A/HRC/44/39/Add.1 59. The Special Rapporteur recognizes and welcomes the support granted systematically by the Government to community schools, through the provision of land, school buildings, water and electricity, and exemptions from customs duties for books, for example. However, she finds it problematic that the functioning of such schools relies on fees only. That approach has a significant impact on children and their right to education. Despite the support granted by schools and communities to families who are unable to keep up with fee payments, this is not a sustainable system. Many children of migrants find themselves in a loophole, as neither Qatar, as the host country, nor countries of origin feel obliged to ensure these children’s right to free education. The Special Rapporteur, while recognizing the difficulty for the Government of anticipating needs with a fluctuating migrant population, recalls that, under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the main responsibility for the implementation of human rights remains with States on their own territories. 60. According to many testimonies, families unable to pay school fees have made the difficult choice to send their children, or the mother with her children, back to their countries of origin, which has a negative impact on the right to family life, as enshrined in article 10 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and article 17 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The Special Rapporteur stresses that parents play a fundamental role in ensuring their children’s education, and that this issue must be addressed taking into consideration the significant challenge faced by Qatar when it comes to family reunification. Migrant workers must earn a minimum of QR 10,000 in order to have the right to bring their families to Qatar, making family reunification unattainable for many of them. 61. Some international private schools also charge very high tuition fees. They are reportedly about QR 22,000 (about US$ 6,000) a year at primary level, and while QR 35,000 (about US$ 9,600) at secondary level is not unusual, fees may reach over QR 80,000 (about US$ 22,000) a year.8 Reportedly, there is a general demand among the population for lower private school tuition fees. The Special Rapporteur was happy to learn that discussions were under way on this issue. 62. Many migrant workers negotiate with their enterprise so that the enterprise covers education costs for their children. However, not all workers are in the same position to negotiate. The Special Rapporteur was informed that, since the diplomatic crisis between Qatar and its neighbouring countries, many companies have reduced the compensation offered to cover educational costs of children. In some schools, the proportion of students whose fees are covered by companies has reportedly diminished significantly. 63. Economic access to university also remains an issue, with average fees reportedly around QR 200,000 (about US$ 55,000). The Special Rapporteur welcomes the fact that free access to universities is ensured for Qataris, and that a system of scholarships is in place to support non-Qataris based on their economic situation and that of their families. Universities also sometimes assist students to obtain support from charities. Out-of-school children: economic, administrative and cultural impediments to access 64. The lack of free education in Qatar results in a number of children not attending school. The Special Rapporteur received reports of children whose parents, grandparents and even great-grandparents had resided in Qatar and had never attended school. 65. According to figures provided by the authorities, some 4,000 children were concerned, although the number might be much greater, according to other interlocutors. Provision has already been made for nearly half of them, thanks in particular to their integration in private and community schools, the creation of two free Ihsaan charity schools operating with the support of the Education Above All foundation, and the support provided to families by the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs. The two schools, one for Arabic speakers, including refugee children, and another for non-Arabic speakers, are completely free. Three more schools may be opened progressively, depending on needs. 8 See www.edarabia.com/qatar-school-fees/. 11