He pointed to Article 26 of the Basic System of Government, which said: “The country shall protect human rights according to Islamic law.”

Al-Iban said: “The Kingdom used to reinforce the principles of justice, equality and inculcate them in all members of society to ensure all rights and legitimate freedoms. It has paid attention to achieving comprehensive and sustainable development in order to raise the standard of living and ensure the prosperity and stability for citizens and residents and promote and preserve their rights. The Kingdom has boosted its protection capabilities by enacting legislation and issuing regulations to protect human rights and exercise justice and monitor any abuse and violations.”

The establishment of the Human Rights Commission confirms the leadership intention to safeguard the citizen’s welfare and rights, he said, adding the National Anti-Corruption Commission was also set up to meet similar aims.

He said efforts continued to support the judiciary with additional funding, enact new legislation and amend the existing laws to strengthen the concept of human rights.

Member of the Human Rights Commission and president of the Permanent Arab Commission for Human Rights Dr. Ibrahim Shiddi said discussions on human rights have increased in the present and there has been a radical shift from a focus on domestic legislation to international agreements regulating human rights.

“Do not be surprised by the attention given to human rights in the Arab world. It seems this interest is evident by the increase by Arab countries participating in human rights discussions in the international arena as well as the ratification of agreements and treaties on human rights issued by the United Nations or issued by the regional organizations, such as the Islamic Conference Organization which issued the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam and the Arab League which issued the Arab Charter of Human Rights.”