RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has been exerting continuous efforts to promote and protect human rights and to prevent and combat crimes of human trafficking through its commitment to the provisions of Islamic Shariah, which prohibits all forms of insult to the human dignity and calls for the respect and the preservation of human rights, said Awwad Al-Awwad, the president of Saudi Arabia's Human Rights Commission (HRC). Saudi Arabia has also enacted laws and regulations to protect human rights, in addition to its commitment locally and internationally by signing and joining agreements and treaties that promote human rights, Al-Awwad added. Saudi Human rights chief made these remarks on the occasion of the World Day against Trafficking in Persons, which is marked on July 30 each year. This day was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly to raise awareness of this crime and the suffering of victims and to enhance their rights and protection. Al-Awwad said that based on Saudi Arabia's awareness of this crime and the necessity of coordination among various government agencies to prevent and combat it, Saudi Arabia has undertaken major reforms at the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and with continuous follow-up from Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense. Saudi Arabia has laid down national regulations that enhance its efforts to combat human trafficking crimes and prevent their occurrence, by protecting the victims and punishing the perpetrators. Saudi Arabia is one of the first countries to adhere to the international agreements that criminalize and combat this crime, he added. HRC chief stated that the National Anti-Trafficking in Persons Committee in the Kingdom is committed to its task. The committee continuously seeks to combat human trafficking crimes at the local level. It provides support and assistance to victims and emphasizes the prosecution and punishment of perpetrators. It also partners with international organizations, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the International Organization for Migration, which aims to strengthen the capabilities of individuals regarding methods to identify potential victims of trafficking in persons. The anti-trafficking also aims at benefiting from best practices and experiences in applying the national referral mechanism for crimes of human trafficking in Saudi Arabia, in addition to analyzing data with the utmost efficiency.
