Khaleej Times reports that the subject of Human Rights will become part of the syllabus for Saudi law students. This is excellent news. I suggest that Human Rights become part of all undergraduate curricula as well, though. As well as teaching what are deemed to be the ‘Universal Islamic Rights of Man’, it is also important to teach the ‘Universal Rights of Man’ as put forth by the UN. Pointing out where they differ is critical to merging Saudi Arabia’s society into the global society.
The report also notes other changes in the offing for Saudi law, such as the institution of Legal Aid societies to address the needs of those not wealthy enough to hire their own attorneys. The Saudi Lawyers’ Committee also repeated its complaints about judges not recognizing the role of lawyers as described in Saudi law.
Chapter on Human Rights in Saudi Law Courses Be Incorporated
JEDDAH – A joint meeting of the Saudi Human Rights Commission (HRC) and the Saudi Lawyers’ Committee (SLC) has recommended that there was an urgent need to incorporate a chapter on human rights in the syllabus of law faculties of various universities and also to increase the number of lawyers in the Kingdom.
According to the joint committee, which met in Riyadh on Saturday, such measures will create an awareness among law students and produce more lawyers to meet the current needs of the growing population in the Kingdom.
It said that compared to other countries in the region, the number of lawyers is low in the Kingdom. Bahrain has 4,000 lawyers, while Jordan has 16,000 legal practitioners, whereas the Kingdom requires an additional 10,000 lawyers.
The joint committee stressed the need to introduce supplementary courses for various departments of the judiciary to update its officials with the latest advances in the field. Another outcome of the joint meeting was that free legal aid will be provided in Saudi Arabia by the HRC in cooperation with the SLC to those who cannot bear the cost of litigation.
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September:08:2008 - 11:12
John,
Adding the material to the curriculum does not seem to be a foregone conclusion. The recommendation of the 2 groups may be taken into consideration, but they do not control the curriculum and the article did not mention the next steps after recommendation.
Also, I never thought I would say this, but we need more lawyers.
September:08:2008 - 11:12
[...] UN. Pointing out where they differ is critical to merging Saudi Arabia’s society into the global society.” Posted by Ayesha Saldanha Print Version Share [...]
September:08:2008 - 11:12
Well, that’s true… until the courses are actually being taught, they could be shot down. In this case, I don’t see an obvious opponent to the courses. Human Rights are certainly within the scope of Islam (as the Islamic Declaration proves), so I don’t think religious authorities can object very well.
The tricky part will come when it’s time to decide who is going to teach the courses. Maybe the Saudi Bar Association can require its members to teach a certain number of courses as part of their membership duties?
And yes, in the case of the KSA, more lawyers–and more judges–are definitely needed. That’s not the case in the US, obviously!
September:08:2008 - 11:12
Joining forces is Good! The two do go hand in hand.
There seems some tanigble evidence for a change!
The best news of recognizing the need to increase the number of lawyers and provide legal counsel for the underprivileged is something we were discussing on this very board not too long ago.
September:08:2008 - 11:12
[...] Crossroads Arabia no milaza ny heviny amin'ny mety hampidiran'i Arabia saodita ny zon'olombelona ho taranja ianaran'ny mpianatra lalàna: “Tahaka ny hampianarana izay heverina ho ‘Zon'ny Silamo manerana ny tontolo’, dia zava-dehibe ihany koa ny hampianarana ny ‘Zon'olombelona maneratany’ araka ny ametrahan'ny Firenena Mikambana azy. Zava-dehibe tokoa ny fanondroana mazava ny fahasamihafan'izy ireo hampisongadina ny fiaraha-monina Saodita miohatra amin'ny fiaraha-monina hafa amin'ny ankapobeny.” [...]