NEW YORK, NY (Aug. 25, 2023) тАФ Today, the Human Rights Foundation (HRF) published a new report, тАЬSaudi ArabiaтАЩs Human Trafficking Mechanisms,тАЭ as part of its ongoing series exploring the links between human trafficking and authoritarianism.
As indicated in past reports тАФ тАЬAuthoritarianism and Trafficking in Persons: Annual Policy BriefтАЭ and тАЬAuthoritarianism and Trafficking in Persons: Policy MemoтАЭ тАФ HRF has determined a clear connection between human trafficking and authoritarianism. This link can be attributed to the lack of government transparency, active civil society, and free press in countries under authoritarian rule.
According to the US Department of StateтАЩs Trafficking in Persons report, Saudi Arabia is ranked as a Tier 2 country, one which тАЬdoes not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking.тАЭ HRFтАЩs new report investigates the role of the countryтАЩs strict labor law, kafala system, and male guardianship system in facilitating human trafficking. These systems create a cycle of oppression that exploits foreign workers and women, reinforcing the regimeтАЩs hold on power.
The report exposes the Saudi regimeтАЩs lack of protection for trafficking victims and inadequate punishments for perpetrators. It provides legal analysis, emphasizing the need for democratic reform to address human trafficking effectively. It also provides a conclusion on the reportтАЩs findings and policy recommendations to relevant stakeholders.