Latest news with #HalaAl-Tuwaijri
Saudi Gazette
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia marks World Day Against Trafficking in Persons with sweeping reforms and global partnerships
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Dr. Hala Al-Tuwaijri, President of Saudi Arabia's Human Rights Commission and Chair of the National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons, affirmed on Tuesday that the Kingdom has established an integrated system to combat trafficking in persons, rooted in comprehensive reforms and institutional measures aligned with international best practices. Speaking on the occasion of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Al-Tuwaijri highlighted that the Kingdom's ongoing efforts are a direct extension of the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and the continuous support of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. Among the key milestones cited was the establishment of the General Department for Community Security and Anti-Trafficking, affiliated with Public Security, which aims to eliminate trafficking crimes and strengthen social safety and security. Al-Tuwaijri noted that Saudi Arabia has bolstered its legislative and regulatory framework by ratifying the National Policy to Eliminate Forced Labor, and implementing amendments to various laws and regulations that protect victims, whistleblowers, witnesses, and experts involved in anti-trafficking cases. She emphasized that the National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons is focused on achieving long-term impact through the implementation of the National Action Plan, the development of a national referral mechanism, the approval of crime indicator guidelines, and the creation of a comprehensive national initiatives are supported by both local and international partnerships, including the Victim Support Fund launched in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM).On the prevention front, Al-Tuwaijri revealed that Saudi Arabia has adopted a capacity-building approach, delivering nearly 120 specialized training programs involving over 9,500 participants from both public and private also pointed to key public awareness campaigns, such as 'Together to Combat Human Trafficking,' self-paced learning initiatives, and community awareness assessments, as well as support for academic research to deepen understanding and drive innovation in combating Kingdom has also intensified victim protection measures, developing mechanisms to identify victims and provide them with appropriate support in coordination with relevant agencies, ensuring rapid response and Al-Tuwaijri concluded by reaffirming the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to promoting human rights and combating human trafficking through a unified, institutional stated that Saudi Arabia has become a regional model in this field, setting a benchmark for others in terms of policy, protection, and international cooperation.
Saudi Gazette
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
HRC celebrates first graduating class of 'Human Rights Expert' program
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Human Rights Commission (HRC) held a graduation ceremony at its headquarters in Riyadh on Sunday to honor the first cohort of participants in the 'Human Rights Expert' program. The event was attended by senior officials, program partners, and the graduating students. In her address, HRC President Dr. Hala Al-Tuwaijri described the program as a milestone in developing professional and national capacities across the human rights field. She emphasized that the initiative aligns with the Commission's mandate and international standards, which underscore education and training as key tools for advancing human rights. 'Through the Human Rights Expert program, the Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, including quality education, justice, and strong institutions,' Al-Tuwaijri said. She expressed gratitude to the Kingdom's leadership for its unwavering support of efforts to protect and promote human rights. Al-Tuwaijri also congratulated the graduates, praising their dedication throughout the program and describing them as future leaders poised to contribute meaningfully at both local and international levels. The program was implemented in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), Majmaah University, and a specialized training center. Al-Tuwaijri also commended the program teams and committees for their efforts in making this first edition a success. Dr. Amal Al-Habdan, head of the program's technical committee and a member of the HRC board, said the initiative went beyond standard training to offer a transformative experience. 'It was a journey of learning, deep understanding, and perseverance, shaped by the contributions of leading local and international experts in human rights development and training,' she said. Alex Mejia, Director of Human and Social Development at UNITAR, noted that the program bridged theory with practice, law with lived experience, and knowledge with leadership. He said this first edition represented an innovative educational model grounded in both global and local human rights priorities, while celebrating cultural identity and contextual specificity. Launched in November 2024, the 'Human Rights Expert' program is a specialized initiative by the Human Rights Commission aimed at preparing a diverse pool of national consultants and experts in various human rights fields. It brings together local expertise and international best practices to deliver a comprehensive training experience.
