JEDDAH, 4 January 2005 — Nearly 200 women attended a lecture about human rights in Saudi Arabia organized by the women’s committee at the International Islamic Relief Organization (IIRO) here on Saturday. Dr. Abdullah Saleh ibn Ubaid, director of the National Society for Human Rights (NSHR) and a member of the Shoura Council, spoke about the NSHR’s objectives and tasks.
The NSHR began its activities on March 9, 2004 as an independent national organization. It is not an alternative to courts. It cooperates with like-minded societies and committees around the world. The NSHR works according to the precept of Shariah. “Our religion is Islam and we deduce the laws from the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah and we pay no significance to any agreement that contradicts with Shariah. The NSHR protects human rights according to Shariah,” said Dr. Abdullah.
He said the NSHR aims to achieve justice for all people — citizens, residents or visitors — and protect them whether they are inside the Kingdom or outside. It stands against injustice, violence and all forms of torture. It also guarantees respect for human rights.
The NSHR consists of four committees. The first committee observes and follows up on issues concerning the NSHR and it receives complaints from individuals. Another committee accomplishes studies and consultations regarding the documents, regulations and procedures concerning human rights. The committee on publicity and culture deals with awareness campaigns, conferences, symposiums, and distributing information concerning human rights. The last committee is the family committee that deals with family issues. Other committees would be established as and when the need arises.
One of the participants asked if the NSHR had reservations on any of the clauses of international human rights charter. Dr. Abdullah said: “There is a clause in the charter on the freedom of religion, and the right of women to marry a man from any religion. These two clauses contradict with Islam, so they were refused and the refusal was accepted.”
Another question was about how the NSHR handled the huge number of cases it received.
“We discuss cases according to their priorities. We deal with five cases every year,” Dr. Abdullah replied.
Dr. Samira Jamjoum, a professor of Islamic culture, asked if Islamic culture professors could have a role in cases concerning women. Dr. Abdullah said that the suggestion would be considered in future plans. However, in the meantime there are members specialized in reconciliation before a case goes to court, especially when it concerns family matters.
