Okaz/Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Member of the Board of Directors of the Human Rights Commission (HRC) and prominent independent expert at the UN, Dr. Saad Al-Shawaf, has stressed that the legislations and regulations in the Kingdom incriminate all forms of racial discrimination.

Al-Shawaf emphasized HRC’s keenness to disseminate the culture of human rights, create awareness on it, acquaint the public on the regulations, legislations and institutional guarantees that prohibit and incriminate all forms of racial discrimination, hate and fanaticism.

Al-Shawaf gave a review of the most prominent regulations, legislations and measures implemented by the Kingdom to combat racial discrimination, enhance the culture of tolerance and respect for human rights, and protect national cohesion.

On the occasion of the World Day for Eradicating Racial Discrimination, which fell on March 21, Al-Shawaf, the Kingdom’s nominee to the Committee for Eradicating Racial Discrimination at the UN Human Rights Commission during the period 2020-2024, said: “In order to guarantee implementation of these principles and others, mechanisms for monitoring and fairness are in place.

“Forefront among these is the judiciary, which is the main guarantor for implementing human rights, including the right to equality and no racial discrimination. The Basic System of Governance guarantees equality for all before the judiciary, without any discrimination.”

Al-Shawaf asserted that the Kingdom’s regulations incriminate spreading ideas based on racial supremacy or racial hatred, agitating racism and discrimination.

He confirmed before the Human Rights Committee in Geneva that the Kingdom has prepared the urban environment for their movement.