RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has reaffirmed its dedication to the fight against human trafficking and strengthening compliance with labor market regulations on the World Day Against Human Trafficking.
The day is observed every year on July 30 by the United Nations General Assembly to raise awareness about this crime, highlight the suffering of victims and advocate for their rights and protection. This year's theme is 'Leave no child behind in the fight against human trafficking'.
Minister Ahmed Al-Razi stressed the firm commitment of the Saudi leadership to uphold human dignity and protect the rights of all individuals in the kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
He emphasized that trafficking violates human rights and dignity and highlighted Saudi Arabia's measures against this crime, including strict laws and community awareness programs.
Al-Razi also emphasized the importance of international and regional cooperation, information sharing and joint efforts to prevent, combat and raise awareness of human trafficking.
The Ministry has conducted various programs to inform citizens and residents about the risks of contributing to human trafficking and to promote prevention measures.
Initiatives include enacting legislation to protect workers' contractual rights and acting against illegal practices such as forced labour.
The Ministry urges the public to report any suspected cases of human trafficking through appropriate means. Immediate steps will be taken to address these concerns.
Meanwhile, Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jassam Albudaiwi said GCC countries have placed great emphasis on combating human trafficking, inspired by their dedication to upholding the principles of Islam.
These principles, he said, protect human dignity and prohibit and punish any act that violates dignity, restricts freedom or exploits the individual.
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 said that due to the GCC's commitment to fight cross-border crime and human trafficking and to protect its territories from such practices, the GCC Supreme Council adopted the Abu Dhabi Document on Unified Law to Prevent Human Trafficking in the GCC Countries during its 27 term. session in 2006.
The law, he added, aims to prevent and end various forms of human exploitation, including prostitution, sexual abuse, forced labor, slavery, mutilation, and trafficking.
Albudaiwi emphasized that international efforts in this regard cannot be successful without coordinated national and regional initiatives and adoption of best practices for the eradication of human trafficking.
