There are signs that Saudi society is undergoing positive changes in various areas. This could end finally with us living in greater harmony with the rest of the world. The changes are taking place at a time when the international arena is undergoing rapid transformation that could usher in a new era of human history.

Recently, there has been a genuine will and determination by decision-makers in this country. No one can question or even suspect the credibility and sincerity of their intentions. The ultimate objective is to rethink and revise the chronic shortcomings and negative aspects that have been marring public life and adopt new approaches for the removal of all obstacles that impede progress.

Despite all the positive signs and changes, one cannot understand why the media has failed to cope with the trend by researching, analyzing and trying to explain it to the public. The media has failed to clear the ambiguities and uncertainties in the public mind and thus has let people fall victim to misinterpretations, speculations and conflicting explanations. A sure example is the lack of clarity surrounding the establishment of human rights commissions.

Last year the authorities announced the establishment of two commissions, one official and the other independent and non-governmental. This was a major development in itself and should have been accompanied by extensive media coverage. Although there were not enough details surrounding the announcement, people nevertheless have been curious to learn more about the commissions. They looked for the media to provide them with details. They wanted to know the obligations and responsibilities of the two committees, the kind of relationship that links them to society, when they will begin their jobs and what methods and tools they will use in doing their jobs.

After almost losing hope with no one coming forward to explain these and many other points, help has at last come from a newspaper published outside the Kingdom. The newspaper surprised everyone by announcing that members of the independent commission have been named and the committee had held its first meeting a few days earlier.

The report said there were 41 members, including 10 women, who chose the chairman and members of the executive committee and outlined what it said was the commission’s plan of action. The committee announced its commitment to human rights as enshrined in international law and in a manner that does not contradict Shariah.

The media should have told us more about the two committees: The bylaws governing their work, how they are going to cooperate and coordinate among themselves, their relationship with members of the public and views held by their members on different matters relating to human rights. I see no justification for keeping the public in the dark and leaving them without knowing the basic facts and details.

When will our media begin to do its real job?