JEDDAH: Long delays and lack of services at personal status courts are denying many women justice, according to a leading National Society for Human Rights (NSHR) official.

Nora Al-Ajalan, deputy chairwoman for the NSHR on family affairs, said these shortcomings often result in women not pursuing their cases through the courts, according to a report in a local publication recently.

“One cannot deny there has been significant progress and development in the facilities of the judiciary especially in major cities, in addition to the opening of social service offices. However, Saudi women still suffer greatly because of the lengthy legal procedures ...”

“We badly need family courts because they are different from personal status courts,” she said. These courts would deal solely with family issues, which are the most difficult ones to handle in terms of litigation, she said.

Al-Ajalan said that men are often able to turn cases in their favor because they are more skilled or can manipulate the court system. She said more studies are needed to help courts deal with family issues in line with changes taking place in society.

On a related issue, Minister of Justice Waleed Al-Samaani recently set up a ministerial committee to determine the problems faced by women, with a report to be issued within two months. The decision comes in the wake of judicial inspectors discovering several obstacles facing women at the country’s courts, including lack of private entrances, waiting lounges, elevators and offices where they can make inquiries.

The ministerial committee consists of many departments at the ministry, with members visiting courts to report on issues and propose changes on the ground and in terms of legislation. The ministry has stated that it wants to make the court environment conducive to work for all citizens, particularly the elderly, women and the disabled.