RIYADH — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman received senior Saudi human rights officials at Al-Yamamah Palace here on Wednesday. They included President of the Human Rights Commission Bandar Al-Aiban, President of the National Society for Human Rights (NSHR) Mufleh Al-Qahtani, and a number of senior officials. Speaking on the occasion, King Salman reiterated the Kingdom's keenness in protecting human rights in line with the Islamic Shariah. He emphasized that there won't be any discrimination between citizens and others as far as the law of the land is concerned. “The foundation of the State is based on adherence to the Islamic Shariah, which calls for the protection of human rights. The rule of our country was established on the basis of justice, consultation and equality. The State's systems are integrated into the protection of rights, achievement of justice, guaranteeing freedom of expression, impartiality and addressing the causes and reasons of division,” the King said. “All citizens are equal in rights and duties, and the Basic Governing Law states that the State shall protect human rights in line with the Islamic Shariah.” King Salman said that judiciary is in the forefront of the government bodies concerned with the protection of human rights. “The Kingdom's regulations have emphasized the independence of the judiciary that guarantees justice for all citizens and residents. Out of the keenness to protect human rights within the framework of the Islamic Shariah, the State has established the Human Rights Commission.” The King also welcomed the establishment of NSHR, and other private rights bodies.
