HRFS
Human Rights First Society (HRFS) is dedicated to protecting and defending human rights in Saudi Arabia, in accordance with Islamic teachings. We stand for applying the rule of law, freedoms of expression and association, and abolishing all discrimination in Saudi society on the basis of gender or religious belief.We will use all peaceful means to advocate that the Saudi government respects article 26 of the Basic Rule for Governing the Kingdom, which came into force on 2/3/1992. Article 26 stipulates: “The nation defends human rights – in accordance to Islamic Shariah”. HRFS will communicate its concerns to and share information with Saudi citizens, the media, government agencies and officials, and members of the Consultative Council (Majlis Al-Shura) in its efforts to achieve its goals.
HRFS will coordinate and work with human rights groups in other Gulf States, the Middle East and in the international arena to achieve its objectives.
HRFS continues its work in Saudi Arabia without a license from the Saudi Government. In November of 2002 Human Rights First Society applied to the Saudi Government for a license to start operating as a society for protecting and defending Human Rights in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. HRFS did not receive any response from the Saudi Government, positive or otherwise. Hence, to help in fulfilling its objectives, it was decided to proceed to accept membership and support from all parts of the Saudi Society.
In recent years Saudi Arabia has taken the following steps with regard to human rights. In 2003 the National Human Rights Society (a semi-governmental organization) was formed and in 2005 the fully governmental Human Rights Commission was started. As fledgling state sponsored organizations, in a country with an abysmal record with regards to human rights, the National Human Rights Society and the Commission have yet to meet the true test of implementing, supporting and guaranteeing basic human rights for all citizens regardless of gender or religion.
HFRS continues to serve a very important function working as a non-governmental organization (NGO) to monitor reported human rights abuses and advocate for the victims. It is critical to its ongoing work that the Saudi government recognize HFRS as a NGO operating in Saudi Arabia.
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Members of Congress: This service will assist you by identifying your Congressperson in the U.S. House of Representatives and providing contact information.
Senators: Senators of the 111th Congress with contact information.
US Embassy Officials: Contact Information page.
Saudi Arabia Royal Embassy Officials: Contact information page.
