Saudi Arabia stressed on Monday that it was moving forwards towards adopting the best levels of promotion and protection of human rights. This includes the rights of the children based on its principles of Islamic law, which prohibits and criminalizes the violation of rights.
This stance was declared by Dr. Bandar bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s Human Rights Commission, who also led the Kingdom's delegation to the 79th Session of the Committee on the Rights of the Child in Geneva.
Saudi Arabia, under leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has taken a number of procedures aimed at protecting human rights and rights of children, he added.
Furthermore, he condemned the Iran-backed Houthi terrorists in Yemen for their recruitment of children to the battlefronts in the country.
Child soldiers constitute the majority of child victims in Yemen, Aiban revealed.
He pointed out, in this regard, that the proportion of child soldiers who are fighting among Houthi ranks represent one third of the strength of the militias.
The Houthis exploited the lack of education and widespread poverty in Yemen to recruit children for their war effort, he continued.
Moreover, Aiban stressed that the principles of Islamic law prohibit exploitation, prostitution, pornography and other violations. The Kingdom is taking all measures to prevent the Houthis from exploiting and recruiting children.
Regarding captured child soldiers, he stated that Saudi Arabia ensures that they are treated properly. They are handed over to the Yemeni government and registered in rehabilitation programs ahead of reintegrating them in society.
