Laws on slavery in Saudi Arabia

 

Laws on slavery in Saudi Arabia

 Slavery is an abhorrent practice that has no place in modern society. While most countries have long since abolished the practice, there are still some parts of the world where it persists. Saudi Arabia has a long and complicated history with slavery, and it is worth exploring the laws that govern this practice in the country.

https://issuu.com/home/published/preventing_women_trafficking_to_saudi_arabia

In Saudi Arabia, slavery was officially abolished in 1962, but the practice continued in secret for many years afterward. In recent years, the government has taken steps to eradicate the practice once and for all. While there are still reports of human trafficking and forced labor in the country, the government has made progress in cracking down on these illegal activities.

The laws regarding slavery in Saudi Arabia are governed by the Basic Law of Governance, which was promulgated by royal decree in 1992. Article 7 of the Basic Law states that "the state shall protect human rights in accordance with the Islamic Shari'ah." This means that all laws in Saudi Arabia must be in accordance with Islamic law.

Under Islamic law, the practice of slavery is strictly forbidden. The Quran states that "There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion" (2:256), and this includes the practice of forced labor. Additionally, Islamic law requires that slaves be treated with respect and dignity. They must be provided with food, clothing, and shelter, and they must be treated kindly.

The Saudi government has taken steps to protect the rights of migrant workers in the country, many of whom are vulnerable to exploitation and forced labor. In 2014, the government passed a new labor law that granted greater protections to workers, including a minimum wage and limits on working hours. The government has also established a hotline for workers to report abuses and has increased inspections of businesses to ensure that they are complying with labor laws.

Despite these efforts, there are still reports of abuse and exploitation of migrant workers in the country. Human rights organizations have criticized the government for not doing enough to protect these workers and for failing to hold employers accountable for their actions.

In conclusion, while slavery is officially banned in Saudi Arabia, there are still reports of human trafficking and forced labor in the country. The government has taken steps to eradicate these practices and to protect the rights of migrant workers, but more needs to be done to ensure that all workers are treated with respect and dignity. As the country continues to evolve and modernize, it is important that it remains committed to the principles of human rights and social justice.