Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Combat Human Trafficking
Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development of Saudi Arabia has reiterated its commitment to fighting human trafficking and enhancing compliance with labor market regulations in observance of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
Marked annually on July 30, this day, established by the UN General Assembly, aims to raise awareness about human trafficking, highlight the victims’ suffering, and advocate for their rights and protection. This year’s theme, “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking,” underscores the focus on protecting children from trafficking.
Minister Ahmed Al-Rajhi underscored Saudi leadership’s resolute dedication to upholding human dignity and safeguarding the rights of all individuals in the Kingdom, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency. He emphasized that trafficking is a grave violation of human rights and dignity and highlighted Saudi Arabia’s measures against this crime, including stringent laws and community awareness programs.
Al-Rajhi also stressed the importance of international and regional cooperation, information sharing, and joint efforts to prevent, combat, and raise awareness about human trafficking. The ministry has implemented various programs to educate citizens and residents about the risks associated with human trafficking practices and promote measures to counter them. These initiatives include enacting legislation to protect workers’ contractual rights and combating illegal practices such as forced labor.
The ministry urges the public to report any cases of suspected human trafficking through the appropriate channels, ensuring immediate action to address these concerns.
Meanwhile, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Albudaiwi, highlighted the GCC countries’ strong commitment to combating human trafficking, driven by their dedication to upholding the principles of Islam. These principles defend human dignity and prohibit and penalize actions that degrade dignity, restrict freedom, or exploit individuals.
Albudaiwi noted that Article 3 of the GCC Human Rights Declaration prohibits slavery, servitude, forced labor, and human trafficking in all forms, especially those affecting women and children. He pointed out that the GCC’s commitment to combating cross-border crimes and trafficking in persons led to the adoption of the Abu Dhabi Document on the Unified Law to Prevent Human Trafficking in GCC countries during its 27th session in 2006. This law aims to prevent and end the exploitation of humans in various forms, including prostitution, sexual assault, forced labor, slavery, organ removal, and trafficking.
Albudaiwi emphasized that international efforts to combat human trafficking cannot succeed without coordinated national and regional initiatives and the adoption of best practices to eliminate this crime.
