RIYADH — Saudi Arabia's Human Rights Commission and Mawaddah Women's Charity Association agreed on Monday to enhance their cooperation and coordination in protecting human rights, especially related to the family as well as to carry out awareness programs aimed at combating domestic violence. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) in this regard was signed by HRC President Awwad Al-Awwad and chairperson of the board of directors of the Association Princess Lulwa Bint Nawwaf Bin Muhammad at a ceremony held here on Sunday. According to the MoU, the association will work to provide technical support to establish an independent body to deal with domestic violence issues as well as to develop centers specialized in providing protection for victims of domestic violence, apart from adding the category of domestic violence as a new target group in the association's strategy. The areas of cooperation between HRC and the association included studying the proposals submitted by the association regarding the development of systems and legislations related to the family that are compatible with the directives and objectives of the commission and strive to approve these systems. The two bodies will also participate in research and studies related to reviewing the laws, regulations and procedures of family issues, in addition to attending and participating in forums, conferences, scientific symposia and specialized workshops specialized in dealing with family issues, and that are organized by either of the two parties. The agreement comes within the framework of cooperation between government agencies and civil society institutions in view of the fact that it is a fundamental pillar for developing and encouraging respect for human rights. Ever since its inception, HRC has signed a number of memoranda of cooperation and MoUs in this respect.
