Saudi Human Rights watchdog: Denying women inheritance is a crime

Abu Dhabi: The Saudi Human Rights Commission says depriving women of their inheritance is related to violence against women, as it violates their rights and dignity.

The commission clarified it has examined cases in which women have refrained from claiming their inheritance, either because they fear that their social relationships will be affected, or because of a lack of awareness of their rights guaranteed by Islamic Sharia and the Kingdom’s laws.

Dr. Amal Al Habdan a member of the Council of the Human Rights Commission, , explained that denying women their right to inherit is a crime that is addressed by the regulations in the Kingdom.

Al Habdan stressed the commission is coordinating with the competent authorities to follow this issue, to ensure that the means of redress for the affected women are effective.

“The commission provides the necessary support for women in obtaining their rights and monitoring their conditions, in addition to addressing their root causes, intensifying awareness-raising efforts in the community of the seriousness of such practices and their economic, social and psychological impact on the women, their families and the surrounding society,” she said.

Al Habdan said the commission encourages all affected women to file complaints to the relevant authorities, and confirmed that the Human Rights Commission receives any of the affected victims or those who have stood up to cases of this kind to provide the necessary support.