The recent decision in which the Saudi Human Rights Committee (HRC) was affiliated with the Shoura Council by merging it with the Shoura Islamic Committee may not help HRC attain its objectives. We all welcomed the establishment of the HRC as a step in the right direction, one that would help address some pressing matters — namely those relating to programs intended to protect civil rights. Such programs require our full attention and every effort from all those engaged in such activities. This may not be possible if HRC is to work as part of another committee which is already saddled with responsibilities. Any division of effort or rescheduling of priorities will severely curtail HRC’s activities and programs.

Among the responsibilities of the United Nations Human Rights Commission is to ensure that human rights are respected in all countries of the world by closely working with local human rights bodies in those countries. Even if there were no such bodies, the Commission would still seek the cooperation of other relevant institutions involved in such activities. The Commission encourages everyone to cooperate in order to facilitate direct communication and avoid publishing any reports on the situation of human rights that do not reflect a true picture.

We hope the authorities will review the decision to merge the HRC with the Shoura Islamic Committee and allow it to operate as an independent body. Such a body should have a constituent council to lay down its rules and regulations and an elected board of directors as well as elected members. Those elected should prepare the committee programs in coordination with relevant government and private institutions. This would enable the HRC to enjoy credibility with international human rights bodies which will treat it as an independent credible entity, capable of enforcing, closely monitoring and following up plans needed to ensure the protection of human rights. Only then will international human rights bodies view HRC as a truly professional and trustworthy body and enter into full cooperation with it in a mutually respectful manner.

Arab News From the Local Press 5 May 2003