Mohammad Al-Ghamdi
Okaz/Saudi Gazette
RIYADH — The National Human Rights Society reported the rate of personal status cases has increased by 30 percent this year.
NHRS Head Muflih Al-Qahtani said the increase shows that the Saudi society has become more aware of their rights and therefore are seeking legal aid to retrieve their violated rights.
“Most of the personal status cases we receive are of people who are trying to claim their right with the Ministry of Labor, the Ministry of Health, the banks, a marriage contract or a divorce contract,” said Al-Qahtani.
He added the society also receive cases related to tribal issues and problems.
“We receive a lot of cases of displaced tribes who are not registered with a civil record. Without a civil record and a national ID, one cannot have access to labor law benefits, health benefits and education,” said Al-Qahtani.
He added digitizing public services has facilitated the process of being registered as a citizen.
“With technology, everything now is linked. All of the civil services are activated by one’s national ID. The society has also reached 60 percent of the Saudi society through its awareness campaign,” said Al-Qahtani.
He added the campaign is titled “Know your rights.”
“The campaign includes several publications of booklets and brochures to educate young and old Saudis and non-Saudis of their rights. The booklets are distributed in public and private sector establishments and in all sectors,” said Al-Qahtani.
He added these booklets include a full guide to labor law and workers’ rights as well as civil and human rights.
“The booklet also includes prisoners’ rights and children’s rights. We distribute it in schools, universities, factories and other work places. Almost half of the Saudi society is ignorant about its rights. Our campaign aims to lessen that number and hopefully our publications will reach the 40 percent of society,” said Al-Qahtani.
