Qatar and UNODC sign deal to fund justice projects

On November 27, an agreement between Qatar and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) was signed in Vienna.Qatar will fund to deliver projects related to justice, prisoners, youth and justice education highlighted by the Doha Declaration adopted by the 13th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.The agreement was signed by Major-General Dr Abdullah Yousuf Al Mal, Adviser to the Minister of Interior who is also chairman of the Doha Declaration Implementation Committee, and by UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov. 

The signing ceremony was attended by Qatar's Permanent Representative to the UN in Vienna, Ali bin Khalfan Al Mansouri, the ministry said in statement yesterday. 

Viewed as a lasting legacy to the 13th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice held in Doha this April, the deal aims to help countries achieve a positive and sustainable impact on criminal justice and the rule of law all over the world.  Funds will be used to continue to advance the Doha Declaration and ensure UNODC builds projects and programmes that support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. 

The projects will help people and communities in almost 80 countries, especially the developing and the least developed ones. Projects include strengthening judicial integrity, prevention of corruption, fostering rehabilitation and social integration of prisoners, preventing youth crime through sports and a major initiative called 'Education for Justice'.

The agreement is considered a comprehensive commitment of Qatar to the rule of law and justice.  The Doha Declaration articulates a global commitment to crime prevention and criminal justice. It also calls for fair criminal justice systems, upholding human rights, preventing corruption, enhancing transparency and promoting child and youth concerns within the criminal justice system, among others.