Saudi Arabia bolsters efforts to stem human trafficking

Saudi Arabia bolsters efforts to stem human trafficking
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Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi. (SUPPLIED)
Saudi Arabia bolsters efforts to stem human trafficking
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Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Albudaiwi. (SUPPLIED)
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Updated 30 July 2024
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Saudi Arabia bolsters efforts to stem human trafficking

Saudi Arabia bolsters efforts to stem human trafficking
  • The day is observed annually on July 30 by the UN General Assembly

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has reaffirmed its dedication to combating human trafficking and bolstering compliance with labor market regulations on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

The day is observed annually on July 30 by the UN General Assembly to raise awareness about this crime, highlight the victims’ suffering, and advocate for their rights and protection. This year’s theme is “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking.”

Minister Ahmed Al-Rajhi underscored the Saudi leadership’s resolute commitment to upholding human dignity and safeguarding the rights of all individuals in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

He emphasized that trafficking violates human rights and dignity and highlighted Saudi Arabia’s measures against this crime, including stringent laws and community awareness programs.

Al-Rajhi also stressed the importance of international and regional cooperation, information sharing, and joint efforts to prevent, combat, and raise awareness about human trafficking.

The ministry has carried out various programs to inform citizens and residents about the risks associated with practices contributing to human trafficking and to promote measures to counter it.

Initiatives include enacting legislation to protect workers’ contractual rights and acting against illegal practices such as forced labor.

The ministry urges the public to report any cases of suspected human trafficking through the appropriate channels. Immediate action will be taken to address these concerns.

Meanwhile, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Albudaiwi said that GCC countries place great emphasis on combating human trafficking, driven by their dedication to upholding the principles of Islam.

These principles, he said, defend human dignity and prohibit and penalize any actions that degrade dignity, restrict freedom, or exploit individuals.

Albudaiwi noted that Article 3 of the GCC Human Rights Declaration prohibits slavery, servitude, forced labor, and human trafficking in all forms, especially those affecting women and children.

He said that due to the GCC’s commitment to combating cross-border crimes and trafficking in persons and to protecting their territories from such practices, the GCC Supreme Council adopted the Abu Dhabi Document on the Unified Law to Prevent Human Trafficking in GCC countries during its 27th session in 2006.

This law, he added, aims to prevent and put an end to the exploitation of humans in various forms, including prostitution, sexual assault, forced labor, slavery, organ removal, and trafficking.

Albudaiwi emphasized that international efforts in this regard cannot succeed without coordinated national and regional initiatives and the adoption of best practices to eliminate human trafficking.


Mawhiba to host ‘Beyond Creative Minds’ conference this month

Mawhiba to host ‘Beyond Creative Minds’ conference this month
Updated 14 November 2024
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Mawhiba to host ‘Beyond Creative Minds’ conference this month

Mawhiba to host ‘Beyond Creative Minds’ conference this month
  • The organization, which nurtures the talents of gifted students, says event is a ‘global platform for talented and creative youth to collaborate in building a prosperous future’
  • It is expected to attract experts and researchers in the fields of science, technology and innovation from more than 50 countries

RIYADH: Mawhiba, an organization that works to nurture the talents of gifted students in scientific fields, will hold its third international conference this month with the theme “Beyond Creative Minds.”

Its Global Conference for Giftedness and Creativity will take place from Nov. 24 to 26 at King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center in Riyadh. Khalid Al-Sharif, the organization’s acting secretary-general, described the event as a “global platform for talented and creative youth to collaborate in building a prosperous future through the exchange of ideas and expertise.”

He told the Saudi Press Agency: “The event reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting and empowering talent and promoting a culture of innovation to address future global challenges.”

The conference is expected to attract experts and researchers in the fields of science, technology and innovation from more than 50 countries, many of whom will give keynote speeches, take part in panel discussions and lead workshops.

Al-Sharif said the event will include a “‘creathon’ aimed at finding creative solutions to contemporary challenges. Attendees will also have access to exhibitions and various cultural visits scheduled alongside the conference.”

He added that Mawhiba, more formally known as the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, will continue to develop talent, support creativity and provide resources to nurture the potential of gifted individuals. He thanked Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan for the substantial support he provides for the biennial conference.


Saudi and French ministers discuss cultural cooperation

Saudi and French ministers discuss cultural cooperation
Updated 14 November 2024
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Saudi and French ministers discuss cultural cooperation

Saudi and French ministers discuss cultural cooperation
  • Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan and Rachida Dati discussed cultural exchanges and cooperation relating to museums, libraries, theater, the arts, cuisine, heritage and film production

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s minister of culture, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, and his French counterpart, Rachida Dati, held talks in Paris on Wednesday on cultural cooperation.

They discussed cultural exchanges between their countries and cooperation relating to museums, libraries, theater, the arts, cuisine, heritage and film production.

