Islamic principles should form basis of tackling global post-pandemic human rights crises: OIC commission

A delegation of the OIC’s Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) visits Rohingya refugees from Myanmar at a refugee camp in Bangladesh. (IPHRC photo)
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Updated 06 August 2021
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Islamic principles should form basis of tackling global post-pandemic human rights crises: OIC commission

JEDDAH: Universal Islamic principles should be used as the basis for tackling world human rights issues in the wake of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, a leading inter-governmental Muslim organization has recommended.

During a meeting to coincide with the 10th anniversary of world Islamic Human Rights and Human Dignity Day, members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) called upon member states to adopt the approach in joint efforts to address post-pandemic global challenges.

Commission delegates pointed out that millions of people in countries around the world continued to face indignities including foreign occupation and oppression, hunger, preventable diseases, limited socioeconomic opportunities, and lack of access to basic needs, all of which seriously undermined their fundamental human rights.

The IPHRC gathering noted that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic had only compounded the existing global human rights situation such as by doubling the number of people facing food crises, and children losing access to basic education and health services.

HIGHLIGHT

IPHRC members recommended that all states should cooperate with their political, religious, and community leaders to promote a better understanding of universal human rights values, collectively deal with the underlying causes of racism and religious intolerance, including islamophobia, and ensure the maintenance of international peace and security.

Members highlighted a growing incidence of cases of hate speech, xenophobia, and racial and religious discrimination, issues they said were driving a wedge through multicultural societies and threatening global peace and security.

While stressing that the conceptual foundation of human rights in Islam placed a strong emphasis on the inherent dignity of human beings and their equality before the law, in harmony with universal human rights principles, the commission urged member countries to work alongside regional and international stakeholders to devise practical human rights-based, people-centered policies to help improve lives.

It also made an appeal for the international community to reinforce respect for diversity, multiculturalism, democracy, and the rule of law, which were at the core of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

IPHRC members recommended that all states should cooperate with their political, religious, and community leaders to promote a better understanding of universal human rights values, collectively deal with the underlying causes of racism and religious intolerance, including islamophobia, and ensure the maintenance of international peace and security.

Welcoming the continued and growing importance placed on human rights issues within the OIC, the commission hailed the adoption of a revised version of the organization’s Cairo Declaration on Human Rights, which it said had helped to bridge the perceptional and legal gaps between the compatibility of universal human rights and Islamic laws.

An ongoing revision of the OIC Covenant on the Rights of the Child in Islam was also applauded as a route to further strengthening the organization’s normative and institutional human rights architecture.


Beast House sets off on a unique music mission in Saudi Arabia

Updated 03 May 2024
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Beast House sets off on a unique music mission in Saudi Arabia

  • Ramadan Alharatani, CEO of MDLBEAST, told Arab News exclusively: “We see Beast House becoming a cornerstone of Riyadh’s music scene”
  • The multitiered members-only space provides an immersive experience for music producers, industry experts, creatives, and enthusiasts to connect and learn through its facilities

