Saudi- HRC proposes 75 ways to boost rights

(MENAFN- Arab News) The Human Rights Commission (HRC) said yesterday that it has presented a detailed report to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah with 75 proposals to strengthen the Kingdom's human rights culture. The HRC said prisoners and detainees should only serve jail time as outlined by their sentences and other regulations, and officials should be held responsible for exceeding these limits. "A prisoner should not be kept in jail on the basis of another charge, if he was not convicted or under another arrest order," it said. Other proposals focused on increasing the involvement of Saudi men and women in the country's decision-making process and enacting a law to fight crimes related to misappropriation of public money and misuse of power. It also called for a study to determine the reasons for public project delays and quick decisions on matters related to citizenship and illegal foreign workers. The HRC proposed that travel bans should be restricted to those convicted or authorized under relevant laws. Measures should be taken to help women and children get their legitimate rights easily from government agencies. The report said the HRC had received several complaints related to prisoners and detainees, equal justice, protection of honor and reputation, right of movement and travel, citizenship, residency and family violence. The report proposed sanctions for government departments failing to meet human rights requirements. It disclosed the HRC's plan to implement a national program to promote a culture of human rights in the country. It also stressed the need to enact new rules to protect human rights. The HRC emphasized the need to implement various laws, including those related to criminal procedures, court proceedings, lawyers, labor issues and human trafficking. It also called for executive bylaws to regulate the behavior of employees dealing with the public, to ensure respect for the human rights of people. The report commended the reforms introduced by King Abdullah to ensure equality, establish justice and protect human rights. It also noted the measures taken by the king to promote the welfare and prosperity of Saudi citizens including steps to modernize the judicial system, the establishment of medical cities and new universities and the foreign scholarship program. The report highlighted the progress of human rights in the Kingdom. "The Ninth Five-Year Development Plan has given utmost importance to the protection of human rights." On the judicial system, the HRC called for a draft penal system explaining provisions of "hudud" punishment, capital punishment, blood money and codification of crimes. It also recommended alternative punishment systems and setting up of special courts. The commission suggested a substantial increase in the number of judges to deal quickly and effectively with the growing number of cases. It called for courts to open women's sections to provide consultancy services and judicial support. It also called for improved services to prisoners including food and health care and for classification according to their crimes and ages. Prisoners should also get briefings on their rights and duties.