MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE STATE OF QATAR FOR COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF COMBATING HUMAN TR…

The Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the State of Qatar, hereinafter referred to as the “Participants”;

Aspiring to strengthen the ties of friendship between the two countries and enhance bilateral cooperation in combating human trafficking crimes;

Recognizing the importance of establishing a mutual framework of cooperation in the field of combating human trafficking;

Have reached the following understanding:

Paragraph 1
The Participants will cooperate to work together to combat human trafficking, including advancing labor protection in both countries, through exchange of expertise in the field of legislation and exchange of studies and research.

Paragraph 2
Cooperation under this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), takes the following forms:

1. Identify and implement joint projects, which may include capacity building activities and training programs.
2. Exchange of legislations and regulations related to the field of combating human trafficking.
3. Promote public awareness about human trafficking.
4. Exchange of studies and research on human trafficking.
5. Exchange of visits and expertise in combating human trafficking.

Paragraph 3
The competent authorities to implement the provisions of this MOU are:

1. On behalf of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines: The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT).
2. On behalf of the Government of the State of Qatar: Ministry of Labour, the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking (NCCHT).

Paragraph 4
The Participants may create a joint committee to implement this MOU, its tasks include the following:

1. Prepare an annual cooperation plan with identified projects, activities and programs, according to specific timelines.
2. Identify appropriate practical ways and mechanisms to implement the annual cooperation plan.
3. Follow up and evaluate the level of progress of the implementation of the annual cooperation plan and submit an annual report to the Participants.

The joint committee will meet once a year alternately in the two countries, whenever necessary or at the request of any of the Participants.

Paragraph 5
The Participants will finance the activities mentioned in this MOU according to the availability of funds allocated in their budget in accordance with the laws enforced in both countries. Each Participant will independently cover their own expenses arising from its participation in the activities mentioned in this MOU.

Paragraph 6
None of the Participants may disclose any confidential information received from the other Participant in the course of implementing the cooperative activities under this MOU to any third party, except by an express prior written consent of the Participant which provided such information.

Paragraph 7
This MOU does not constitute a legally binding international agreement. It establishes the general principles of cooperation between the Participants and does not accrue any legal obligations on them.

Paragraph 8
Any conflict or dispute that may arise between the Participants from the interpretation or the implementation of this MOU should be resolved amicably by consultations or negotiations between the Participants through diplomatic channels.

Paragraph 9
Upon mutual written consent of the Participants, modifications may be made to this MOU in the form of separate protocols, being integral part of it. The modification will become effective on the date of its signature by both Participants.

Paragraph 10
This MOU will become effective upon its signature by both Participants. It remains valid for a period of three (3) years and will be automatically renewed for further similar periods, unless either of the Participants notifies, at least six (6) months before the date of its termination, the other Participant in writing and through diplomatic channels of its intention to terminate it.

The termination or expiration of this MOU will not affect any activity that has been initiated under this MOU, until its completion, unless the Participants agree otherwise in writing.

In witness thereof, the undersigned below duly authorized by their respective Governments, have signed this MOU.

Signed in Manila on 22 April 2024, in two original copies, English and Arabic languages, all texts being equally authentic.  

 

(Sgd.) FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

(Sgd.) FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE STATE OF QATAR

Entry into Force: April 22, 2024