c. Working with government, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and business to
ensure that no one is left behind
The right to work, along with other rights, have been directly affected as a result of
the current crisis. The shedding of a large number of jobs, and the failure of some
companies to fulfill their obligations towards workers by withholding the payment of
wages and housing and food allowances, caused an increase in the number of people
exposed to economic hardship during the pandemic. It can be said that housingrelated problems have been resolved through several ways, such as: the MADLSA
obligated companies to secure them; Qatar Development Bank funded companies
that are unable to pay their obligations; tenants agreed with landlords to reduce the
rent; or charitable and humanitarian organizations provided their contributions. In a
limited number of cases, landlords exempted tenants from paying the full rent.
In order to ensure that no one is left behind, the NHRC recommended in its reports to
the competent authorities that special attention should be given to the most
vulnerable groups, such as women who lost their jobs, patients, the elderly, children
and people with disabilities. Thus, highlighting vulnerable groups that may not have
been considered in the government response.
It should be noted that the improvement that took place as a result of continued
monitoring does not exempt companies from assuming their responsibilities towards
workers. The NHRC believes that despite the great efforts made to secure food
supplies for the industrial area, constant monitoring and evaluation are required to
ensure that workers are not deprived of food.
The awareness and education team has conducted awareness campaigns for workers
in multiple languages - targeted campaigns at workers so that they know their rights
under Qatari law. Additionally, brochures explaining ways to prevent the spread of
COVID-19 were distribute, along with some medical supplies, such as masks and
sanitizers that were provided in several areas.
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