Riyadh and Paris are looking to strengthen partnerships, nurture talent through training programs for workers in cultural sectors, and exchange expertise, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The Kingdom’s assistant culture minister, Rakan Al-Touq, also took part in the meeting.


Riyadh governor receives Albania’s envoy

Riyadh governor receives Albania’s envoy
Updated 13 November 2024
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Riyadh governor receives Albania’s envoy

Riyadh governor receives Albania’s envoy

Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of Albania to the Kingdom Saimir Bala in Riyadh on Wednesday.

They discussed various topics of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Meanwhile, Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz met with Ukrainian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Anatolii Petrenko in Dammam on Wednesday.

Prince Saud welcomed the ambassador to the Eastern Province. During the meeting, the two exchanged friendly talks and discussed a number of topics.
 


Biofach offers look into Saudi Arabia’s agricultural growth, future

Biofach offers look into Saudi Arabia’s agricultural growth, future
Updated 13 November 2024
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Biofach offers look into Saudi Arabia’s agricultural growth, future

Biofach offers look into Saudi Arabia’s agricultural growth, future
  • The Kingdom and MENA region represent an emerging market for organic food, says organizing official

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is among the Gulf Cooperation Council nations taking significant steps to invest in developing its organic food and beverage sector, which has experienced a growth surge in recent years.

The three-day Biofach Saudi Arabia, which was held alongside Saudi Organic Food Day and concluded on Wednesday, is a key platform showcasing the Kingdom’s commitment to developing its agricultural future.

Biofach was organized by 1st Arabia Tradeshows and Conferences in collaboration with NurnbergMesse, with support from the Saudi Ministry for Energy, Water and Agriculture and the Saudi Organic Farming Association.

Christian Beyer, manager of international events at NurnbergMesse, highlighted the potential of the Middle East and North Africa region: “The MENA region, especially Saudi Arabia, represents an emerging market for organic food that was estimated at USD 7 billion in 2022 and can expect ongoing growth.”

Recognizing the importance of organic farming for food security and environmental sustainability, Saudi authorities are focusing on enhancing rural production and improving supply chains to ensure organic products reach consumers efficiently.

The exhibition’s knowledge-exchange platform addressed local challenges, including effective water and fertilizer management, which are crucial for the region’s arid climate.

Among the exhibitors was the Saudi company Aamal Al-Andalus, which provides organic fertilizers to address soil degradation and declining fertility. Their products are said to help treat and reduce environmental stress, increase agricultural production, and improve the quality of crops to enhance export opportunities.

Youssif Abdulqader, sales manager and engineer at Aamal Al-Andalus, told Arab News: “Food around the world is increasingly going organic, particularly when all inputs in the plants come from organic and safe sources.”

He noted that this shift is largely driven by the health issues linked to consuming fruits and vegetables produced through conventional farming methods, which are often less beneficial or even harmful to human well-being.

Abdulqader explained: “Conventional farming practices are generally well-structured and effective; however, they face challenges such as the excessive use of pesticides and their persistence in the soil.”

Farmers often encounter bacterial issues within their crops that need to be addressed cost-effectively to maximize profitability.

“This is where organic alternatives can be prohibitively expensive, prompting conventional farmers to seek cheaper, often internationally banned options,” he added.

He added that the use of pesticides results in chemical residues that can remain in the plant’s environment.

These residues pose significant health risks when consumers ingest vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes.

“There is a concern that these chemicals may contain heavy metals that the human body cannot process, leading to serious health issues such as cancer, kidney failure, and liver diseases, which are frequently associated with traditional farming practices,” he explained.


Prophet’s Mosque imam attends India peace forum

Prophet’s Mosque imam attends India peace forum
Updated 13 November 2024
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Prophet’s Mosque imam attends India peace forum

Prophet’s Mosque imam attends India peace forum
  • More than 50,000 Muslims attended the event, which was broadcast on several media platforms and garnered more than 4 million views

RIYADH: The imam and khatib of the Prophet’s Mosque, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Baijan, took part in a peace conference themed “Islam is the Religion of Humanity and Peace” during his recent visit to India

More than 50,000 Muslims attended the event, which was broadcast on several media platforms and garnered more than 4 million views, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

As guest of honor, Al-Baijan delivered a speech in which he said that Islam was a religion of security and peace. He warned against divisions among Muslims and said that such discord threatened national unity, led to chaos and could incite wars.

Minister for Wakf and Haj in the government of Kerala Shri. V. Abdurahiman also spoke at the event, praising Saudi Arabia for its efforts in promoting Islam, peace and moderation.

Al-Baijan also joined the 35th All India Ahle Hadith Conference in New Delhi, where he commended Saudi Arabia’s efforts, led by its leadership, to promote security, peace, stability and the safeguarding of human dignity globally.