Okaz

The United Nations resident coordinator praised the Saudi efforts in protecting human rights. He declared that the world body highly appreciates the constructive cooperation from Riyadh and prides itself on the ongoing partnership with it in its programs and activities.

I WAS lucky to be part of a panel discussion organized by the Saudi Human Rights Commission in cooperation with the United Nations Office in Riyadh a few days ago to mark the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Despite the massive political campaign against Saudi Arabia over the last two months, a remarkable activity emerged from the Saudi capital, attended by representatives of a number of diplomatic missions and government officials, to protect human rights and celebrate the most important charter by the humanity after the two world wars. This sent out a clear message that the Kingdom was proceeding with its efforts to promote and protect the rights of its citizens and residents without being affected by cheap media campaigns.

The beautiful part of this celebration is that it came less than 24 hours after the Saudi Foreign Ministry statement denouncing the position of the US Senate, which was taken under the influence of false information and under media pressure related to internal conflicts in that country. The Saudi statement reflected the confidence and the pride of the Kingdom’s position in the Arab and Islamic world. It emphasized the country’s great international role in combating terrorism, spreading peace and fighting extremism.

It is important to note that the panel discussion was very rich in everything related to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its protocols. It dealt explicitly with all the Saudi regulations issued to promote those rights and the steps by the Saudi authorities to promote and protect the rights of individuals and the public.

The United Nations resident coordinator praised the Saudi efforts in protecting human rights. He declared that the world body highly appreciates the constructive cooperation from Riyadh and prides itself on the ongoing partnership with it in its programs and activities. He also congratulated the Saudis and residents of this country on activating the Human Rights system in the Kingdom. He praised the role of the Saudi Human Rights Commission in celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a confirmation of the Kingdom’s commitment to uphold the universal values.

I want to stress that every citizen and resident of this country should feel proud to witness these great efforts to protect their rights. All parties who have undertaken to transmit the real picture of the Kingdom deserve our thanks and appreciation.