JEDDAH, 31 March 2006 — The National Society for Human Rights officially opened its doors in the Eastern Province this week, and Governor Prince Muhammad ibn Fahd wished all success to the newly-founded branch at a meeting with NSHR Eastern Province President Bandar Al-Hajar in Dammam on Wednesday.
The society faces several problems as any organization would in its initial stage, Al-Hajar said at a press meeting.
The members had to travel even to foreign countries to find solutions to some problems. Reminding the public that the NSHR is an independent non-governmental body without judicial authority, Hajar expressed his helplessness to solve all the complaints received by the society. He said it was only a watchdog organization to see if government departments are implementing regulations.
Al-Hajar said the society members visit jails and are in regular contact with various ministries and government agencies such as the ministries of interior, health, justice to discuss prisoners’ issues with them. They also talk to prisoners and receive complaints from them.
He also pointed out that the Kingdom is the only country in the Arab world where the society members have been permitted to meet with the prisoners in their cells.
He also said there are several issues to be sorted out, such as a prisoner whose sentence has been completed but who is not released.
