Human Rights Commission chief Bandar Al-Aiban. (SPA)

Human Rights Commission chief Bandar Al-Aiban stressed the importance of finding initiatives and policies to stop violations of human rights, especially those related to women, such as rape.

He called for a ban on hate speech against women, stressing that women who have been victimized should be given protection. Women should be educated about their rights. He called on the international community to put a stop to inhumane crimes and practices, and punish all those who commit these crimes.

Al-Aiban was speaking at the international summit to fight sexual violence in areas of conflict, which was held in London from June 10-13, under the aegis of the British foreign secretary and special envoy to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees with the participation of more than 120 countries.

He said Islamic Shariah stands up to crimes that violate morality, international laws and the law of nature.

He said figures reflect the frightening reality and tragic effects of sexual violence. He said the Kingdom’s participation in the summit comes from the directives of the government, which call for taking the necessary procedures to guarantee the rights and safety of women, as well as cooperation of the international community to protect civilians, especially during times of armed conflict.

Al-Aiban said the aim of the conference was to document sexual violence during armed conflict, in addition to providing more support, aid and compensation to survivors, especially women and children. He stressed the importance of dealing with these crimes the same way as war crimes that are committed against humanity. People who commit these crimes should be punished because they exploit women in places of conflict and violate their dignity.

Heads of participating delegations signed the final communique of the summit, which indicated that their countries agreed to end the use of sexual violence in places of conflict and stressed the fact that preventing sexual violence is a vital factor for peace, security and sustainable development.

The conference appreciated the efforts of all those who worked for long years, especially victims of these crimes who have become strong advocates of this issue.
“States stand behind those people and provide them with the support they need; they should also mete out severe punishments to people who commit these crimes,” Al-Aiban said.

The conference called on everyone to assume their moral responsibility and change the world’s view toward these crimes, because it is one of the most unjust crimes of our time.

The statement sent important messages to victims of these crimes, telling them that the international community has not forgotten them, and to criminals that they will not get away with their crimes.

Al-Aiban said the series of crimes against women unfolding in Syria and other places of conflicts around the world is a stark violation of human rights, especially the use of rape and sexual violence as a means of punishment against women.