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.



Kuwait Revokes Citizenship of Tareq Al Suwaidan

Preacher Tareq Al Suwaidan 
Preacher Tareq Al Suwaidan 
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Kuwait Revokes Citizenship of Tareq Al Suwaidan

Preacher Tareq Al Suwaidan 
Preacher Tareq Al Suwaidan 

Kuwait has revoked the citizenship of 24 people, including prominent preacher Tareq Al Suwaidan, according to an official decree published in the Kuwait Al-Youm gazette.

Decree No. 227 of 2025 stated that Al Suwaidan’s Kuwaiti nationality, along with that of any dependents who obtained it through him, is to be withdrawn.

The decree was issued from Seif Palace and signed by the Emir, Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, upon the recommendation of the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior and after Cabinet approval.

The order did not cite the legal grounds for the decision, though Kuwaiti authorities have previously said citizenship may be revoked in cases involving fraud, criminal activity or threats to state security.

About 60,000 people have been stripped of nationality since the establishment of the Higher Committee for Citizenship Affairs in Kuwait.

Born in 1953, Al Suwaidan is rather considered a media figure affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood than as a thinker and researcher in Islamic history and personal development.

He moved to the United States at age 17, where he spent two decades and earned a PhD.

Earlier, Al Suwaidan has faced accusations of insulting sister countries, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

On July 30, 2024, the Criminal Court has acquitted Al Suwaidan of insulting the two states, but the Public Prosecutor later appealed the verdict

 


‘Islamic Coalition’ Launches Training to Bolster Tactical Intelligence Capabilities

The five-day program runs from December 7 to 11. (IMCTC)
The five-day program runs from December 7 to 11. (IMCTC)
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‘Islamic Coalition’ Launches Training to Bolster Tactical Intelligence Capabilities

The five-day program runs from December 7 to 11. (IMCTC)
The five-day program runs from December 7 to 11. (IMCTC)

The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) launched in Riyadh on Sunday its specialized program titled “Tactical Intelligence,” with the participation of 22 trainees from 11 member states.

Offered by Saudi Arabia, the program includes a set of advanced training modules covering the concept and cycle of tactical intelligence, decision-making support requirements, as well as information analysis methods, said IMCTC.

The five-day program, running from December 7 to 11, aims to develop participants’ skills in intelligence analysis, assessing intelligence and supporting military operations to counter modern security challenges.

Participating countries include Burkina Faso, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Jordan, Nigeria, Guinea, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Morocco, Pakistan and Senegal.

IMCTC Secretary General Maj. Gen. Mohammed al-Moghedi said the training is part of a strategic vision that aims to build sustainable abilities and raise the readiness of military cadres of the member countries to boost their capabilities in countering challenges and various terrorist threats.

He praised the support from Saudi Arabia, where the IMCTC is based, saying the training programs are being fully funded by the Kingdom, which underscores is pioneering role and firm commitment to supporting security and stability.


Saudi FM, ICRC President Discuss Humanitarian Cooperation

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah - File Photo
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah - File Photo
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Saudi FM, ICRC President Discuss Humanitarian Cooperation

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah - File Photo
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah - File Photo

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call on Sunday from President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, the Saudi Press agency reported.

The two officials discussed the ongoing cooperation in humanitarian and relief efforts between the two sides, in addition to the regional and international developments.