RIYADH: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has given the go-ahead for a landmark project that aims to raise awareness about human rights throughout Saudi Arabia.
The king’s approval will allow the Human Rights Commission (HRC) to fulfill one of its constitutional obligations, according to its President Bandar Al-Iban.
The HRC sets general policy to build public awareness of human rights and propose ways to implement it through institutes and bodies specializing in education, training and media.
The commission is also authorized to spread values and a basic understanding of human rights, which correspond with Islamic law. The HRC, through its specialized divisions, will organize courses for personnel of all human rights-related bodies in the Kingdom, and for those who are interested in the field.
Al-Iban confirmed that the project’s mission is to spread the culture of human rights in an atmosphere of brotherhood, tolerance and forgiveness.
It also aims to enable both government and nongovernmental sectors to effectively implement relevant policies in line with Islamic values and international treaties and agreements.
The project aims to introduce regulations, laws and procedures in the Kingdom that protect human rights.
It will also raise awareness about the dangers of human rights violations.
“Spreading a human rights culture is a clear example that conforms to the king’s policy of caring for the human, protecting his rights and preserving them,” Al-Iban said, adding that this applies to both citizens and expatriates. He confirmed that establishing the HRC strengthened the Kingdom’s commitment to the values of equality and justice in Saudi society.
Al-Iban clarified that the HRC along with other relevant bodies including the ministries of information and education and other cultural institutes will set up a committee to develop a detailed plan to implement the project.
It will organize workshops, activities and campaigns, and publish a magazine about human rights.
The HRC will also work with the educational sector to introduce human rights in school curriculums.
