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

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

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Gulf

Saudi, Japanese FMs Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
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Saudi, Japanese FMs Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call from his Japanese counterpart, Toshimitsu Motegi, the Saudi Press Agency reported Thursday.

During the call, the two sides reviewed bilateral relations and discussed the latest regional developments, as well as the ongoing efforts to address them, SPA said.

Gulf

Qatar: 'Positive Progress' in US-Iran Indirect Talks in Doha

Vessels at the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, July 1, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer
Vessels at the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, July 1, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer
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Qatar: 'Positive Progress' in US-Iran Indirect Talks in Doha

Vessels at the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, July 1, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer
Vessels at the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, July 1, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer

US and Iran negotiators made "positive progress" during indirect talks in Doha, with the next round expected after the late Iranian supreme leader's funeral, Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman said.

"Qatar & Pakistan mediators concluded separate meetings with the US & Iranian negotiators in Doha today, with positive progress made on issues related to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, building on the outcomes of the Lake Lucerne Summit," foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari said Wednesday on X.

"The parties agreed to continue discussions over the coming period, with the next meeting to be scheduled at the earliest possible time following the funeral processions of the former Iranian Supreme Leader."

Sources said negotiators from both countries spent two days in Doha discussing maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and financial incentives for Iran -two pillars of a preliminary agreement signed in June - rather than the more difficult issues that the framework was believed to have paved the way to address.

In Washington, US President Donald Trump said the two sides were making progress on potential restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program, the main reason he said had prompted him to launch the war in February.

Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister and head of its delegation, said the talks had concluded. Neither side indicated whether they had narrowed their differences.

Gulf

Interior Ministry: Drug Smuggling and Trafficking Network Arrested in Riyadh

The Saudi Ministry of Interior affirmed that security agencies are vigilant against all criminal schemes (SPA)
The Saudi Ministry of Interior affirmed that security agencies are vigilant against all criminal schemes (SPA)
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Interior Ministry: Drug Smuggling and Trafficking Network Arrested in Riyadh

The Saudi Ministry of Interior affirmed that security agencies are vigilant against all criminal schemes (SPA)
The Saudi Ministry of Interior affirmed that security agencies are vigilant against all criminal schemes (SPA)

An official source at the Saudi Ministry of Interior has announced the arrest of a criminal network involved in drug smuggling and trafficking in the Riyadh region.

The source said Wednesday that 22 suspects were arrested, including 19 Saudi citizens, one of whom is an employee of the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, as well as an Ethiopian national in violation of the Border Security Law, a Moroccan female resident, and a Yemeni male resident.

Legal procedures have been taken against them, and they have been referred to the Public Prosecution.

The Ministry of Interior said the announcement reaffirms the vigilance of the security authorities in confronting all criminal plots aimed at targeting the Kingdom and its youth through narcotics.

It stressed that the security agencies will continue to confront anyone who attempts to undermine the Kingdom's security or the safety of its citizens and residents, regardless of who they may be.