RIYADH: Only a few months after its recent launch, Beast House has become one of the Saudi music scene’s biggest assets, using MDLBEAST’s comprehensive strategy to enrich the Saudi music industry with solid infrastructure.
Driven by a vision to provide fertile ground in which to cultivate the region’s music culture, Beast House marks MDLBEAST’s debut investment in the music facilities sector in Saudi Arabia with an innovative tripod model that combines music, architecture, and technology to achieve its unique mission in the country.
Ramadan Alharatani, CEO of MDLBEAST, told Arab News exclusively: “We see Beast House becoming a cornerstone of Riyadh’s music scene, a place where creativity is nurtured and talents from the local and international scenes can grow. Our vision is to revolutionize the way music is experienced in the region by fostering connections in the creative community through the power of music.”
The multitiered members-only space provides an immersive experience for music producers, industry experts, creatives, and enthusiasts to connect and learn through its facilities, which provide live music events, workshops, studio spaces, and shared dining spaces.
“Beast House creates a platform for local artists to both showcase and hone their talents. In this space, members can collaborate with other artists through our diverse programming designed to elevate the experience of artists. It’s a welcoming space for anyone still finding their creative path,” Alharatani said.
The studio has two music production rooms with recording booths, a mix room with a Solid State Logic Origin mixing console, and a Neve recording room with a contemporary feel.
Alharatani said: “Beast House studio caters to artists of all levels, with a blend of traditional analog and modern digital equipment. We offer hands-on experience covering the entire production process, from recording to mixing and mastering.
“Our backline includes Fender guitars, Yamaha drums, and world-class microphones like Neumann, Royer, and AKG, alongside high-end outboard gear such as Neve, Bricasti, and UA 1176 compressors. We also provide a comprehensive selection of synths and drum machines from renowned brands like Roland, Moog, and Sequential, along with top-tier software and plugins including Pro Tools, Ableton, and Waves, offering artists endless sonic possibilities.”
The CEO said that these spaces are crucial for a developing music scene and nurturing the industry, and that Beast House is all about engaging the senses in a welcoming environment through its design, curated playlists, refreshments, and dynamic live shows.
He said: “By offering insight into songwriting, production, and the music business, we’re enabling the growth of local talent and opportunities. This fosters job creation, draws in tourism, and stimulates local businesses, which are key components in building a robust music infrastructure.”
But building more venues in the Kingdom is only a part of the MDLBEAST plan.
“Our strategy is built on three pillars — music and artists, live events, and venues — and through these three pillars, we can create a vivid music scene and opportunities for local and global artists to constantly engage with their audience,” Alharatani said. “All this leads to two main goals: support the innovative economy and entertainment tourism in the Kingdom, and guarantee the sustainability of our events.”
Alharatani believes that because this is the first private members’ club of this nature in Saudi Arabia, which may be foreign to some in the region, awareness will be key in getting the public to commit to memberships.
He said: “We’ve been spreading the word, giving people the lowdown on what members’ clubs are really all about. We’ve rolled out a few sneak-peek events to hook them on the experience, and we’re connecting with creative trailblazers to grow the right community. Here, membership is more than a pass — it’s the gateway to a hub where creativity grows and thrives.”
By combining technology, architecture, and music under one roof, Beast House studio’s specialized professional team hopes to use its technical excellence to elevate regional music to new levels.
The recording studio is expecting to become a destination for musicians who want to create memorable music that transcends boundaries and leaves a lasting impact on listeners, Alharatani said.


Housing minister meets with Chinese officials to boost Sino-Saudi cooperation, achieve Vision 2030 targets

Updated 03 May 2024
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Housing minister meets with Chinese officials to boost Sino-Saudi cooperation, achieve Vision 2030 targets

  • Al-Hogail’s visit also explored the possibility of attracting Chinese companies to the Saudi market

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s housing minister has returned from a trip to Beijing where he met with Chinese sector officials to “solidify the partnership between the two nations in construction and real estate development,” the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

Majed Al-Hogail held a meeting with China’s Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development Ni Hong and Fang Qiuchen, the president of the China International Contractors Association.

Their discussions focused on developing joint housing policies and programs, exchanging expertise in city planning and sustainable urban development, and exploring investments in construction technology, SPA added.

Al-Hogail’s visit also explored the possibility of attracting Chinese companies specializing in building, construction, maintenance, and cleaning services to the Saudi Arabian market.

During his trip, Al-Hogail signed agreements and memoranda of understanding with major Chinese construction companies.

The Kingdom’s partnership with China to develop its housing sector is part of Saudi Vision 2030’s target of increasing home ownership in Saudi Arabia to 70 percent by improving housing affordability by the end of the decade.


