Qatar Govt.: The Role of The State
Qatar Govt.: The Role of The State Last updated on Saturday 24th April 2010
The Constitution declares that Qatar is a sovereign and independent Arab state. Islam is the official religion of the country and Islamic law (sharia) is the principal source of legislation. Democracy is the basis of the government.
The State exercises sovereignty over all territories and territorial waters within its international borders. It is responsible for maintaining the integrity, security and stability of the country as well as using all its resources to defend itself against any act of aggression.
The aim of Qatar's foreign policy is to strengthen bonds of friendship with all countries, especially with Islamic ones. The State accepts the principles contained in the Charter of the United Nations which support the rights of all people and nations to self-determination.
The State is legally entrusted with the control and supervision of the national economy to accomplish economic development in the country through sound planning and cooperation with specialized international agencies. Private ownership, capital and labour which form the basis of the social infrastructure of the country are regarded as individual rights, guaranteed and organized by law.
The State also guarantees all free enterprise, provided that it does not conflict with the interests of the State. In accordance with religious, moral and national principles, the Constitution is concerned with the well-being of the family as it is the nucleus of society. To that end, specific legislation has been enacted to protect families and children and every effort is made to provide equal work opportunities for all citizens on the basis of social justice supported by law.