- RIYADH: The National Society for Human Rights (NSHR) Chairman Mufleh Al-Qahtani has revealed Crown Prince Naif, deputy premier and interior minister, sought to boost human rights in the Kingdom, and has said “his doors are open to the society to reinforce human rights.”
Al-Qahtani, who along with NSHR members met the crown prince at his office, revealed to Arab News that Prince Naif showed keen interest in upholding citizen’s human rights.
The NSHR chief briefed the prince on the rights body’s achievements and the role of the society, to which Prince Naif responded “his doors were open for cooperation with the society with the purpose of boosting human rights in Saudi Arabia.”
Prince Naif also stressed that the human rights issue is safeguarded and rooted in the Shariah and enshrined in Saudi laws, Al-Qahtani said, adding, the Interior Ministry is interested in reinforcing justice with stress on human rights.
“The crown prince emphasized his respect for human rights and reiterated that we live in a state governed by laws. He also confirmed that the Interior Ministry will deal seriously with any complaints,” Al-Qahtani said.
According to NSHR reports, there’s been a progress in human rights issue.
This is largely due to a number of factors, chief among them is the government’s will to enhance human rights through follow ups by monitoring bodies, Al-Qahtani said.
The NSHR focuses on individual complaints, contributes to the study of regulations, and suggests necessary modifications to these regulations in line with international agreement.
He added, the body is focusing on Saudi human rights particularly those of prisoners and those in Iraq. It is also following up on the rights of Saudi women, who are married to foreigners.
He said that the crown prince also encouraged the NSHR to raise any issue or complaint and that the Interior Ministry would follow up.
Al-Qahtani said the NSHR has set out a strategy to create awareness about human rights. This strategy will target individuals, officials, and executive bodies through workshops, seminars and publications.
The NSHR has also suggested including human rights issues in the schools and universities curricula. Al-Qahtani, while speaking about the aspirations of the society, praised the positive role that higher education and media can play.
