The arbitrary deprivation of nationality of Qatari citizens 47. The State of Qatar continues to deprive Qatari nationality from individuals. Often, this is due to their restriction on dual nationality, but also, as a mechanism through which to target political opponents or human rights defenders. For instance, in September 2017 following the diplomatic crisis between the GCC states, Qatar began withdrawing citizenship from individuals who were deemed to be sympathetic to Saudi Arabia, members of the Al Murra tribe. 48. In September 2017, Qatar stripped Sheikh Talib bin Mohammed bin Lahoum bin Shraim Al Murra, the head of the tribe in Qatar, along with 54 members of his family and they fled to Saudi Arabia. He is reported to have said that “my citizenship will return, for me and my family whether the emir of Qatar likes it or not, for both me and the Al Ghufran tribe who also got their citizenships revoked.”39 49. The collective revocation of nationality was in contrast to Article 13 of Qatar’s 2005 Nationality Act, which states that “Save as otherwise provided for in the removal or withdrawal decision, the forfeiture of nationality shall only apply to the person concerned”, notably since the ‘save as otherwise provided for’ caveat provides for sweeping, arbitrary measures that are not consistent with human rights standards and basic human dignity. 50. In October 2017, the government revoked the nationality of well-known poet, Mohammad Bin Futais Al Marri.40 Recommendations 51. Based on the above information, and in order to address the multifaceted issue of statelessness and discrimination in Qatar, the co-submitting organisations urge reviewing States to make the following Recommendations to Qatar: I. Ensure that all necessary steps are taken to amend the Citizenship Law to enable Qatari women to transfer nationality to their children and spouses without restriction, on an equal basis to men, in accordance with international standards and the Constitution of Qatar. II. Remove Qatar’s reservation to and ensure full compliance with the entirety of CEDAW Article 9. III. Remove all reservations to the ICCPR and ICESCR, including in relation to gender equality. IV. Facilitate independent research of, and then initiate clear procedures to identify and determine the number and profiles of all stateless individuals in Qatar, particularly the Bidoon and Al Murra communities. 39 The National (UAE) - UPDATE: Formal complaint lodged to UN after Qatar strips 55 of citizenship, 14 September 2017, accessible at: https://www.thenational.ae/world/tribal-chief-flees-to-saudi-arabia-after-qatar-strips-55-of-citizenship-1.628360 40 Gulf News - Qatar revokes famous poet’s citizenship, 1 October 2017, accessible at: https://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/qatar/qatar-revokes-famous-poet-s-citizenship-1.2098844 11