YOKOHOMA, 18 December — Education Minister Muhammad Al-Rasheed said here yesterday cases of sexual abuse of minors and child labor are not common in Saudi society.
Addressing the second international conference against abuse of children in this Japanese city, Al-Rasheed, who led the Saudi delegation to the conference, said the Kingdom’s participation in the conference reflected the keenness of its government to cooperate with international agencies in fighting unhealthy behavior and promote noble social values. He noted that Saudi Arabia had also participated the first conference on child abuse in 1996.
Al-Rasheed emphasized that the strong bond of affinity within the family and among blood relations was the major factor that protects Saudi children from any type of abuse.
“The close affinity among relatives springs from the teachings of Islam, which, in turn, helps establish a society that fights vice in all its forms,” the minister said.
Another factor that protected children from exploitation is the high standard of living enjoyed by most families in the Kingdom. The general prosperity guaranteed resources to meet the basic needs of each family and so children need not have to work, he said.
The minister added that the Saudi government, which provides free education at all levels, succeeded in ensuring social and health care to all citizens. The government also supports poor students with stipends.
The minister underscored the Kingdom’s achievements toward the welfare of children with special needs.
He added that the Kingdom is currently studying the protocol to prevent the commercial and sexual abuse of children.
The minister also used the occasion to draw international attention to the sufferings of the Palestinian children who are being denied their basic rights.
The minister urged the conference to take a rigid stand against Israeli brutality against Palestinian children and called on Israel to adhere to international charters and conventions. (SPA)
