A/HRC/44/44/Add.1 impede the formation of such organizations and that limit the participation of non-nationals, despite the fact that they account for the majority of the country’s inhabitants.3 6. The Independent Expert commends Qatar for being the first State in the Gulf region to issue a standing invitation to the special procedures of the Human Rights Council, and for facilitating his visit to the country, the first such visit for some time by a special procedure mandate holder. The Independent Expert also notes that his visit was followed by those of three other mandate holders. He also commends the State’s active engagement with international and regional organizations and hosting of various United Nations bodies, facts that reflect the significant contribution the State makes to solidarity with other Member States and peoples, including in the context of human rights. The mandate holder appreciates the fact that Qatar has hosted several relevant international conferences, and has regularly made voluntary contributions to United Nations funds and entities, including to OHCHR, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in addition to the international Red Cross and Red Crescent movement. This assistance facilitates the enjoyment of human rights-based international solidarity throughout the world. II. Applicable constitutional and human rights framework 7. The system of governance of Qatar is hereditary, in the family of Al Thani and the male line of Hamad ibn Khalifa ibn Hamad ibn Abdullah ibn Jassim. In 2004, the Constitution of Qatar, comprising 150 articles, was promulgated to secure the foundations of Qatari society. Part I of the Constitution, concerning the State and the foundations of governance, affirms that the State religion is Islam and that sharia is a principal source of law. According to an explanatory memorandum to the Constitution, no legislation may be adopted in Qatar that conflicts with the absolute, definitive and fixed principles of Islamic sharia. Part II of the Constitution, concerning the guiding principles of society, states that Qatari society is founded on justice, benevolence, freedom, equality and high moral values. The Constitution establishes that the State is responsible for upholding these principles and for guaranteeing security, stability, equal opportunity, solidarity and fellowship among citizens. It emphasizes the role of the family as the foundation of society, the mainstays of which are religion, morality and patriotism. It defines the State’s obligations towards the family and evinces concern for young persons, stating that they must be protected from immorality, exploitation and the evils of physical, mental and spiritual neglect, and provided with conditions favourable to the development of their potential. Part III of the Constitution is devoted to fundamental rights and freedoms. It affirms that citizens have equal public rights and duties before the law and that there can be no discrimination on grounds of sex, origin, language or religion. The Constitution states that the foreign policy of Qatar is guided by a number of principles: the consolidation of international peace and security; respect for human rights; the rejection of violence and the use of force; the promotion of the settlement of international disputes by peaceful means; and cooperation with peace-loving nations (HRI/CORE/QAT/2019, paras. 34–39). 8. The Emir of Qatar is the Head of State. His person is inviolable and must be respected by all. He is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and represents the State at home and abroad and in all international relations. He concludes treaties and conventions by decree and informs the Advisory Council thereof. Once ratified and published in the Official Gazette, these instruments acquire the force of law. The Emir draws up the general policy of the State with the assistance of the Council of Ministers, and ratifies and promulgates laws. No law may be promulgated unless ratified by the Emir. He establishes, regulates and defines 3 The Gulf Centre for Human Rights submitted information on the lack of a robust civil society space in Qatar, highlighting the fact that civil society organizations are rarely able to engage in politics and that non-nationals are at times deported for activism. See Gulf Centre for Human Rights, “Qatar, civil society and human rights: lack of civil society space hinders work of human rights defenders”, Mission Report, March 2016. Some independent organizations representing migrants do, however, operate in Qatar. 3