Al Awwad during a Workshop for Representatives of Labor Sending Countries’ Embassies on Saudi Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking and Protect Victims: HRC Working with IOM and UN Office on Drugs and Crime to Change the General View of Trafficking in Persons

Al Awwad during a Workshop for Representatives of Labor Sending Countries’ Embassies on Saudi Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking and Protect Victims: HRC Working with IOM and UN Office on Drugs and Crime to Change the General View of Trafficking in Perso

16 February 2021
Submitted by admin on 16 February 2021

His Excellency HRC President Dr. Awwad bin Saleh Al Awwad inaugurated today a workshop in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for representatives of the embassies of principal labor sending countries. The event was an opportunity to hold discussions on Saudi Arabia’s efforts to combat trafficking in persons crimes and protect victims.

The discussion focused on the following main areas: the efficiency of services provided to trafficking victims, the challenges of combating trafficking in persons crimes, prosecuting perpetrators, and areas of cooperation between the embassies and the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

HRC President Dr. Al Awwad said: “We had an open and positive discussion today. Our talks focused on the main areas we intend to address through a new commitment that provides room for cooperation. Saudi Arabia continues to combat human trafficking and has created a National Referral System to combat this crime. In addition, the Kingdom has a national plan in place to combat trafficking in persons.”

His Excellency added: “This event, the first of its kind in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is one of a number of positive steps by the HRC as part of our efforts to combat trafficking in persons crimes. The HRC is working with IOM and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime to bring about a complete change in how trafficking in persons is generally viewed.

IOM Bahrain Officer in Charge Mohamed El Zarkani said: “IOM applauds the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to build partnerships with labor-sending countries to ensure that trafficking in persons crimes are addressed from the beginning. Today’s workshop provided a forum for an open discussion about challenges and opportunities for cooperation and partnerships that would enhance the Kingdom’s efforts in combating trafficking in persons crimes.