JEDDAH, 16 July 2005 — The National Society for Human Rights (NSHR) plans to issue annual reports on human rights situation in Saudi Arabia, says its Chairman Dr. Hamad Al-Majed. He also disclosed that the Riyadh-based rights watchdog had received 1,614 complaints from citizens.
“The NSHR serves as a mirror for the government, reflecting positive aspects as well as shortcomings in the performance of government departments including prisons,” Al-Majed was quoted as saying by the Saudi Press Agency while giving a lecture in Manchester.
The NSHR chief condemned last week’s terror bombings in London and said Saudis share the pain and sorrow of Britons as a result of the deaths, injuries and destruction caused by the blasts. He conveyed his condolences to the victims’ families.
The lecture was held as part of the Saudi cultural festival in Manchester, which was opened by Saudi Ambassador to Britain Prince Turki Al-Faisal on Wednesday. The five-day event is expected to draw more than 10,000 people including 3,000 schoolchildren.
“The NSHR is an independent organization based in Riyadh and its members are not allowed to hold any government position. Its branches have been established in Makkah, Dammam and Jizan, and there are plans to open new branches in other parts of the country,” Al-Majed said.
The society aims to ensure proper implementation of Saudi regulations, receives complaints from Saudis and expatriates and promotes a culture of human rights by holding conferences and seminars and distributing booklets, he said.
“It also encourages regional and international cooperation for the protection of human rights,” he added.
The society was established in March 2004 to protect human rights within the framework of Saudi regulations and the standards approved by the United Nations, the Arab League and the Organization of the Islamic Conference, without violating Islamic teachings.
The society has a 41-member general body including 10 women, a nine-member executive council, and specialized panels for culture and publications; and family.
Nine Million Foreigners
In another lecture, Dr. Abdul Wahid Al-Humaid, deputy labor minister for planning and development, said the rights of expatriate workers are protected in Saudi Arabia. He estimated the total number of foreigners in the Kingdom at nine million.
“There are 6.4 million expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia. If you add their families, the total will reach nine million, which is 33 percent of the population (27 million),” the Saudi Press Agency quoted the official as saying.
However, Al-Humaid admitted that rights violations were possible while dealing with such a huge number of expatriate workers. “But such instances are rare, not like what some organizations try to portray,” he told the gathering.
The minister said Saudi Arabia had benefited a lot from its expatriate workers and their expertise. “The countries of these expatriates have also benefited from their money transfers, which had been instrumental in boosting their economic development,” he said.
Al-Humaid also referred to the Kingdom’s Saudization drive to create job opportunities for its growing number of university and secondary school graduates. During the last three months, the Labor Ministry created jobs for 35,000 young Saudis in the private sector.
Saudi Arabia Days, being held in the historic Heaton Park from July 13-17, offers entertainment for visitors with demonstrations of traditional music and dance as well as traditional crafts like weaving, basket and bead making and the artistry of henna painting. It includes displays on contemporary art and Islam as well as an interactive exhibition about modern Arabia and oil.
Yesterday alone more than 1,000 students from 20 schools in the city visited the festival, SPA said, adding that some students danced with Saudi folklore troupe. School directors and teachers commended the festival and its organizers and said it would play a big role in increasing awareness on the rich Saudi culture and heritage. “It’s a great educational experience,” one school director said.