Leaders
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Leaders
Saudi Human Rights Commission, King Khalid Foundation Forge Strategic Partnership
In a significant move aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals, the Human Rights Commission and the King Khalid Foundation (KKF) have solidified a strategic alliance through a cooperation agreement signed in Riyadh. This partnership aims to amplify human rights protections while reinforcing the Kingdom's global reputation as a leader in social progress. Hala Al-Tuwaijri, president of the Saudi Human Rights Commission, and Princess Nouf bint Mohammed bin Abdullah, CEO of the King Khalid Foundation, inked the agreement, underscoring their shared commitment to advancing rights. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) highlighted the collaboration as a pivotal step toward fostering inclusive societal growth. Collaborative Framework Unveiled The partnership will prioritize joint research initiatives, public awareness campaigns, and community-driven programs designed to embed human rights principles nationwide. By leveraging their combined expertise, both entities aim to address critical issues while promoting a culture of accountability and transparency. Furthermore, the agreement seeks to spotlight Saudi Arabia's strides in human rights and sustainable development internationally. This aligns with recent legislative reforms and grassroots efforts to empower civil society, reflecting the Kingdom's proactive approach to global standards. Strengthening Civil Society's Role Saudi Arabia has intensified efforts to elevate civil society organizations, recognizing their role in driving rights-based initiatives. Through partnerships like this, the Kingdom aims to create a unified front for addressing challenges and celebrating progress in line with Vision 2030's aspirational framework. Consequently, this collaboration marks a milestone in Saudi Arabia's journey toward comprehensive human rights advancement. By prioritizing education, community engagement, and innovative programs, the partnership sets a precedent for regional and international stakeholders to follow. Short link : Post Views: 6
Arab News
25-02-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia urges greater focus on human rights in Palestine
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia called for greater focus on the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories at a UN meeting in Switzerland. The Kingdom also reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, the Saudi Press Agency reported. This was part of the speech delivered by the president of the Saudi Human Rights Commission and head of the Kingdom's delegation, Hala Al-Tuwaijri, at the high-level segment of the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Al-Tuwaijri said Saudi Arabia has made significant reforms in human rights, driven by Vision 2030, which is based on principles of equality, non-discrimination, and the right to development. 'This vision has empowered women, youth, and vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, the elderly, and migrant workers, while enhancing the quality of life for all,' Al-Tuwaijri said. 'Moreover, Vision 2030 has increased the efficiency of relevant authorities to host major global events and initiatives, with people and their rights at the heart of national priorities.' Al-Tuwaijri emphasized the Kingdom's commitment to strengthening its legislative framework, which has built a strong legal system to protect and uphold human rights. Through comprehensive legal reforms and new legislation, Saudi Arabia has reinforced protections for all individuals. The Kingdom now embraces a diverse society with over 15 million foreigners from more than 60 nationalities — making up over 44 percent of the population — who enjoy their rights under the highest standards of legal protection, she said. Al-Tuwaijri reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to promoting international peace and security, guided by its core values and adherence to the UN Charter. She also highlighted the Kingdom's support for just causes and its proactive role in resolving global crises, including its efforts in the Ukrainian crisis. Notably, mediation led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman resulted in several successful prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, Al-Tuwaijri said. 'For human rights to be universally upheld, we must cultivate strong societies by confronting harmful practices that undermine social harmony, including contempt for religions, hate speech, and the weakening of family values,' she concluded. Al-Tuwaijri reaffirmed the Kingdom's commitment to deepening cooperation with UN human rights mechanisms, stressing the importance of respecting diverse values and embracing cultural and civilizational diversity to protect and promote human rights.
Saudi Gazette
25-02-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia hosts 15 million expatriates with full rights protection: HRC chief
Saudi Gazette report GENEVA — Saudi Arabia emphasized the importance of doubling attention to the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories, in light of the unfortunate events taking place in Palestine. Addressing a high-level segment of the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Dr. Hala Al-Tuwaijri, president of the Human Rights Commission and head of the Saudi delegation, called for rejecting any attempts to undermine Item 7 of the Council's agenda items referring to "Human rights situation in Palestine and other Occupied Arab Territories", and activating it until an independent Palestinian state is established on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. Dr. Al-Tuwaijri noted that Saudi has witnessed many reforms and developments in human rights at various levels within the framework of Vision 2030. 'This is based on human rights principles, including equality and non-discrimination in the enjoyment of the right to development, empowering women, youth and groups subject to special care such as persons with disabilities, the elderly, and migrant workers, in addition to achieving an ideal quality of life for all. The vision has also contributed to enhancing the efficiency and ability of the relevant authorities to host major global events and activities, placing people and their rights at the top of their priorities,' she said. The HRC chief said that the Kingdom has worked to develop its legislative system, which has contributed to building a solid legal framework that protects and enhances human rights, as many laws have been amended and issued. 'Saudi Arabia now hosts a diverse society that includes more than 15 million foreigners from more than 60 nationalities, constituting more than 44 percent of the population, who enjoy their rights without discrimination and with the highest levels of protection,' she said. Dr. Al-Tuwaijri emphasized that the Kingdom has spared no effort in promoting international peace and security based on its established values and its commitment to implementing the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, starting with its support for just causes and seeking to end crises, including the Ukrainian crisis. She specially noted the mediation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, which culminated in the release of a number of prisoners as part of the prisoner exchange process between Russia and Ukraine. 'If we want respect for human rights to prevail anywhere in the world, we must maintain strong and cohesive societies by confronting practices that harm the entire society, such as contempt for religions and religious symbols, hate speech, and the importance of preserving the family,' she said.
