Exploitation of children and women is human trafficking crime, says Saudi Public Security

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Saudi lawyer Waleed Malhan explained that trafficking in persons means: The use, tracking, transportation, harboring, or receipt of a person for the purpose of abuse, whether it is a woman, a child or a man. (Supplied)
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Saudi lawyer Waleed Malhan explained that trafficking in persons means: The use, tracking, transportation, harboring, or receipt of a person for the purpose of abuse, whether it is a woman, a child or a man. (Supplied)
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Updated 06 April 2022
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Exploitation of children and women is human trafficking crime, says Saudi Public Security

  • The exploitation of children is a crime penalized by imprisonment of no more than two years or a fine of no more than SR100,000 ($26,650)

JEDDAH: Security officials in Riyadh said Monday they are continuing to arrest beggars, adding that the exploitation of children, women and the elderly through begging was one considered a crime of human trafficking.

Abuse or neglect of children is considered to be any of the following, according to the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers:

- Keeping them without a family bond, not extracting their identification documents, withholding their IDs, or not saving it.

- Not completing their required health vaccinations being a cause for them to drop out of education.

- Being in an environment where they may be exposed to danger, mistreatment, harassing them sexually, or exposing them to sexual exploitation.

- Exploiting them financially, in crime, or in beggary, using offensive or degrading words leading to humiliation.

- Exposing them to immoral, criminal or scenes inappropriate for their age.

- Discrimination against them for any racial, social or economic reason, and the failure to raise and care for them.

- Allowing them to drive a vehicle under the legal age and anything that threatens their safety or physical or psychological health.

Arab News spoke to Saudi lawyer Khalid Al-Mihmadi who said the exploitation of women, children and the elderly through begging was a human trafficking crime.

“It is a crime punishable under the text of the law, and the protection of the child issued by the royal decree and goes astray for the elderly and a crime punishable by the system and of course is a legal violation,” he said.

The exploitation of children is a crime that carries a jail term of up to two years or a fine of  up to $26,650.

Saudi lawyer Waleed Malhan explained that human trafficking was defined as: the use, tracking, transportation, harboring, or receipt of a person for the purpose of abuse, whether it is a woman, a child or a man.

The Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers said trafficking included coercion, threatening, defrauding, deceiving, kidnapping, abusing a position or influence, abusing an authority, exploiting a weakness. It also included giving or receiving money or benefits to obtain the consent of a person, or having control over another for the purpose of sexual assault, forced labor or service, begging, slavery, or practices similar to slavery, servitude, the removal of organs or medical experiments.

“The Kingdom made the freedoms and dignity of people a priority, as it issued the law on combating trafficking in persons in 2009 and began its implementation in the same year,” Malhan told Arab News.

He said a committee had been set up to ensure the welfare of victims and to coordinate with the authorities to shelter and return victims to their countries or their place of residence.

“The Kingdom also allows the victims the right to stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to correct their situation. The procedure is reviewed annually,” Manhal said.

“The Kingdom has worked to combat all kinds of exploitation and has been persistent over the years and aims to combat cases of exploitation and trafficking in persons and provide a helping hand to the victims,” he said.


Medident signs MoU with Web Arabia for Healthcare Development in Saudi Arabia

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Medident signs MoU with Web Arabia for Healthcare Development in Saudi Arabia

  • Areas such as preventive health measures, elderly care and public health initiatives will also prioritized

TOKYO: Tokyo-based Medident has entered a strategic partnership with Web Arabia, an IT company headquartered in Riyadh. The agreement, formalized through signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to integrate Japanese healthcare standards with Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector.

The MoU, guided by CEO Dr. TOMITA Daisuke, focuses on leveraging advanced medical technologies and improving healthcare management in Saudi hospitals. It particularly emphasizes digital training for healthcare professionals.

Areas such as preventive health measures, elderly care and public health initiatives will also be prioritized.

Web Arabia, an IT company, and part of the Al Sabhan conglomerate, is one of Saudi Arabia’s prominent companies. Based in Riyadh, Web Arabia specializes in smart city solutions and is a subsidiary of Metscco Heavy Steel Industries, a leading general engineering company responsible for major infrastructure construction projects in Saudi Arabia.

Through this partnership, Web Arabia will play a key role in promoting digital healthcare transformation. This transformation is not just a goal, but a means to achieve the ambitious healthcare goals set by Saudi Vision 2030.

The aim is to revolutionize the healthcare sector through innovations in telemedicine, electronic health records, health monitoring technologies, and other advanced medical technologies.

Dr. Mohamed Abdelhakim, Medident’s Tokyo-based Overseas Business Director, has been a key figure in facilitating this collaboration. His extensive experience and education from Nippon Medical School’s Plastic Surgery Department and Cairo University School of Medicine, combined with his role in promoting advanced healthcare solutions and patient-centered care globally, make him an invaluable asset to this partnership.

