JEDDAH, 15 December 2005 — The National Society for Human Rights (NSHR) has presented a proposal dealing with child custody to the Council of Ministers. The proposal seeks to allow children who have been victims of domestic violence to choose where they want to live.
The proposal suggests that in the case of divorced parents, a child should live with the parent who can provide a healthy environment, physically and psychologically.
“The proposal accords with the Children’s Rights Agreement which is concerned with offering the child the best living circumstances. The proposal suggests that when parents divorce, custody of the children goes to the best-qualified parent,” said Dr. Hussain Al-Sharif, a member of the Inspection and Follow-up Committee of the NSHR.
The Investigation and Prosecution Agency, in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs, decides where the child should live after studying the circumstances, he said.
