President of the Saudi Human Rights Commission (HRC) and Chairman of the National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons Dr. Awad Al-Awwad praised the Kingdom’s successes internationally in combating human trafficking crimes.
In a press statement on the occasion of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on Friday, Al-Awwad said the Kingdom's progress in the classifications and indicators of combating trafficking in persons internationally is a tangible translation of the keenness of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, to ensure the highest standards of protection of human rights in the Kingdom.
He said they are also keen to create a safe environment for decent living to achieve Saudi Vision 2030's objectives.
He stressed that the Kingdom has given great attention to combating trafficking in persons and has put in place strict laws that curb these crimes, prosecute and convict perpetrators, issue strict sentences against them, and provide assistance and care to the victims.
Al-Awwad underlined that the Saudi government has signed several memoranda of cooperation with relevant international organizations and bodies, and has adopted appropriate mechanisms to achieve the highest levels of coordination and cooperation locally between the Human Rights Commission, government agencies and civil society institutions.
This includes the launch of the National Action Plan to combat trafficking in persons, the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) for cases of trafficking in persons, and taking necessary national measures.
Al-Awwad stressed that the Kingdom does not tolerate trafficking in persons, and will move firmly to reach the best levels in combating this crime, and holding accountable and deterring its perpetrators.