Gulf justice ministers met in Doha on Monday to approve an extradition treaty for suspects and convicts held by Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states and to strengthen judicial cooperation, including enforcement of judgments and judicial requests across the states.
The 34th session of GCC justice ministers reviewed several agreements, including the extradition treaty, which is intended to strengthen the legal and judicial cooperation framework among Gulf states, according to GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohammed Al-Budaiwi.
Al-Budaiwi said the 34th meeting of GCC justice ministers would also focus on civil and criminal cooperation agreements, advancing the enforcement of judicial rulings, and setting standards for juvenile trials under the “Doha Document for Juvenile Rules.”
These agreements are part of a broader effort to enhance legal collaboration among Gulf states.
Al-Budaiwi highlighted the meeting’s role in harmonizing laws across the GCC, including adopting the Judicial Enforcement Treaty and over 21 advisory regulations.
Qatar’s Justice Minister Ibrahim Al-Mohannadi, who chaired the meeting, praised Gulf countries’ progress in updating legal systems, especially in digital justice, and called for stronger coordination to address global security challenges.
He proposed a Gulf-wide strategy to support joint legal efforts and a specialized program to build capacity in human rights protection and law enforcement.
Al-Mohannadi noted that “serious security threats facing the world today call for deeper legal coordination and judicial cooperation among Gulf countries, with unified legislation necessary to create an integrated Gulf legal system that can address these challenges.”
He emphasized the need for a strategic Gulf approach to boost shared legal efforts.
Al-Mohannadi also urged the adoption of a specialized Gulf program to develop human and technical capacities within agencies focused on human rights protection, anti-terrorism, and organized crime.
Saudi Justice Minister Dr. Walid Al-Samaani also attended, with discussions covering legal agreements on civil, commercial, personal status, and criminal issues.
The ministers reviewed plans for unified rules against discrimination and hate speech and a proposal to align legislative principles across the GCC.
