RIYADH — Dr. Hala Al-Tuwaijri, President of Saudi Arabia's Human Rights Commission and Chair of the National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons, affirmed on Tuesday that the Kingdom has established an integrated system to combat trafficking in persons, rooted in comprehensive reforms and institutional measures aligned with international best practices. Speaking on the occasion of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Al-Tuwaijri highlighted that the Kingdom's ongoing efforts are a direct extension of the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and the continuous support of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. Among the key milestones cited was the establishment of the General Department for Community Security and Anti-Trafficking, affiliated with Public Security, which aims to eliminate trafficking crimes and strengthen social safety and security. Al-Tuwaijri noted that Saudi Arabia has bolstered its legislative and regulatory framework by ratifying the National Policy to Eliminate Forced Labor, and implementing amendments to various laws and regulations that protect victims, whistleblowers, witnesses, and experts involved in anti-trafficking cases. She emphasized that the National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons is focused on achieving long-term impact through the implementation of the National Action Plan, the development of a national referral mechanism, the approval of crime indicator guidelines, and the creation of a comprehensive national database. These initiatives are supported by both local and international partnerships, including the Victim Support Fund launched in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). On the prevention front, Al-Tuwaijri revealed that Saudi Arabia has adopted a capacity-building approach, delivering nearly 120 specialized training programs involving over 9,500 participants from both public and private sectors. She also pointed to key public awareness campaigns, such as "Together to Combat Human Trafficking," self-paced learning initiatives, and community awareness assessments, as well as support for academic research to deepen understanding and drive innovation in combating trafficking. The Kingdom has also intensified victim protection measures, developing mechanisms to identify victims and provide them with appropriate support in coordination with relevant agencies, ensuring rapid response and justice. Dr. Al-Tuwaijri concluded by reaffirming the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to promoting human rights and combating human trafficking through a unified, institutional approach. She stated that Saudi Arabia has become a regional model in this field, setting a benchmark for others in terms of policy, protection, and international cooperation.
