عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Gulf

Saudi HRC Head: Reforms Have Protected Workers, Improved Working Environment

Saudi HRC Head: Reforms Have Protected Workers, Improved Working Environment
TT
20
TT

Saudi HRC Head: Reforms Have Protected Workers, Improved Working Environment

Saudi HRC Head: Reforms Have Protected Workers, Improved Working Environment

The remarkable progress made by Saudi Arabia in combating human trafficking comes against the backdrop of significant reforms adopted by the Kingdom, said the head of the Saudi Human Rights Commission (HRC), Awad Al-Awwad.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Awwad said that reforms were reflected in developing the legal and institutional structure that enhances the work environment and protects employment.

“Saudi Arabia has been keen to accede to the conventions and protocols dealing with crimes of human trafficking,” noted Al-Awwad, adding that the Kingdom has joined the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the supplementing Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea, and Air.

“The Kingdom also actively participates in regional and international efforts,” said Al-Awwad, citing Saudi Arabia’s contribution to the issuance of the Arab strategy to combat crimes of human trafficking as well as the Gulf guiding law fighting the illicit practice.

Al-Awwad said that human trafficking is a form of “organized crime that crosses borders,” which makes international efforts to combat it an absolute necessity.

“The exchange of experiences through scientific conferences and forums contributes to strengthening national efforts, and raises the efficiency of control agencies, as it enhances the exchange of information, gaining experiences, and knowing the best international professional practices,” stressed Al-Awwad.

Al-Awwad also underlined the Kingdom’s keenness to partake in and organize conferences and forums on human trafficking.

Saudi Arabia is also keen to strengthen its cooperation with countries and organizations to reach a mature mechanism of these partnerships and forums.

“We look forward that the forum sessions will contribute to arriving at innovative and creative recommendations to strengthen the fight against human trafficking in the Middle East,” said Al-Awwad.

The third government forum to discuss the challenges of combating human trafficking crimes in the Middle East 2021 concluded on Tuesday with its activities hosted by Saudi Arabia.

Most Viewed

 
Gulf

Pilgrims Fill Tent City as Arafat Prepares for Key Hajj Rite

Mina welcomes pilgrims at start of Hajj rites on Wednesday (Photo: Basheer Saleh)
Mina welcomes pilgrims at start of Hajj rites on Wednesday (Photo: Basheer Saleh)
TT
20
TT

Pilgrims Fill Tent City as Arafat Prepares for Key Hajj Rite

Mina welcomes pilgrims at start of Hajj rites on Wednesday (Photo: Basheer Saleh)
Mina welcomes pilgrims at start of Hajj rites on Wednesday (Photo: Basheer Saleh)

The tent city of Mina, considered the world’s largest, sprang back to life on Wednesday as nearly two million Muslims began their Hajj journey, marking the Day of Tarwiyah in spiritual preparation for the days ahead.

Pilgrims, dressed in simple white garments, filled the sprawling encampment that is inhabited only during the annual Islamic pilgrimage. They spent the day in prayer and reflection, seeking closeness to God, forgiveness, and acceptance, following the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad.

At dawn on Thursday, the mass of worshippers moved to Mount Arafat for the pinnacle of the Hajj – the Day of Arafat – considered the most significant ritual of the pilgrimage. There, pilgrims will stand in solemn prayer on the sacred plain, performing shortened and combined noon and afternoon prayers after listening to the Arafat sermon.

This year’s sermon at Namira Mosque will be delivered by Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Humaid, Imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah. The Presidency for Religious Affairs at the Two Holy Mosques has made the sermon accessible in seven languages through real-time translations, aiming to reach a global audience.

Moreover, Saudi authorities have deployed extensive security, medical, food supply, and transport services to ease the journey for nearly two million pilgrims performing Hajj this year, emphasizing safety, organization, and spiritual focus.

The Saudi leadership reaffirmed the importance of coordinated efforts by all government and service agencies to ensure the success of the pilgrimage season and to provide a tranquil and secure environment for worshippers.

Health Minister Fahad Abdulrahman AlJalajel inspected Arafat’s Jabal Al-Rahma Hospital on Wednesday, reviewing emergency facilities, medical departments, and the readiness of healthcare personnel. The visit aimed to ensure high-quality medical services and a safe environment for pilgrims as they prepare for the pivotal Day of Arafat.

The health system continues to ramp up efforts to enhance readiness and deliver integrated care across all Hajj sites, aiming to maintain safety and wellbeing throughout the pilgrimage.

With temperatures soaring across Makkah and the holy sites during the Hajj season, Saudi Arabia’s Health Ministry has urged pilgrims to take extra precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.

The ministry advised worshippers to carry umbrellas, stay well-hydrated, wear comfortable walking shoes, and use medical ID bracelets indicating any health conditions.

Officials warned that extreme heat could cause sunstroke and lead to loss of consciousness in as little as 10 to 15 minutes if proper precautions are not taken.