Mr. President,

Today, we see most of the Arab region foster religious coexistence where all communities, large or small, can thrive. However, while Qatar proudly promotes social cohesion and protection under its National Vision 2030, the lived reality for the Baha'i community starkly contradicts these aspirations. Unjust deportations, blacklisting and in some cases even imprisonment persist, tearing families apart and creating conditions that pose a grave threat to the Baha'i community in Qatar.

The impact of this systematic discrimination is devastating. Consider the case of an individual who was born and raised in Qatar. He built a thriving business and is a valued member of Qatari society, respected by many. As  I am speaking now, this individual has to leave the country, his business forcibly closed, his family’s life uprooted – all because of his religious beliefs. He was even told that the admiration and love people have for him is ‘dangerous’.

Given Qatar's membership in the Human Rights Council, these violations are particularly concerning. Its systematic discrimination of the Baháʼís threatens to eradicate the Baha'i community in Qatar, which is in contrast to positive developments in many Arab countries. We urge Qatari authorities to cease all discrimination against the Baha'is and extend its stated values of human rights, social protection, and cohesion to all.