US State Department Upgrades Saudi Arabia's Ranking In Trafficking in Persons Report

 General view of Riyadh city, after the Saudi government eased a curfew, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 7, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri
General view of Riyadh city, after the Saudi government eased a curfew, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 7, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri
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US State Department Upgrades Saudi Arabia's Ranking In Trafficking in Persons Report

 General view of Riyadh city, after the Saudi government eased a curfew, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 7, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri
General view of Riyadh city, after the Saudi government eased a curfew, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 7, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri

For the second year in a row, Saudi Arabia saw an upgrade in its classification in the Anti-Trafficking in Persons index, according to the annual report issued by the US State Department.

According to the report, which was published on Thursday, Saudi Arabia was upgraded from a ranking of “Tier 2 Watch List” to “Tier 2.”

This reflects the Kingdom’s continued progress in protecting and promoting human rights in general, and in the field of combating trafficking in persons in particular.

Dr. Awad Al-Awwad, head of the Human Rights Commission and the Committee for Combating Trafficking in Persons in Saudi Arabia, stressed that the Kingdom’s classification upgrade came as a result of the major reforms adopted by the Kingdom under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense.

“We are honored by the recognition we have received for our efforts to combat trafficking over the past two years. Under Vision 2030, the Kingdom is committed to improving the quality of life not just for some — but for all. Today’s achievement is a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to realizing this vision,” he stated.

He also pointed to the great interest the Kingdom attaches to combating human trafficking crimes through an integrated system, a dedicated strategy, and the signing of the relevant international conventions and protocols.

The head of the Human Rights Commission in Saudi Arabia stressed that this strategy contributed to building a comprehensive system that ensures the protection of all people from human trafficking crimes without discrimination and assistance and compensation to the victims.



Islamabad Declaration for Girls’ Education Launched at Conclusion of Global Conference

MWL Secretary General and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa
MWL Secretary General and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa
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Islamabad Declaration for Girls’ Education Launched at Conclusion of Global Conference

MWL Secretary General and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa
MWL Secretary General and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa

The Muslim World League's (MWL) global conference on Girls' Education in Muslim Communities concluded in Islamabad on Monday with the launch of the “Islamabad Declaration for Girls’ Education,” receiving widespread approval from senior scholars, Islamic jurisprudence councils, international organizations, and activists.

The event also saw the establishment of a platform for international partnerships, acting as the initiative's executive arm, with over 20 agreements and pledges signed by scholars, United Nations organizations, and leaders from academic, media, and civil institutions.

The announcement was attended by MWL Secretary General and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, alongside representatives from Pakistan’s government and parliament.

The conference also featured global education activist Malala Yousafzai, senior muftis and scholars from the Islamic world, ministers of education from Islamic countries, and representatives from the United Nations University for Peace and the League of Islamic Universities.

The Islamabad Declaration drew inspiration from two landmark documents, the “Charter of Makkah” and the “Charter of Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects,” both issued by MWL under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

These charters emphasize the empowerment of women in education across all levels, aligning with the goals of the MWL’s initiative.

Key partnerships formed during the conference included a memorandum of understanding between the MWL and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to establish a strategic alliance supporting the education of girls.

The conference also prioritized providing scholarships to Muslim girls, enhancing their leadership and problem-solving skills.

Agreements were reached between the MWL and Islamic and international universities, the League of Islamic Universities, the United Nations University for Peace, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and UNICEF.

In addition, the MWL partnered with international organizations to conduct research and publish reports on women's issues. Media campaigns aimed at raising awareness about girls' right to education were also launched.

The conference concluded with pledges from global academic institutions and organizations to support girls' education through scholarships, grants, and programs designed to improve access to quality education.

This initiative underscores the MWL’s commitment to empowering girls in Muslim communities and fostering international cooperation for sustainable development.