Juniper tree stands tall as a symbol of Al-Baha’s beauty

Updated 03 May 2024
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Juniper tree stands tall as a symbol of Al-Baha’s beauty

  • Nourished by recent heavy rains in the region, these majestic trees have flourished, forming expansive forests
  • The coniferous trees and shrubs can also been found in forested areas of Baljurashi, Beni Hassan, and Al-Mandaq governorates

RIYADH: For centuries, the juniper tree has proudly stood as a symbol of picturesque beauty in Al-Baha region, adorning its slopes and mountain peaks with vibrant green hues.
Nourished by recent heavy rains in the region, these majestic trees have flourished, forming expansive forests that eagerly await the arrival of summer, and the embrace of nature enthusiasts seeking tranquility and solace.
Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Qudwa, a representative of the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification in the Al-Baha region, told the Saudi Press Agency that juniper trees make up 30 percent of wild plants in Al-Baha.
The coniferous trees and shrubs can also been found in forested areas of Baljurashi, Beni Hassan, and Al-Mandaq governorates.
Al-Qudwa said that the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification, through its forest department in the region, is dedicated to year-round efforts aimed at preserving forests, with a particular emphasis on safeguarding the juniper, Al-Atm, and talh populations.
These endeavors align closely with the strategic objectives outlined in the national action plan for forests in the Kingdom, a crucial component of Saudi Vision 2030.
Al-Qudwa said that security and protection patrols stationed at forest sites throughout the region swiftly intervene to address violations such as unauthorized tree felling or logging.
Patrols can impose penalties in accordance with legal provisions and regulations, ensuring accountability through investigations carried out by inspectors and observers.
Heavy rainfall this year has been beneficial for juniper trees, which have responded with alluring fragrance, interwoven branches, and evergreen foliage.
Junipers are a central feature of the natural forests in the Al-Baha region. Their verdant presence not only enhances the allure of the landscape, but also serves as vital vegetation, safeguarding waterfalls, regulating rainwater runoff, and protecting against erosion.
The majestic trees are also a major attraction for tourists.
More than 30 forests in the Al-Baha region welcomed visitors earlier than usual this year, coinciding with a surge in weekend visitors from within and outside the Kingdom.
Authorities in the region are working tirelessly to prepare the forests, which are complemented by numerous parks, gardens, and traditional villages, for the large number of visitors.
This effort aims to uphold the region’s tourist status by also offering a wide range of activities and services.


Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Region carries out municipal inspections

Updated 6 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Region carries out municipal inspections

  • Through its campaign, the Eastern Region Municipality aims to improve building compliance to elevate the region’s urban landscape

DAMMAM: The Eastern Region Municipality conducted 688 inspection tours of municipal facilities in eastern Dammam during the first quarter of the year. The inspections aimed to improve quality of life, rectify visual discrepancies and increase the issuance of compliance certificates for residential and commercial buildings along main roads. The campaign also aims to promote real estate development in the region.

The inspections led to the issuance of 213 notices to establishments and the removal of graffiti from 19 sites, 221 concrete barriers and 111 signboards.

During the last quarter of 2023, the Commercial Licensing and Health Control Department of the municipality carried out 1,614 services, including the issuance of 388 new commercial licenses, the renewal of 927 existing licenses, and the updating of 77 licenses. Additionally, 117 licenses underwent amendments, while ownership changes were made to 105 commercial licenses. The department conducted 1,726 monitoring rounds within the same period.

Through its campaign, the Eastern Region Municipality aims to improve building compliance to elevate the region’s urban landscape.

 

 


Saudi Public Security to issue Makkah entry permit instructions on Saturday ahead of Hajj season

Updated 03 May 2024
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Saudi Public Security to issue Makkah entry permit instructions on Saturday ahead of Hajj season

  • General Directorate of Passports also said it had begun to issue electronic entry permits for workers in Makkah

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Public Security said on Friday that it would issue instructions for residents wishing to obtain permission to enter Makkah ahead of Hajj season on Saturday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It also said any Saudi residents wishing to obtain a permit must do so from the relevant authorities and that those who fail to get the necessary permits will be prevented from entering the holy city.

Also on Friday, in an attempt to streamline entry procedures for residents during the Hajj season, the General Directorate of Passports said it had begun to issue electronic entry permits for workers in Makkah.

The digital service, facilitated through the Ministry of Interior’s online platform Absher and the Muqeem portal, will remove the need for in-person visits to passport offices and will allow those seeking entry permits to submit documents online.