Comment: Riyadh conference links human rights issue with Islamic values

The first international human rights conference held in Saudi Arabia, which underscored the need to respect religious freedom, received scant attention. Although proceedings ended on October 15, a formal Declaration was not published until December 4 without, it is worth noting, serious analysis.

Why was the conference placed on the backburner?

The conference, held under the auspices of the Saudi Red Crescent Society, set out to identify "different concepts of human rights in peace and armed conflicts," and to distinguish whatever obstacles hindered the "protection of human rights" in the Muslim world. It also purported to suggest a few solutions that would be compatible with Islamic law (Shariah).

By holding the conference in the first place, Riyadh committed itself to human rights issues, at a time when Saudi Arabia is a target. To be sure, contradictory positions – sometimes unjustly so – have tarnished the country's reputation. Yet, the patronage of Prince Nayef bin Abdelaziz Al Saud, the Kingdom's Minister of Interior, ensured that whatever consensus emerged, would receive a hearing throughout the Kingdom and the larger Muslim world. The Riyadh Declaration highlighted that human life and dignity are embedded in Shariah, underscored how the militarisation of international cultures dominate discourse among civilisations, and called on all to tackle tensions through dialogue.

It posited that contemporary affairs are dominated by violence and that governments as well as individuals must fight the scourge of terrorism.

Religious freedom

Importantly, it committed itself to facilitating "justice, safety and peace" (in that order), as means to ensure genuine human rig-hts, while insisting that religious freedom be a priority. Space prevents a full discussion of the 23 specific recommendations agre-ed to by attendees, but four deserve special attention.

"Terrorism, extremism & fundamentalism… contradict…Islamic values, eternal divine laws and human nature." This is indeed one of the clearest declarations coming out of Saudi Arabia that a commitment has been made to help eradicate isms that affect everyone everywhere.

"Justice," maintains the declaration, "is the source of every virtue and the strongest guard to achieve the safety of individuals, groups and the international community." While repeated quite often, even if seldom valued, this theme lies at the heart of how Muslims see the world. To be sure, justice is high on Western agendas too, but the linkage with human rights is rare. At times, it is presented within neat divisions, which diminish its value. In Riyadh, conference attendees underscore its centrality for the faithful.

"Opposing terrorism… (is a) legal duty." This is a key passage that should receive wide attention because it commits one to norms that can only be accomplished through negotiations and compromises (the basis of legality).

If the cause is just then opposing those who wish to spread chaos and harm the international community should be vigorously pursued. Such a commitment to cooperate with world actors cannot be more useful.

"Dialogue between cultures and civilisations is a religious requirement and a civilised method to achieve a safe and fair co-existence amongst communities." Rather than be on the defensive, conference attendees in this instance plead for real interchange, which will enhance human value.

As these recommendations imply, Saudi Arabia is a pioneer in Islamic affairs, even if its past contribution on human rights has been limited.

Nevertheless, by linking its legacy with core world concerns, Riyadh has now committed the Saudi "State" to universal rights and duties.

Moreover, it has made a direct link between Shariah and international obligations even if the actual definition of various terms – that is the methods for achieving security and peace – are yet to be determined.

Significant step

As a first sign of how these new linkages will translate into action, the Saudi Shura Council has decided to entrust human rights matters to its "Islamic Affairs Committee." Consequently, the latter was recently renamed "The Islamic Affairs and Human Rights Committee," in and of itself a significant step for a country that is not known for quick responses.

The next visible move may well be the revision of various government rules and regulations that will reflect the Kingdom's human rights concerns.

Such changes are important and should not be placed on the backburner. Indeed, Riyadh is changing in front of our eyes, and we should take notice of every opportunity.

Joseph Kéchichian, author of several books, is an expert on the Gulf and Middle East affairs.