Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Human Rights Commission (HRC) held a graduation ceremony at its headquarters in Riyadh on Sunday to honor the first cohort of participants in the “Human Rights Expert” program.

The event was attended by senior officials, program partners, and the graduating students.

In her address, HRC President Dr. Hala Al-Tuwaijri described the program as a milestone in developing professional and national capacities across the human rights field.

She emphasized that the initiative aligns with the Commission’s mandate and international standards, which underscore education and training as key tools for advancing human rights.

“Through the Human Rights Expert program, the Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, including quality education, justice, and strong institutions,” Al-Tuwaijri said.

She expressed gratitude to the Kingdom’s leadership for its unwavering support of efforts to protect and promote human rights.

Al-Tuwaijri also congratulated the graduates, praising their dedication throughout the program and describing them as future leaders poised to contribute meaningfully at both local and international levels.

The program was implemented in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), Majmaah University, and a specialized training center. Al-Tuwaijri also commended the program teams and committees for their efforts in making this first edition a success.

Dr. Amal Al-Habdan, head of the program’s technical committee and a member of the HRC board, said the initiative went beyond standard training to offer a transformative experience.

“It was a journey of learning, deep understanding, and perseverance, shaped by the contributions of leading local and international experts in human rights development and training,” she said.

Alex Mejia, Director of Human and Social Development at UNITAR, noted that the program bridged theory with practice, law with lived experience, and knowledge with leadership.

He said this first edition represented an innovative educational model grounded in both global and local human rights priorities, while celebrating cultural identity and contextual specificity.

Launched in November 2024, the “Human Rights Expert” program is a specialized initiative by the Human Rights Commission aimed at preparing a diverse pool of national consultants and experts in various human rights fields. It brings together local expertise and international best practices to deliver a comprehensive training experience.