Abdulaziz Al-Rebaiei and Mohammad Al-Enezi Saudi Gazette TAIF/DAMMAM — Some citizens are claiming that the National Society for Human Rights (NSHR) has lost its direction and has strayed away from its core values as it relies on findings merely through correspondence with government bodies. They insist that the role of the NSHR must include field investigation of the problem. The NSHR should get involved with government bodies, and investigate violations and discrepancies often concealed, according to them. Government bodies offering services to citizens, such as the municipalities, the social insurance authority, and the hospitals should particularly be investigated. Despite the NSHR attempts to educate citizens of their human rights, many citizens are not aware of its role. Some also believe that NSHR can intervene or monitor only after obtaining the necessary permission from higher authorities. Dr. Mufleh Al-Qahtani, President of the National Society for Human Rights, said that the society does not need any permission to carry out its duties. The NSHR is a monitoring body, he added, and is not a substitute for judicial or legislative body. Only when such bodies default in their duties, as per regulations the NSHR can act on the matter. He said the existence of a "society" and a "commission" for human rights does not add to the misunderstanding of the human rights. Both are required as per international standards, and each practices its own role according to its own regulations. He said that all NSHR personnel are encouraged to consider the humane nature of the society's role. He added that anyone has the right to complain about the negligence or shortcomings of the NSHR. However, he said, such complaints must be valid and pertinent, as some do not concern the NSHR and should be directed to other bodies. He said the society is capable of executing its role in line with its responsibilities. The NSHR has recently completed its strategic plan for the coming years, and hopes that more benefits will be realized for the citizens. Any negligence or shortcoming is the responsibility of the NSHR. It monitors all human rights violations, and does not await a complaint to get involved. Dr. Al-Qahtani said cooperation and response of government bodies to NSHR queries is slow, but improving. This is due to some employees in the government bodies who are incapable of dealing with cases, either because they are not qualified or because they have become accustomed to different routines. The NSHR had many differences with government bodies, but with continued coordination and cooperation, such differences will be eliminated, he said. The major obstacle to the NSHR is the negligence of citizens and some government officials of the human rights culture. Officials in mid positions should be carefully selected, and employees who excel in their work should be given an opportunity to advance. They should not be treated equally to other non-productive employees. Employees should be evaluated and rewarded accordingly. The cases received by the NSHR are mainly administrative, followed by those relating to prisoners and lobar cases. Civil and family violence cases are next, followed by judicial cases. The Ministry of Interior has recently approved five NSHR offices to monitor and follow up complaints of prisoners.
