RIYADH: King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Mosques, has played a crucial role in promoting human rights at local, regional, and international levels, a senior human rights body official said Friday, marking the 62nd Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, celebrated as Human Rights Day every year on Dec. 10. In a statement released Friday, Bandar Al-Aiban, Chairman of the Human Rights Commission (HRC), said “the Kingdom has launched several initiatives that reject conflict and call for peaceful coexistence and positive cooperation between peoples of the world and their governments.” He said the King's Interfaith Dialogue initiative is evidence of his successful effort at creating dialogue between people. To achieve this vision, the international community should reject any violation of these rights, including acts of sedition, violence and shedding of blood, whatever the reasons. Al-Aiban said the HRC joins the world in adopting the values and concepts contained in the Universal Declaration for Human Rights that agree with the teachings of the Islamic Shariah through the signing of international, Islamic and Arab treaties and charters related to human rights. The HRC effectively participates in local, regional and international institutions, conferences, symposia and other activities that call for the protection of human rights everywhere in the world. The commission said that what has been achieved in the Kingdom stems from its concern to consolidate the principles of justice and equality, and guarantee all the legitimate rights and freedoms of humankind. This policy has led to successive development projects adopted by the Kingdom's government especially in the economic, security, judicial, educational, social and cultural fields. Furthermore, it has enacted regulations and legislation related to human rights in the Kingdom, including the combating of human trafficking, supporting the family security program and care for women and children with special needs. At the international level, the Kingdom plays an effective role in formulating and supporting every global humanitarian initiative that protects rights and rejects violence, injustice, hatred, and discrimination in terms of ethnicity and religion. The Kingdom also plays a role in spreading a message of tolerance and moderation among people. Al-Aiban said the program approved by the King would undoubtedly contribute to spreading awareness of human rights and remind people of their duty towards other human beings.
