PHL, Saudi execs to work closely vs. human trafficking

Philippine and Saudi Arabia officials have agreed to work more closely together to fight human trafficking and to ensure the rights of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) there.   Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ezzedin Tago and Saudi Human Rights Commission president Dr. Bandar Al-Aiban made the commitment during a recent meeting there.   “I convey my government and people’s appreciation and gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Saudi people for the hospitality extended to Filipinos working in Saudi Arabia,” Ambassador Tago told Aiban, according to a news release from the Philippine embassy in Saudi Arabia.   Tago said a great number of Filipinos have lived or worked for over five years in the Kingdom, an indication they are satisfied with their lives and conditions in Saudi Arabia.   For his part, Aiban briefed Tago on the Commission’s activities, and stressed that the ongoing human rights and reforms instructed by King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud are derived from the Holy Quran and Sunnah and in harmony with the concepts of international human rights.   Aiban also laid out to Tago the Commission’s past efforts and future plans to strengthen the campaign against human trafficking.   “Both officials vowed to work closely together to elevate cooperation in this area to a higher level, through workshops and seminars for the Filipino community and the members of the Philippine mission in Riyadh,” the embassy said.   On the other hand, Aiban urged the Embassy to send them any complaints related to violations of human rights and human trafficking for the Commission to monitor and address.   The Philippines has domestic legislation, Republic Act 9208 or “Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, that addresses human trafficking.   It also has several laws (such as RA 8042 Migrant Workers Act, RA 6955 Mail Order Bride, and RA 7610 Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse) that deal directly or indirectly with human trafficking issues.   The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also promulgated in Royal Decree M/40 of 2009 the “Suppression of the Trafficking in Persons Act”, which defines and prohibits all forms of human trafficking and prescribes severe punishments. - VVP, GMA News