International Legal Frameworks

The Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a proud signatory of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 15 November 2000 through Resolution 55/25. The Protocol provides a common definition of trafficking in persons and outlines means of protecting and assisting victims and potential victims of trafficking with full respect to their human rights. The Protocol was signed in Palermo and is therefore sometimes referred to as one of the three ‘Palermo Protocols.’

The Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children (2000)

International Conventions  

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia acceded to several international treaties and conventions which uphold the dignity and humanity of anyone in the Kingdom. These include:

  • International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD)
  • Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
  • Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT)
  • United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)
  • Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)

ILO Conventions and Protocols Ratified by Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia adheres to international labor standards and has ratified several conventions in the International Labor Organization (ILO) framework.

Fundamental

ConventionDateStatusNote

C029 - Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29)P029 - Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 ratified on 26 May 2021 (Not in force)15 Jun 1978In Force

C100 - Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100)15 Jun 1978In Force

C105 - Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105)15 Jun 1978In Force

C111 - Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111)15 Jun 1978In Force

C138 - Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138)Minimum age specified: 15 years02 Apr 2014In Force

C182 - Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182)08 Oct 2001In Force

Governance (Priority)

ConventionDateStatusNote

C081 - Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81)15 Jun 1978In Force

Technical

ConventionDateStatusNote

C001 - Hours of Work (Industry) Convention, 1919 (No. 1)15 Jun 1978In Force

C014 - Weekly Rest (Industry) Convention, 1921 (No. 14)15 Jun 1978In Force

C030 - Hours of Work (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1930 (No. 30)15 Jun 1978In Force

C045 - Underground Work (Women) Convention, 1935 (No. 45)15 Jun 1978In Force

C089 - Night Work (Women) Convention (Revised), 1948 (No. 89)15 Jun 1978In Force

C090 - Night Work of Young Persons (Industry) Convention (Revised), 1948 (No. 90)15 Jun 1978In Force

C095 - Protection of Wages Convention, 1949 (No. 95)07 Dec 2020Not in forceThe Convention will enter into force for Saudi Arabia on 07 Dec 2021.

C106 - Weekly Rest (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1957 (No. 106)15 Jun 1978In Force

C120 - Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120)07 Dec 2020Not in forceThe Convention will enter into force for Saudi Arabia on 07 Dec 2021.

C123 - Minimum Age (Underground Work) Convention, 1965 (No. 123)Minimum age specified: 18 years15 Jun 1978In Force

C174 - Prevention of Major Industrial Accidents Convention, 1993 (No. 174)08 Oct 2001In Force