The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stressed that it always endeavours to enhance the principles of justice and equality among all members of the society, and to preserve all legitimate rights. This is emanating from its belief that economic and social prosperity as well as political stability are important pillars of building societies and promoting their rights. This came in a speech delivered today by the President of Saudi Human Rights Commission Dr. Bandar bin Mohammed Al-Aiban at the nineteenth session of the Human Rights Council currently held in Geneva. Dr. Al-Aiban also said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has paid most attention to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development with the aim to raise the standard of living, ensure the prosperity and stability, and provide work opportunities. Therefore, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has allocated 24% of the approved expenditures in its 2012 budget for education and training sector; and 26% for health services and social development. He also highlighted the efforts exerted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in order to promote human dignity and preserve human rights, noting that the Saudi government has established the National Anti-Corruption Commission to promote the principle of transparency and protection of human rights. "As part of enhancing the active participation of Saudi women in the comprehensive development witnessed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud issued a decision granting the women the right to the membership of Majlis Al-Shura," Dr. Al-Aiban said. Dr. Al-Aiban stressed that the current session of Human Rights Council is held in very critical circumstances, in light of the serious deterioration of the human rights situation in Syria. He also said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has earlier warned against the serious and tragic consequences for the human rights situation in Syria.