The agreement between Medident and Web Arabia is not just about driving healthcare innovation and improving patient outcomes. It’s about contributing to the overall well-being of Saudi Arabia’s population, aligning with the nation’s ambitious healthcare goals. This partnership promises a healthier, more prosperous future for the people of Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Tomita, President of the Japan Oral Health Association and Representative Director of Mirise Well Medical Group, is a highly respected figure in the healthcare industry. His extensive education and experience, including a Leading Digital Healthcare Transformation degree from Harvard Medical School and specialization in orthodontics, make him a trusted leader in this partnership.


New partnership to enhance museum accessibility for people with disabilities

Updated 08 September 2024
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New partnership to enhance museum accessibility for people with disabilities

  • MoU aims to develop joint policies and strategies to empower people with disabilities in museum-related fields

RIYADH: The Museums Commission and the Authority for the Care of People with Disabilities signed a memorandum of understanding at the National Museum in Riyadh on Sunday.

The memorandum, which was signed by Ibrahim Al-Sanousi, acting CEO of the commission, and Hisham Al-Haidary, CEO of the authority, aims to develop joint policies and strategies to empower people with disabilities in museum-related fields.

The memorandum underscores the commitment of both entities to provide a safe, inclusive environment that upholds the rights of people with disabilities and enhances their participation in society, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It also seeks to highlight the Kingdom’s cultural and historic identity while addressing the physical and emotional needs of people with disabilities to ensure their full access to museums and cultural programs.

Al-Haidary explained that the partnership aimed to achieve key objectives for empowering people with disabilities. He said: “We seek to provide comprehensive accessibility in museums and train staff on interacting with this group, including training tour guides in sign language for visitors with hearing impairments.”

Regarding visitor experience evaluation, Al-Haidary spoke of a clear mechanism agreed with the commission, including tracking visitors with disabilities, collecting data via surveys, and analyzing feedback on social media. Periodic reports will be prepared and shared with relevant entities to ensure continuous improvement.

Al-Sanousi said that the commission was evaluating all its museums to meet the highest safety and comfort standards for people with disabilities.

He said: “Efforts will include modifying infrastructure, providing safe pathways, immediate support services, and designated areas within museums.”

He also highlighted plans to strengthen partnerships with educational institutions and the nonprofit sector to increase participation in cultural activities. Policies would include organizing special visits and interactive educational programs to engage people with disabilities and promote access to cultural resources.

The initiative is part of the ongoing development of the museum environment in the Kingdom, ensuring accessibility for everyone and promoting the involvement of people with disabilities in cultural and heritage activities.


Saudi project clears 766 Houthi mines in Yemen

Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 766 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week. (Supplied)
Updated 08 September 2024
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Saudi project clears 766 Houthi mines in Yemen

  • Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 458,477 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 766 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included 12 anti-personnel mines, 41 anti-tank mines, 702 unexploded ordnances and 11 explosive devices, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 458,477 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.


Riyadh wins bid to host UN World Data Forum 2026

Saudi Arabia has won the bid to host the UN World Data Forum 2026 in Riyadh. (@Stats_Saudi)
Updated 08 September 2024
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Riyadh wins bid to host UN World Data Forum 2026

  • Saudi Arabia’s growing role in global statistical advancement recognized

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority for Statistics, has won the bid to host the UN World Data Forum 2026 in Riyadh.

It was recently announced by the High-Level Group for Partnership, Coordination and Capacity-Building for Statistics for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The decision followed a majority vote after a review of proposals from competing countries, highlighting their ability to host the global event.

Fahad Al-Dossari, president of the General Authority for Statistics, presented Saudi Arabia’s bid during the group’s meeting. His presentation outlined the authority’s advancements in statistical work, the Kingdom’s experience hosting international events and its capacity to provide logistical support for such gatherings.

The proposal also introduced a suggested theme for the forum: “Using the Latest Technologies and Methodologies to Enhance Global Statistical Systems and Enable Sustainable Development.”

Al-Dossari said: “Hosting this event reflects the Kingdom’s prominent status, affirming King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s commitment to supporting the statistical sector, recognizing the crucial role of statistical data in achieving comprehensive and sustainable development.”

He added: “Winning the bid to host the 2026 UN World Data Forum highlights the progress made in the statistical field, driven by initiatives from the General Authority for Statistics, which aim to produce accurate and updated data through improved data management and governance.”

The forum, targeting 193 UN member states, reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role in promoting high-quality statistical data and indicators. It will invite participants from international organizations, UN member states’ statistical offices and data scientist groups.


Makkah’s first stone park to promote sustainability

Updated 08 September 2024
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Makkah’s first stone park to promote sustainability

  • The project aims to improve park landscapes, promote environmental sustainability, and blend natural beauty with local heritage using sustainable technologies

RIYADH: Makkah municipality is building the first stone park on 1,000 square meters, using recycled materials and leftover stones from local projects.

The project aims to improve park landscapes, promote environmental sustainability, and blend natural beauty with local heritage using sustainable technologies, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

The park will feature eco-friendly materials, seating areas, educational paths, and children’s play spaces, with minimal maintenance required due to the durable stone used.

The design adapts to climate changes, considering temperature shifts and rainfall, while allowing for easy modifications, SPA stated.