Saudi Arabia on Thursday affirmed its commitment to putting an end to human trafficking in cooperation with the international community.
The statement was delivered by Saudi Permanent Representative to the UN Abdallah Al-Mouallimi.
He was participating in a high-level meeting at the UN on the evaluation of the global plan of action to combat people trafficking.
“My delegation would like to thank all those who are preparing the Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons. We welcome the adoption of this plan,” he said.
“We appreciate all the tireless efforts being made. We affirm the Kingdom’s constant commitment and willingness to provide all that will put an end to the crimes of human trafficking.”
Al-Mouallimi explained that Saudi Arabia has always been a pioneer in the ratification of UN protocols to combat people trafficking, especially cases involving women, children and those with special needs.
He said the Kingdom has ratified 16 international protocols concerning the prohibition of forced labor, and actively participated in international efforts to combat the problem.
Al-Mouallimi said the Kingdom recently participated in a high-level meeting convened by the prime ministers of Britain and Ireland, which resulted in the announcement of a call for action to end forced labor, slavery and human trafficking.
He added that in 2009, the Saudi government enacted a system to combat human trafficking, in addition to the formation of a committee in the Human Rights Commission to combat such crimes.
Al-Mouallimi said a unified communication center has been established to provide services to expatriate workers, with services in eight languages.
“The centers will receive complaints and resolve labor disputes in a short period of time, in a manner that preserves and respects the rights of workers and employers alike,” he said.
Al-Mouallimi added that the system also introduced deterrent policies against anyone found guilty of people trafficking, with penalties of up to 15 years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to SR1 million ($266,652), or both.