Abdullah Al-Dani Okaz/Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Statistics released by the Ministry of Justice indicate an 18 percent decline in divorce cases in the Kingdom last year, compared to the previous five years. A total of 145,079 marriages and 26,840 divorces were documented with the ministry. Makkah province led with 27.7 percent of the divorce cases, followed by Riyadh with 21.2 percent Dr. Naser Al-Oud, adviser to the minister of justice for social programs and supervisor of the social services department, highlighted the importance of executing judicial orders. He said a specialized committee was formed to review the regulations of executing court decisions concerning family problems. The regulations are expected within the next three months, and should contribute to the proper execution of judgments in marital disputes. Al-Oud said the ministry has launched a number of activities to enforce judicial awareness. Forums for family cases in court and of social services in the judicial field were held last year. The ministry also cooperated with academic societies, in and outside the Kingdom, to control the increase of divorce cases. In addition, family and social guidance programs were activated at the judicial facilities. A memorandum was signed with the Ministry of Social Affairs to provide social and guidance programs. A memorandum was also signed with Imam Muhammad Bin Saud Islamic University to provide supervisory services for the ministry's social services.
