Rights of Juveniles in the Criminal System in Qatar
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Qatari national laws, Emiri decrees, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Qatar has special protections for minors (under 18) who come into contact with the criminal justice system. Because Qatar uses a judge-decided system with no jury, juvenile cases receive specialized judicial attention:
- Age of criminal responsibility is 7 years. Children under 7 cannot be charged with any offence.
- Juveniles aged 7-16 cannot be imprisoned. They may be placed in reformatory institutions or given counseling orders.
- Juvenile cases must be heard in a specialized juvenile court with judges trained in youth matters.
- A parent or guardian must be present during questioning and trial.
- Juvenile proceedings are confidential and the media cannot publish the identity of the minor.
- The focus of juvenile justice is rehabilitation, not punishment.
When does it apply?
- A person under 18 is arrested, detained, or accused of a criminal offence.
- A minor is questioned by police without a parent or guardian present.
- A juvenile is held in an adult detention facility.
What to Do If Your Child Is Arrested or Detained in Qatar
- Demand the presence of a parent or guardian during any questioning.
- Request a lawyer experienced in juvenile cases.
- Insist that the case be handled by the juvenile court, not an adult criminal court.
- Contact the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) at 44044810 if a minor is mistreated or held with adults.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not allow a minor to be questioned alone without a parent, guardian, or lawyer.
- Do not allow a minor to sign any statement without legal review.
- Do not share the minor's identity publicly. Juvenile proceedings are confidential by law.
Common Questions
When does it apply — rights of juveniles in the criminal system?
A person under 18 is arrested, detained, or accused of a criminal offence.A minor is questioned by police without a parent or guardian present.A juvenile is held in an adult detention facility.
What should I do if my child has been arrested or detained by police in Qatar?
Demand the presence of a parent or guardian during any questioning.Request a lawyer experienced in juvenile cases.Insist that the case be handled by the juvenile court, not an adult criminal court.Contact the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) at 44044810 if a minor is mistreated or held with adults.
What should you NOT do — rights of juveniles in the criminal system?
Do not allow a minor to be questioned alone without a parent, guardian, or lawyer.Do not allow a minor to sign any statement without legal review.Do not share the minor's identity publicly. Juvenile proceedings are confidential by law.