A local human rights commission has reiterated an existing law against human trafficking in the wake of children being routinely exploited during Ramadan.
Many of these children are forced to stand at mosque entrances during Friday and Ramadan evening prayers.
Naif Al-Harbi, director-general of the Social Affairs Ministry in Madinah, said eliminating this phenomenon, which increases during the Ramadan, Haj and Umrah seasons, requires joint efforts between authorities and residents.
Many, he said, beg under the pretext that they are here to perform the Umrah pilgrimage.
“The problem is the responsibility of the Social Affairs Ministry, which will step up efforts in coordination with local police authorities in the city.
“Community members are also partially to blame for condoning such activity by giving these beggars money when all they have to do is approach welfare organizations if they wish to play an active role in philanthropic initiatives,” he said.
“Many beggars rake in between SR500 and SR1,500 a day.”
Al-Harbi called on residents to report beggars.
“The law criminalizes using children for begging, full stop,” said Sharaf Al-Qrafi, a supervisor at the commission in Madinah.
“Adults who force children to beg are to blame even if the children consent.
Begging is a criminal offense no matter what method is used.”
Action urged against beggar operators
