Saudi Arabia rejects reports of overcrowding in detention centers

RIYADH – Recent reports alleging poor conditions in detention centers in the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia have been examined with care and concern, the Saudi Arabian Commission on Human Rights (HRC) said in a statement.

The HRC said it treats all allegations of this nature with the utmost seriousness and conducted instant, unannounced inspections of detention centers, including those mentioned in recent media reports.

During inspections, conditions in most facilities, including Al Shumaisi Public Service Complex, violators of the Shelter Section of the Residence and Work Act, Jeddah, were found to be adequate in terms of capacity, health, nutrition and sanitation of detainees. said the HRC.

Regarding two of the Jazan province facilities, the CDH said it is actively addressing the conditions resulting from erratic and unpredictable entries from the southern border. In some cases, thousands of people cross into Saudi Arabia in a single day.

The HRC also said it is working closely with the relevant Kingdom authorities to address this in the current difficult circumstances.

The moratorium on repatriation flights that began this spring, while motivated by an attempt to mitigate the possible spread of COVID-19 in the countries of origin, has had the unintended consequence of exasperating the situation and pushing our detention facilities. existing to excess capacity at times. particularly those in smaller towns closer to the border, the HRC added.

The HRC also said in its statement that Saudi Arabia has kept all diplomatic channels open for dialogue with Ethiopia, and the gradual resumption of repatriation flights has been the product of this fruitful dialogue.

Both governments are eager to find an acceptable and sustainable solution for those who have entered the country irregularly.

Saudi Arabia asserts its sovereign right to decide who enters and resides within its borders. However, the Kingdom is addressing the issue with the urgency it demands and remains committed to ensuring that those who do not have permission to enter or stay are treated with respect and dignity, the HRC statement read.