Saudi Arabia Increases Trafficking Penalties

by Amanda Kloer · 2009-07-15 07:00:00 UTC
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It's great to see the State Department's Trafficking in Persons Report already in motion!  Based on the U.S. criticisms of Saudi Arabia's lack of effort on the issue of human trafficking and Saudi Arabia's Tier 3 ranking, Saudi Arabia has announced tougher new penalties for those who would traffic.  It's certainly not going to solve the rampant trafficking of women and children from all over the world, but it's a great step in the right direction.

Now, a person who traffics their own child or spouse or a person with a disability can get up to 15 years in prison and a fine of over $200,000.  Trafficking of men and non-family members carries a lesser penalty still.  It is interesting that the Saudi government in passing these provisions specifically acknowledge the connection between human trafficking and family violence.  However, I find the unequal protection for men problematic; it may increase trafficking into forced labor sectors.

The new law is well-received in Saudi Arabia.  Second Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz has said it embodies the principles of Islamic sharia law which prohibit attacks on the rights of another human being.  It's exciting that the connection between Islamic sharia law and human trafficking is being made, since human trafficking violates the basic principles of all major world religions.  However, we will still have to wait and see how issues of Islam and trafficking shake out in other countries.

For now, congratulations Saudi Arabia on your improvements.

Image from theodora.com

Amanda Kloer is a Change.org Editor and has been a full-time abolitionist in several capacities for seven years. Follow her on Twitter @endhumantraffic
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