Saudi Arabia has rehabilitated and reintegrated into its society around 1,000 citizens who returned from conflict zones, according to Advisor Nidaa Abu Ali, member of the Kingdom's Permanent Delegation at the United Nations, here on Saturday.
She said this in her speech at the Sixth Committee debate on the rule of law at the national and international levels, based on UN Secretary General's report (document A/76/235) on strengthening and coordinating UN rule of law activities.
Commending the rule of law activities carried out by the United Nations, she said that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on States' activities in this regard. Reaffirming the Secretary-General's vision of a more inclusive and multilateral world, she said it is vital to ensure that legal systems meet the needs of populations.
Nidaa commended the efforts reflected in the Secretary General's report in addressing the national and international dimensions of the rule of law in a balanced manner. She stressed the importance of the rule of law at the national and international levels, as it is a foundation and a prerequisite for achieving international peace and security.
"This is an important pillar that ensures the protection of human rights for the rule of law and the achievement of justice and equality, and based on the shared responsibility of states in facing internal and international challenges," she said.
The Saudi delegate also drew attention to the fact that Saudi Arabia pays special attention to cross-border challenges such as terrorist threats and the need to strengthen the rule of law in the field of preventing and combating terrorism.
She noted that this last report of the Secretary General stressed the need to implement comprehensive strategies with regard to the prosecution of foreign fighters and support to rehabilitate women who were previously associated with extremist terrorist groups and to reintegrate these groups.
Nidaa underscored the Kingdom's efforts toward facilitating the return of families of foreign fighters from the conflict zones since 2012, saying that 1,000 citizens have been recovered from the conflict areas.
"The Kingdom was keen to provide the necessary facilities for the return of 160 families of these citizens from the conflict zones. These included a total of 320 children and 130 wives," she pointed out.
Nidaa said that Saudi Arabia extended them care of the community and supported them to rid of their extremist ideas through rehabilitation and reintegration of them into society to become active members.
"The Kingdom's efforts are still continuing in this regard to recover the rest of its citizens who are in conflict zones and to facilitate the return of their families back to the Kingdom," she said.
Calling on the United Nations to work for combating corruption and ensuring universal access to justice, she said that rule of law is a sine qua non condition for guaranteeing international peace and security.
Saudi Arabia has been increasing the levels of integrity in its government, she said, pointing to crucial reforms across State structures and legislation to remedy administrative and financial corruption.
Nidaa stated that the UN report seeks to ensure the effective and inclusive establishment of justice and security institutions in a manner that prevents corruption, facilitates access to justice for all, and addresses the root causes of structural inequalities, marginalization and discrimination.
"The rule of law at the national and international levels can only come through the development of strong measures based on governance, anti-corruption, and accountability applicable to all persons and entities.
"An approach that the Kingdom is committed to raising the level of integrity and accountability based on its awareness of the grave consequences of corruption economically and socially, so as to achieve the pillars and priorities of the Kingdom's Vision 2030."
"Today, my country is witnessing fundamental reforms in all parts of the state by firmly dealing with corruption crimes through the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, and with continuous development of systems and legislation to stand against corruption in all its forms, including financial and administrative corruption, not only in terms of remedial measures but also as prevention to fill the systemic gaps that lead to corruption."
Nidaa stressed the importance of concerted efforts of the international community and the need for international cooperation based on shared responsibility.
"Riyadh's initiative to establish the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (GlobE Network), which was launched at the United Nations headquarters in Vienna at the end of May 2021, comes as one of the most prominent initiatives in this aspect."
Nidaa affirmed Saudi Arabia's keenness to establish solid rules of law that emanate from the principles and objectives of the United Nations Charter, which has aspired since the establishment of the organization towards achieving international peace and security.
She reiterated the Kingdom's support for the rule of law, which enhances respect for international humanitarian law to achieve the best for humanity. "The rule of law can only be achieved through effective multilateral participation," she added.
