Riyadh: The Diplomatic Studies Institute in Riyadh, in conjunction with the Human Rights Commission, held a symposium Tuesday on measures taken to promote human rights and combat human trafficking. A group of experts and a number of accredited ambassadors took part in the event held at the Riyadh Intercontinental Hotel on Tuesday. Addressing the inaugural session, Dr Abdul Kareem Bin Hamoud Al-Dekhail, Director General of the Diplomatic Studies Institute, welcomed Prince Turki Bin Muhammad Bin Saud Al-Kabeer, Undersecretary at the Foreign Ministry for Multi Relations. Anti-Human Trafficking Protocol Al-Dekhail pointed out that in pursuance of its policy for the Protection of Human Rights, which complies with international standards on human trafficking, his organization has signed the Anti-Human Trafficking Protocol, which was signed by 117 countries and 137 parties on Dec. 25, 2003. He said the protocol defines human trafficking as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of persons by means of threats or use of force or other forms of coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, and abuse of power, including payment of benefits to gain the consent of person for the purpose of exploitation. Al-Dekhail said Article 2 of the protocol stipulates that exploitation shall include at a minimum, the exploitation and prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labor or services, slavery practices similar to slavery, servitude or removal of organs. 15 years or fines of SR1 million He said the “Anti-Human Trafficking law in the Kingdom stipulates that whoever commits a human trafficking crime shall be sentenced for a period that does not exceed 15 years or fines of SR1 million. “ Also, the protocol stipulates setting up a permanent committee on human rights, consisting of a number of agencies, to follow up on the conditions of victims of human trafficking, and to ensure that they are not harmed again. Added to this, they are tasked with drawing up a policy stressing the importance of actively keeping track of victims and training staff to identify victims. Moreover, the protocol emphasizes the importance of coordinating with the responsible agencies to arrange for the repatriation of victims to their original countries or to any country where they reside; and to launch anti-human trafficking campaigns. This system adopted by the Kingdom is basically meant to preserve the dignity of humans and to ensure protection from all forms of exploitation, said Al-Dekhail. In his address, Prince Turki thanked the Human Rights Commission and the Diplomatic Studies Institute of the Foreign Ministry for organizing the symposium. He said the Kingdom is making an effort to create awareness about human trafficking. International problem He said the phenomenon has become an international problem and its negative effects are not confined to certain states and territories. He said it was important to inform officials in various government agencies and diplomatic missions about the measures taken by the Kingdom to tackle these problems. He said “the Kingdom has been protecting human rights for a long time at national and international levels because it sees it as an obligation in terms of Islamic Shariah.” Islam is the first religion to advocate the principles of human rights in the clearest possible manner. Moreover, Islam calls on all humans to lead honorable and stable lives. It has also defined the rights and obligations of human beings in a way that leaves no room for doubt or argument, he added. He said the Kingdom has drafted several pieces of legislation endorsing international protocols and agreements on human rights. It has also set up national and official bodies dealing specifically with human rights issues. Basic Governance System Referring to the national regulations, Prince Turki said one of the most significant systems which guarantee the implementation of the principles of human rights is the Kingdom's Basic Governance System, which includes a package of constitutional rules that protects and respects human rights especially equality among citizens. He said Article 8 of the Basic Governance System ensures that the ruling system in the Kingdom is based on justice, Shoura (consultation) and equality as per the Islamic Shariah. He said the Kingdom has legislated deterrent punitive rules to fight and combat human trafficking and the protection of victims whether they are citizens or residents, most importantly the comprehensive Anti-Human Trafficking System issued in 2009. The system deals with all forms of human trafficking, like forced labor. He said the regulations issued in 2004 cover all forms of trading in human beings, especially in the trading of visas for the sake of generating income or making a profit, and also covers the mistreatment and immoral treatment of workers. The regulations sentence any offender to 15 years in prison. The same is applicable to those who traffic children and exploit them to become beggars.
