference. He spoke on international standards and mechanisms for combating drugs, outlining key challenges, future prospects, and best practices. Dr Maalouf stressed that the drug problem is a shared global challenge affecting all countries, although its manifestations differ depending on local contexts, types of substances, and patterns of use. He noted that drug-related phenomena are inherently international, with changing geographical and temporal dynamics. Nasser Marzouq Sultan al-Marri, director of the Legal Affairs Department at the NHRC, emphasised that addressing drug issues from a human rights perspective requires first examining the rights-based approaches adopted by national institutions before assessing their practical implementation. He explained that this framework is built on integrated approaches that address the root causes of the problem, including family disintegration, gaps in social policies, widespread unemployment, and feelings of marginalisation and loss among large segments of youth. These factors, he warned, contribute to serious imbalances in human rights systems and create environments conducive to drug use and addiction. The forum’s second session focused on national strategies, policies, and measures for combating drugs and psychotropic substances. Moderated by Dr Noura al-Sahlawi, professor of Public Law at Qatar University, the session opened with a presentation by Captain Abdullah Qasim Askar, head of the Education and Awareness Section at the General Directorate of Drug Enforcement. He discussed emerging patterns of drug-related crimes and comprehensive counter-narcotics strategies. Captain Askar noted that Qatar continues to take leading steps in drug control through an integrated system that combines strict legislation, community awareness programmes, healthcare services for drug users, and enhanced international co-operation, in line with human rights principles and the Sustainable Development Goals. He added that transnational organised crime networks have shown significant adaptability, exploiting global conflicts, technological advances, and expanding communication networks to traffic narcotics and refine their methods. Concluding the session, Fahad al-Hajri, first assistant in the Narcotics Prosecution, identified synthetic drugs as a major current challenge, noting that manufacturers frequently alter chemical compositions to evade detection and prosecution. He explained that these substances include fully synthetic drugs produced through chemical processes, such as synthetic opioids and stimulants, including ecstasy and methamphetamine. 

The United States announced on Friday sanctions against Colombian President Gustavo Petro, accusing him of refusing to combat drug trafficking. In a statement, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said: "President Petro has allowed drug cartels to flourish and refused to stop this activity. Today, President Trump is taking strong action to protect our nation and make clear that we will not tolerate the trafficking of drugs into our nation."The sanctions are also against the Colombian president's wife, Veronica Del Socorro Alcocer Garcia, his son Nicolas, and Colombian Interior Minister Armando Benedetti.In response to the US accusations and sanctions, the Colombian president posted on the X platform that he has sought to combat drug trafficking for decades."Fighting drug trafficking for decades and effectively has brought me this measure from the government of the society we helped so much to curb their cocaine consumption," he added.

The Ministry of Labour, represented by the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking (NCCHT), in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), has organized a specialised training program to strengthen the skills and capacities of personnel from NCCHT member organisations. The program equipped participants with advanced methodologies to effectively train, mentor, and guide others in combating human trafficking. It focused on preparing attendees as professional trainers, covering programme design, content delivery, and best practices to maximise awareness and educational impact. The initiative forms part of Qatar's National Plan to Combat Human Trafficking (2024-2026), which seeks to coordinate efforts across government bodies and civil society, while fostering regional and international partnerships. The program underscores Qatar's commitment to upholding human rights and human dignity in line with Islamic law, the Constitution, and national legislation prohibiting all forms of exploitation and abuse.

Jordan and Syria have reaffirmed their ongoing and effective coordination in security and intelligence efforts to counter drug trafficking and smuggling. In a joint statement issued by the two countries' anti-narcotics departments, both sides outlined key frameworks for security and intelligence cooperation aimed at dismantling criminal networks and disrupting smuggling routes. According to the statement, published by the Jordan News Agency (Petra), the two countries reiterated their commitment to protecting societies from the scourge of drugs and the direct threat it poses to the security of individuals and the stability of states. They continue to enhance field coordination and intelligence exchange, which has recently yielded significant results in curbing cross-border criminal activities. The statement noted that, through joint efforts and close coordination, specialized teams successfully foiled seven smuggling attempts across their shared border and seized approximately one million narcotic pills intended for illicit distribution in regional markets. The cooperation also led to the dismantling of organized criminal networks involved in regional drug trafficking operations that posed a direct threat to the security of both countries and the wider region. Both sides stressed that combating drug trafficking is not solely a security task, but also a humanitarian, social, and moral responsibility that requires stronger regional and international cooperation to address this cross-border menace. They reaffirmed their determination to continue joint efforts with persistence and unwavering resolve to eradicate this dangerous phenomenon.

The Ministry of Labour, in partnership with the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking (NCCHT), conducted a three-day intensive training program to strengthen national capacity in identifying and addressing human trafficking in line with international and national standards.The program brought together NCCHT staff supporting hotline operations, personnel from humanitarian care homes, and labour inspectors, equipping them with the knowledge and skills required for early detection of trafficking cases and effective intervention. The initiative aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to secure a dignified life for all residents and foster a thriving, knowledge-based society.As part of Qatar's National Human Trafficking Action Plan 2024-2026, the training underscores ongoing efforts to harmonise and coordinate national measures across government bodies and civil society. It reaffirms the nation's commitment to human rights, Islamic law, the Constitution, and legislation that protects human dignity and prohibits all forms of exploitation.Participants engaged in specialized modules covering legal frameworks, trafficking indicators, national referral mechanisms, and the operational roles of specialised units and labour inspectors in enforcing the law and supporting victims. The training also emphasised a human-rights-centred approach, promoting protection, prevention, and rehabilitation.Human trafficking remains one of the most egregious violations of contemporary human rights, with profound impacts on individual dignity and fundamental freedoms. Effective counteraction requires collaborative efforts, activation of joint coordination mechanisms, strengthened national and international partnerships, and broad awareness of the risks and strategies to combat this crime.Through such initiatives, Qatar continues to build national expertise, raise societal awareness, and foster strategic alliances aimed at preventing and combating human trafficking at national, regional, and global levels.