Her Excellency Dr. Hala bint Mazyad Al-Tuwaijri, President of the Human Rights Commission, launched the "Human Rights Expert" program in Riyadh on Monday evening at a ceremony attended by a number of local and international officials concerned with human rights.
In her address at the launch, she expressed her gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister – may God protect them – for their continuous attention and support for all that protects and promotes human rights in the Kingdom, which is among their highest priorities.
She explained that the "Human Rights Expert" program aims to prepare and qualify national cadres in various fields of human rights, providing them with the necessary theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and personal skills in this field, and to facilitate mutual benefit from the experiences of local and international human rights experts. She noted that the program reflects the Kingdom's commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
For his part, His Royal Highness Prince Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, affirmed that the Kingdom, under its wise leadership, has not only committed to protecting human rights, but has also launched Vision 2030, which has opened broader horizons for citizens, residents, and visitors, particularly in the field of human rights. He described the program as an important step by the Commission towards the Kingdom's goal of advancing human rights.
For his part, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), Nikhil Seth, emphasized the importance of strengthening knowledge of international human rights law as the legal framework for promoting better societies for all. He noted that its development has been one of the UN's successes, stressing that enhancing national synergies and capacities is essential for promoting and protecting human rights. He also highlighted the Kingdom's leading role in human rights and its paving the way for the transition from theory to practice through international cooperation.
Regarding the program, he pointed to UNITAR's commitment, as a partner in the program, to its success, affirming that human rights training strengthens the foundations of justice, equality, and peace within societies and has a profound positive impact on building awareness and empowerment.
Alex Mejia, Director of the People and Social Inclusion Division at UNITAR, confirmed that the "Human Rights Expert" program serves as a model for the international community and represents the beginning of an educational journey with significant potential for sustainability. He added that it will eventually become a master's program, explaining that human rights support all aspects of human development, governance, social well-being, and social justice, ensuring that no one is left behind.
He explained that a better understanding of human rights dynamics at the national, regional and international levels will allow participants to empower themselves and increase their awareness of human rights towards better societies for all.
For his part, Dr. Muslim bin Mohammed Al-Dossari, Vice Rector of Majmaah University for Development and Investment, considered the "Human Rights Expert" program a unique initiative by the Human Rights Commission, reflecting its effective engagement with initiatives to empower human capital in the Kingdom. He explained that its preparation and implementation stemmed from an active and exclusive partnership between the university, represented by the Saudi Center for Human Rights (CEVAL), and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).
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