On Tuesday, 31/10/2023, the National Society for Human Rights has launched a seminar entitled: “A conscious society to protect its members from drugs” as part of its cultural program. A number of government sectors and relevant civil society institutions have participated in this seminar that is in conjunction with the security campaign to combat drugs which aims to protect society and its members from the scourge of drugs

On this occasion, His Excellency the Chairman of the National Society for Human Rights, Mr. Khalid bin Abdul Rahman Al-Fakhri, has said that during this seminar, they have discussed a very important issue which is the scourge of drugs that has a direct impact on the human being and his rights, specifically the youth and they have also discussed the efforts being made to combat it.  For more illustration,  the human right to health, security, work, education, quality of life, family stability and other rights are threatened by this scourge. This scourge also causes a great damage to individuals and societies as it causes an increase in crime rates, and has negative effects on the development and the economy by targeting young people who are the pillar of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Al-Fakhri has also explained that the National Society for Human Rights has held this seminar in partnership with a number of governmental and civil institutions and experts in order to clarify the negative consequences of the spread of drugs and their impact on the enjoyment of individuals’ rights. It also aims to highlight the great efforts made by the state through its various sectors to protect the society and its members from this scourge.

He has added saying that: The figures that are published from time to time regarding the quantities of seized shipments of drugs reveal the magnitude of the challenge. They also reveal how some organizations and parties that are not pleased with the Kingdom’s great developments within the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 target the young people.

Moreover, Al-Fakhri has pointed out that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques – may God protect him – has stressed in his speech at the G20 Summit in the session held in Riyadh that the young people are “the backbone of a society, and that they are the future as well,”. His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister – may God protect him – has also emphasized on every occasion the role of young people saying that “they are the base of each country, the hands that build its present and the leaders of its future, and they are the basis for any development movement and ambitious plans for renaissance.”

Furthermore, Al-Fakhri has said that:  we realized this evil quest through targeting young people and spreading the scourge of drugs, Hence, the urgent need to protect them is confirmed, as protecting them is protecting the homeland and its future. This is achieved – praise be to God – by the great efforts of the security campaign to combat drugs to confront smugglers and promoters and dismantle their networks.

He has added: “Through our follow-up to this campaign, we have realized the great positive results that have been achieved that deserve to be identified, appreciated and thanked by those in charge of it, as they are blessed efforts that enhance and support the preservation of the security, of the homeland and the citizens.”

As for the National Society for Human Rights, Al-Fakhri has said: “Since its establishment about twenty years ago, the Society has been keen to shed light on issues that have a direct impact on human life and build an approach that combines between monitoring the observations that are related to human rights and highlighting the changes that support the promotion and protection of human rights.

Consequently, through this seminar and within the framework of the Society’s cultural program, the Society hope to contribute to raising awareness level since we believe that knowledge and awareness constitute important pillars for the protection and promotion of rights.

To conclude, the Chairman of the Society has extended his sincere thanks and appreciation to His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud, Minister of Interior – may God protect him – for his blessing of this seminar. He has also welcomed and thanked everyone for their generous response and participation in the seminar, and thanked all the security sectors and their employees for their tremendous efforts in protecting society and its members from this scourge.

He has also thanked the King Salman Social Center for the participation of the Society in hosting this seminar and preparing all facilities for its organization.

The seminar was moderated by Dr. Sulaiman bin Mohammed Al-Eidi

The first theme, entitled: (Highlighting the efforts made by the state and its various sectors to protect human rights from the scourge of drugs).

(a) The efforts made by the Ministry of Interior and its various sectors to protect society and its members from the scourge of drugs.

Speaker Brigadier Eng. Ahmed Al-Fares – Ministry of Interior.

(b) Efforts made by the Family Affairs Council to raise family awareness and protect it from drugs.

Speaker Dr. Maimuna Al-Khalil – Family Affairs Council.

C – (The impact of the anti-drug security campaign in addressing the targeting of young people)

Speaker Dr. Nasser Al-Muhaiza – King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue.

The second theme, entitled: (The National Society for Human Rights and its role in confronting drugs – (media, studies and research as a model).

The role of the National Society for Human Rights in the protection and prevention of the scourge of drugs.

Speaker Dr. Noura Al-Ajlan – National Society for Human Rights.

(b) The role of the media in supporting the anti-drug security campaign.

Speaker Dr. Saud Al-Gharbi – Media Association

C – (The role of society during the existence of the problem of addiction in one of its members – and the studies it supports in this aspect).

Speaker Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Dakhil.

D – (factors leading to addiction and prevention factors – interpretation of the phenomenon of addiction).

Mr. Ohood Al-Qahtani.

Finally, the Chairman of the Society has honored all the participants in the Seminar.