RIYADH – Saudi Arabia's Human Rights Commission emphasized that the cases of Adhl (preventing women from getting married) practiced by some parents is considered as a crime that violates human rights as well as women's dignity and the right to form a family. "This is a religiously forbidden practice that contravenes all laws and regulations," the HRC said in a statement on Wednesday. The situation where women are prevented from getting married is one of the forms of abuse criminalized under the Law to Protect against Abuse, the statement said while pointing out that HRC is following up with the competent authorities to address such cases so as to ensure their protection and address such issues properly. The Commission stressed that the Saudi laws criminalizes Adhl, saying: "Article 39 of the Legal Procedures Law stipulates that the woman who has been prevented by her legal guardians from getting married is entitled to file a lawsuit against them." HRC called on women who are victims of Adhl to follow the regulations to restore their legitimate and legal rights, emphasizing that the cases of Adhl, practiced by males on women who are under their guardianship, is a form of abuse and oppression against women. "These crimes signal the poor level of awareness in this respect, especially awareness about its humanitarian and social dangers," the Commission said while urging the relevant stakeholders to intensify awareness campaign about the grave risks involving the crime and the consequent penalties.
