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.


Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia

Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia
Updated 04 November 2024
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Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia

Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: The Ministry of Health has launched a campaign to promote health by enhancing access to and the quality and efficiency of health services and raising awareness of health risks, the Saudi Press Agency reported Monday.

The campaign “A Vibrant, Healthy Nation” introduces a modern healthcare model, offering integrated, individual-centered services aligned with Vision 2030’s goal of fostering a healthy society.

The ministry is committed to “enhancing public health, improving quality of life, and raising the Kingdom’s global healthcare standing.”

The campaign highlights the health transformation initiative’s positive impacts and informs citizens about its main features, aiming to engage all segments of society, SPA reported.

It emphasizes a shift from treating illness to prevention, involving primary care doctors and early detection programs.


Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech

Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech
Updated 04 November 2024
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Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech

Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech
  • Scheme seeks new ways to repurpose wastewater, looks at impact of microplastics

RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has opened applications for a new program to find ways to develop sustainable technologies in Saudi Arabia.

The Sustainable Innovation Fellowship Program aims to find ways to repurpose by-products from water treatment for the benefit of the environment; develop sustainable technologies for recycling membranes used in water treatment; and explore methods to reuse treated wastewater in desert and arid regions.

Supported by the Environment Fund and the Research, Development and Innovation Authority, the fellowship program will also assess the environmental impact of microplastics in water treatment plants, sewage, and wastewater.

In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is also introducing new e-services in accordance with international standards.


Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh

Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh
Updated 04 November 2024
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Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh

Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh
  • With workshops, discussions, and awards, the festival aims to drive growth in Saudi Arabia’s creative sectors

The second Athar Saudi Festival of Creativity will take place in Riyadh from Nov. 5 to 6.

Hosted by UAE-based Motivate Media Group and communications consultancy TRACCS, the festival will gather over 1,500 professionals and leaders from the creative marketing industry, featuring 100 regional and international speakers.

Ian Fairservice, managing partner and group editor in chief of Motivate Media Group, will chair the event, alongside Vice Chairman Mohammed Al-Ayed, CEO of TRACCS.

Pre-festival activities began on Nov. 3 with the Young Talent Academies, including the Student Creative Academy (in partnership with the Middle East Communications Network), the Student Marketers Academy, the NextGen Creative Academy, and the NextGen Marketers Academy.

These academies, featuring keynote sessions from industry experts, workshops, and a 24-hour hackathon, are open to full-time university students aged 18 to 25 and professionals under 30 in creative communications, marketing, or advertising.

The festival will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday with panel discussions, presentations, and fireside chats focused on redefining and growing the creative landscape in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and beyond, covering various sectors such as sports, entertainment, and tourism.

The event will conclude with the Athar Awards ceremony on the evening of Nov. 6.

Notable speakers include Sir Martin Sorrell, founder and executive chairman of S4 Capital PLC; Matt McKie, director of marketing for Manchester United; Waseem Kashan, executive director of marketing at ROSHN Group; Yahya Hamidaddin, vice president of corporate communications at ACWA Power; and Houda Tohme, CEO of Havas Media Middle East.

Sessions and keynotes will explore themes such as purpose-driven marketing, brand growth strategies, artificial intelligence, technology, cross-sector innovation, and unlocking creative potential.


Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation

Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation
Updated 04 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation

Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation
  • Two defense ministers reviewed longstanding relations between their countries, focusing on ways to enhance defense ties

RIYADH: Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and his Iraqi counterpart Thabet Al-Abbasi signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday aimed at strengthening cooperation in the military field.

The agreement, signed during a high-level meeting in Riyadh, represents a significant step forward in defense collaboration between the Kingdom and Iraq, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During their discussions, the two ministers reviewed the longstanding relations between their countries, focusing on ways to enhance defense ties.

They emphasized the importance of continued cooperation to foster regional security and stability, particularly amid ongoing regional tensions.

Both ministers discussed recent developments and shared efforts aimed at de-escalating conflicts, prioritizing actions that support peace and security in the region.

The MoU establishes a framework for increased collaboration on military matters, allowing Saudi Arabia and Iraq to address shared security challenges more effectively and pursue mutual goals in defense, SPA added. 


Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy

Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy
Updated 04 November 2024
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Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy

Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Dr. Abdullatif Al-Asheikh received Chinese Ambassador to the Kingdom Chang Hua in Riyadh on Monday.

During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and discussed issues of common interest, particularly those related to Islamic work and promoting moderation and peaceful coexistence, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of Iran to the Kingdom Alireza Enayati in Riyadh on Monday. They discussed bilateral relations and other topics of common interest.