Report from the U.S. Embassy in Doha

Msheireb Museums, the new cultural destination situated in Doha’s Msheireb Downtown, today was presented an addition to its library called the U.S. Department of State’s 2017 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report from the U.S. Embassy in Qatar.

The report will become a significant part of the Msheireb Museums Library, specifically Bin Jelmood Heritage House, which provides a space for reflection on the story of slavery and how it has evolved into modern forms of human exploitation. Comprising four Heritage Houses, of which Bin Jelmood is one, Msheireb Museums serves as an essential reference on the history of Qatar for students and researchers.

The TIP Report showcases Qatar’s progress in the protection of human rights and the fight against human trafficking. Bin Jelmood House provides an opportunity for visitors to make a personal commitment to joining the fight against the various forms of human trafficking.

Hafiz Ali, Director of Msheireb Museums said, “It is our honour to receive here today the Trafficking in Persons Report which fully aligns with our effort to tackle the unjust treatment of human beings. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the U.S. Embassy for presenting our library with this report, as it will no doubt serve as a valuable resource to students and researchers alike, who seek further information Qatar’s ongoing efforts to eliminate human trafficking.

“Msheireb Museums plays a vital role in raising awareness on such topics, and will continue its effort alongside other partners to shed light on topics that are so critical to our history. The protection of human rights is something our leadership strongly believes in, and our government is taking all the necessary actions to ensure the rights of everyone in Qatar remain secure on par with international standards.”

Representing the U.S. Embassy was Chargé d’Affaires Ryan Gliha, who personally presented the report to Director of Msheireb Museums, Hafiz Ali.  Mr. Gliha remarked:  “The United States’ collaboration with Qatar to fight human trafficking is the closest it has ever been. The memorandum signed between U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and His Excellency the Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Than captures our commitments to combat human trafficking.” On behalf of Msheireb Museums, Mr. Ali noted:   “It is our honor to receive here today the Trafficking in Persons Report which fully aligns with our effort to tackle the unjust treatment of human beings. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the U.S. Embassy for presenting our library with this report.  Msheireb Museums plays a vital role in raising awareness on such topics…the protection of human rights is something our leadership strongly believes in, and our government is taking all the necessary actions to ensure the rights of everyone in Qatar remain secure on par with international standards.”

The TIP Report, is an annual report issued by the U.S. State Department’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. It is the world’s most comprehensive resource of governmental anti-trafficking efforts and reflects the U.S. Government’s commitment to global leadership on this key human rights and law enforcement issue. It represents an updated, global look at the nature and scope of human trafficking and the broad range of government actions to confront and eliminate it.

Located within the oldest part of the capital, Msheireb Museums form an important part of Qatar’s national history and Doha’s new Msheireb Downtown. The reconstructed buildings and gallery spaces allow the community to engage in the significant aspects of Qatar’s past and life before the country’s rapid economic development.