Saudi Arabia Implements Second Phase of Human Trafficking Protection Agreements

Hala bint Mazyad Al-Tuwaijri, President of the Saudi Human Rights Commission, interviewed by the editor-in-chief of Independent Arabia in a seminar on combating human trafficking (SPA)
Hala bint Mazyad Al-Tuwaijri, President of the Saudi Human Rights Commission, interviewed by the editor-in-chief of Independent Arabia in a seminar on combating human trafficking (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Implements Second Phase of Human Trafficking Protection Agreements

Hala bint Mazyad Al-Tuwaijri, President of the Saudi Human Rights Commission, interviewed by the editor-in-chief of Independent Arabia in a seminar on combating human trafficking (SPA)
Hala bint Mazyad Al-Tuwaijri, President of the Saudi Human Rights Commission, interviewed by the editor-in-chief of Independent Arabia in a seminar on combating human trafficking (SPA)

Saudi Arabia has started putting into action the second phase agreements of its project to boost efforts in protecting victims of human trafficking.

This initiative is in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The announcement came from Hala bint Mazyad Al-Tuwaijri, President of the Saudi Human Rights Commission and Chair of the Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons, during a seminar in Riyadh.

The seminar, focused on enhancing cooperation in combating human trafficking, gathered local and international experts to discuss challenges and global best practices in fighting these crimes.

It’s part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts, with government and international organization participation, to find better ways to combat and prevent human trafficking.

The seminar looked at laws and institutions, both nationally and internationally, designed to fight human trafficking. It also discussed regional and global agreements that set standards for fighting these crimes.

The goal was to raise awareness about common patterns of trafficking, recent developments, best ways to protect against it, and how to learn from successful global efforts to combat it.

Speakers stressed the need to work together to fight human trafficking and find new ways beyond the usual methods. They talked about the importance of having better ways to identify trafficking and help victims quickly, while also protecting their dignity.

They pointed out that trafficking crosses borders, violates human rights, and takes away freedom and dignity.

They said it’s crucial to have policies that focus on human rights, treat victims equally, and provide them with the care and support they need to integrate back into society.

They also talked about the importance of addressing the reasons behind trafficking and fixing gaps that let traffickers escape punishment, leaving victims without justice.



How Saudi Arabia Contributes to Global Hunger Relief Efforts

Saudi food aid reaches those in need in Chad (SPA)
Saudi food aid reaches those in need in Chad (SPA)
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How Saudi Arabia Contributes to Global Hunger Relief Efforts

Saudi food aid reaches those in need in Chad (SPA)
Saudi food aid reaches those in need in Chad (SPA)

Following the global economic crisis of 1973 and its aftermath, Saudi Arabia provided a $50 million grant to the World Food Program (WFP) between 1975 and 1976 to support its food aid projects for those affected by the crisis.
This contribution marked the beginning of Saudi Arabia’s long-standing role as a generous supporter of the WFP, a partnership that has spanned half a century.
This historical support underscores Saudi Arabia's continued efforts to combat global hunger, a challenge that now impacts 343 million people worldwide.
Saudi support on the international stage has been extensive, either through direct assistance or coordination with the WFP, reaching numerous countries and continents. The partnership between Saudi Arabia and the WFP has been regarded by observers as a key model in the fight against hunger.
Recently, both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to combating hunger by signing a new five-year cooperation agreement between the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center and the WFP, paving the way for a new chapter of potential projects.
The joint cooperation program adopts a multi-faceted approach to address humanitarian challenges in emergencies, capacity building, disaster risk reduction, and logistics.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian support plays a valuable role in WFP’s efforts to stop hunger and malnutrition in their tracks. As we look to the future, we are pleased to reaffirm our shared commitment to strengthening and expanding this partnership to reach even more people in need,” said WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain.
The partnership has spanned five decades, with one of its most notable milestones occurring during the global financial crisis of 2008.
At that time, Saudi Arabia announced a historic and generous $500 million grant to WFP to help continue its relief projects and provide food to millions affected by rising food prices.
In 2014, Saudi Arabia also contributed over $200 million to supply food for displaced families in Iraq, as well as refugees from Syria in neighboring countries, and those from South Sudan and Somalia.