Meeting

The National Institution for Human Rights' Complaints, Monitoring, and Follow-up Committee held its 11th monthly meeting under chairpersonship of Maria Khoury and the membership of Dr. Hamid Ahmad Hussein.

During the meeting, various complaints and requests for assistance received by NIHR were reviewed. The meeting also looked at cases and allegations of human rights violations that were published in the press, media and social networking sites. Part of the violations that were monitored earlier this month relate to the exposure of students in the middle school in Jidhafs to vilence by a teacher, which led to a complex fracture of the jaw. The Committee followed up his case thoroughly with the competent authorities; the Ministry of Education and Public Prosecution to find out what action has been taken in this regard.

Follow-up reports and attendance of Complaints Committee, along with monitoring and follow-up and Secretariat-General at some court cases that fall within its jurisdiction were reviewed, so as to observe such cases and their compatibility with relevant international standards concerning the right to a fair trial, and to ensure the transparency of the legal process and respect for international standards of fair trial. The Committee emphasized the importance of coordination and cooperation with the Supreme Judicial Council to attend the trials for the various cases before the courts of different degrees,  in accordance with the requirements of the jurisdiction, pursuant to the terms of reference of National Institution as in Article 12 of Law No. (26) of 2014.

Maria Khoury also provided a brief review of the application that will hopefully be launched in the near future and would give individuals the opportunity to file complaints, request for assistance, and monitor it through the official website or through smart phone applications. She stated that National Institution is home for citizens and residents alike, and it aims through its diverse activities and services to promote trust and building bridges of fruitful, purposeful communication. Accordingly,  the NIHR must therefore provide its services in the best ways for the promotion and protection of human rights in Kingdom.

The Complaints, Monitoring, and Follow-up Committee received 16 complaints and 20 requests for assistance and legal consultation in February.  It is worth noting that alongside receiving and studying human rights related complaints from citizen and residents and then determining the best method to deal with them and follow-up on their status in an effective manner, the Committee also monitors cases of human right violations in the Kingdom, and provides suggestions concerning initiatives that aim to end these violations.