JEDDAH, 29 February 2004 — Saudi Arabia yesterday set up a special commission to carry out Saudi charitable activities outside the Kingdom.
The formation of the Saudi National Commission for Relief and Charity Work Abroad comes after some Saudi charities drew intense flak for allegedly channeling funds to terror organizations.
“The commission will be established and managed by a selected group of citizens engaged in charitable work and known for their experience, integrity and good reputation,” a royal decree said. The decree makes the commission solely responsible for carrying out all charitable and relief work outside the Kingdom.
The commission will announce its regulations and mode of operation once it has been formally set up in a few weeks. “The body was established to help Saudis extend assistance to their brethren all over the world,” said the decree carried by the Saudi Press Agency.
The commission will also help “protect Saudi charitable work from any harmful activities that might undermine it or tarnish its reputation,” SPA added. “The Kingdom has set out clear rules and principles to regulate Saudi charitable work abroad,” the decree said.
Meanwhile, the Al-Haramain Charitable Foundation said it was in the process of restructuring its administration and revising its financial regulations.
