Doha: Al-Raya newspaper highlighted Qatar’s hosting of the international conference on the protection of journalists in armed conflict zones. This event was organized by the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) and Al Jazeera Public Liberties and Human Rights Centre (PLHRC) in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al-Raya underscored the remarks made by HE NHRC Chairperson Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah, who emphasized the alarming escalation of serious violations and systematic targeting of journalists, their families, and communities. This targeting aims to silence voices recognized under international humanitarian law and international human rights law. The paper pointed out the concerning number of deliberate killings in the Palestinian territories, with 254 journalists martyred in Gaza since the onset of aggression, viewing this as an attempt to silence truth and eliminate eyewitnesses.
Al-Raya concluded by reaffirming that journalism has never been a party to conflicts but serves as a tool to document the truth and suffering of civilians. Qatar upholds the crucial role journalists play as defenders of transparency, accountability, and the public’s right to know.
Meanwhile, The Peninsula newspaper reported on HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani’s ratification of Law No. 25 of 2025, which amends the Civil Human Resources Law of 2016. This move is seen as a significant step in re-engineering Qatar’s administrative framework to reflect evolving priorities such as efficiency, innovation, and family stability. The decree, along with Cabinet Decision No. 34 of 2025, demonstrates the leadership’s commitment to modernizing the public sector. By aligning pay and promotion with performance, Qatar is adopting global best practices that reward merit.
The Peninsula further noted that these reforms aim to foster a motivated and skilled national workforce capable of delivering world-class public services. By institutionalizing merit and fostering work-life balance, Qatar sets a governance model aligned with sustainable development principles outlined in Qatar National Vision 2030.
On a different note, Al-Watan newspaper condemned the Israeli attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was headed to Gaza. The paper referenced a post by the International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza, which stated that the Israeli army targeted the Freedom Flotilla in international waters. Despite the attack, the committee remains committed to ending the blockade and genocide. Al-Watan views these actions as piracy and a grave violation of international law, highlighting the need to challenge the illegal blockade on Gaza. The newspaper concluded by asserting that such attacks on unarmed civilians and humanitarian aid vessels reflect the culture of impunity under which Israel operates.