MADINA: The Human Rights Commission (HRC) is investigating the case of a boy in Yanbu whose mother alleges that her ex-husband burnt him in the genitalia with an iron to stop him wetting the bed. “We are arranging to meet with the boy and his mother to ensure that he is in a safe place,” said Ibrahim Al-Nihyani of the HRC in Makkah. “We are also working with the relevant authorities to investigate the issue, but we are primarily concerned for the safety of the child.” Al-Nihyani described the case as a “clear violation of the child's rights” and “damaging to the human rights of society”. “We spoke to the police in Yanbu concerning the case, which came to our attention through the press, to check on the boy's condition and to take measures to protect him,” he said. “If the allegations are true and the mother's accusations are proven, then the HRC will work to ensure that everything possible is done to protect the child.” He added that the HRC could back the mother in court in a custody claim.
